Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jan 03, 2010 06:05am | #1

   There are snap in plastic panel coves available. I get mine from my plumbing supplier. They stock 16x16 and a couple other larger. I would think you could find smaller, but may need to order.

   They lay real close to flush-proud of the surface maybe 3/16ths. 3/4 lip over frame/snap in cover. Pry out when access needed.

2. 
   davidmeiland | Jan 03, 2010 12:29pm | #2

   There are plenty of access doors out there in all different sizes, designed to go thru drywall. But... what are all these things you later need access to?

3. 
   DanH | Jan 03, 2010 02:54pm | #3

   Yep, access doors/plates are available in a variety of shapes and sizes (and appearances), or you can simply cut out a square of drywall so it lands half on the adjacent studs, then screw it back into place with no mud/tape. Or get a panel of sheet metal cut to fit at the local tin-bender and screw it in place.

   Keep in mind that different items require different degrees of access. Shutoff valves should of course be accessible with minimal effort (ideally a hinged cover with a finger latch), while any sort of electrical connection (in a box, we hope!) must be "accessible" with only a screwdriver or similar tool. Breaker panels and switches must be accessible without the need of the screwdriver.

1. 
   newbuilder | Jan 03, 2010 06:16pm | #5

   Thanks everyone. I am building a structure that 'may' receive a 'change in use' status down the road. the rooms involved would go from permitted as simply 'extra rooms' of an addition to the original house, to 'seperate dwelling unit'. So I'm piping in to various rooms of various floors such that, down the line, i can simply open the wall and there will be gas for a range and gas for wall heaters.

   Also, I am employing some 'in wall drain vents' which are legal here but MUST be visibly accessable. Inspector mentioned needing to have a 'service door' in place.

   So I'm glad to hear that this is an issue that is addressed at the retail end of things. I have not ever noticed anything like this in the literally several hundred hours that I have spent roaming the isles of the big boxes over the last few years of building. I will have to poke around some more.

   Thanks again-

   N

1. 
   calvin | Jan 03, 2010 07:01pm | #6

   I have not ever noticed anything like this in the literally several hundred hours that I have spent roaming the isles of the big boxes over the last few years of building. I will have to poke around some more.

   Poke around at a dedicated supplier-Plumbing suppliers usually have a decent selection of the plastic, paintable access panels. Something with a door/latch/hinge-maybe try a commercial door/hardware supplier. I have no doubt you can find local suppliers of what you need if you do a search on the net.

1. 
   RichMast | Jan 04, 2010 08:23pm | #15

   I was just looking for these a few weeks ago. They were in HD in the plumbing aisle above the pvc fittings, about 6 feet high. they had maybe 9x9 and 18x18.

2. 
   retiree | Jan 05, 2010 05:10pm | #16

   Lowes carries these access panels also. They're plastic and can be painted or wallpapered. Most popular size is 6X9. I'm not sure, but think they're in the plumbing aisle.

   I think they're exactly what you're looking for.

1. 
   newbuilder | Jan 06, 2010 05:19am | #17

   hEY Rich and retiree .. thank! .. I'll have a look!

   Take care, guys ..

   NB

2. 
   DanH | Jan 03, 2010 07:05pm | #7

   The doors are a lot like the cover for a breaker panel, only without a breaker panel behind. And available in more stylish styles -- less of a sore thumb on a reasonably finished wall.

   Don't know that I've ever seen them at a Big Box, but any plumbing place should have at least a small selection. Google for "plumbing access panel" and you'll find a bunch.

3. 
   JTC1 | Jan 04, 2010 11:02am | #10

   >>...have not ever noticed anything like this...<<

   Ask at the pro desk, they are in there. Plastic snap-in's usually.

   Steel doors / panels, you will have to visit a pro house.

   I build most panels to fit or when I can't get a pre-fab panel which I like.

   Usually built out of sanded plywood. Screws do not need to be visible.

   I cut a neat hole in the drywall between studs. Add blocking at all 4 edges to catch the edge of the plywood. Cut plywood to fit with about 1/8" clearance in both dimensions. Add a small moulding around the perimeter of the plywood to hide the edge gap. Secure panel with magnetic cabinet door catches - no visible fasteners.

   Panel can be smaller than a "stud bay width" by adding blocking with glue and DW screws to the edges of a smaller hole - then plywood panel and magnetic catches same as a larger panel. In this case, just the DW supports the panel - never had a problem.

   Jim

4. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 04, 2010 12:03pm | #11

   Try looking in the pumbing section around where the washer connection boxes are.

   That is where I have found them.

4. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 03, 2010 06:03pm | #4

   Also remember that you don't
   Also remember that you don't have to use drywall for a temp cover. Seal a piece of plywood and texture it the same as the surrounding drywall. It holds screws much better and you will be the only person who knows when it's sealed shut.

5. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 03, 2010 07:52pm | #8

   More than one access pannel turned into nothing more than an appropriate sized picture hung over the hole :)

1. 
   newbuilder | Jan 04, 2010 04:46am | #9

   Ha Ha!

   BEST idea yet!

   :-]

6. 
   Scott | Jan 04, 2010 03:22pm | #12

   I faced this problem when we needed some access doors, doors to cover the electrical panel enclosure, and doors for the laundry chute.

   I wanted the doors to match all the cabinetry in the house so I simply bought a bunch of extra doors and mounted the hinges directly to the finished openings.

1. 
   cjeffrey | Jan 04, 2010 03:39pm | #13

   Sometimes I have used an air vent to cover something that may only need occasional access

1. 
   newbuilder | Jan 04, 2010 05:03pm | #14

   More great ideas and suggestions today .. thanks!

   When I was first just starting to poke around on this the only thing that came to my attention that was the right size and framed sort of nicely was a cat-sized pet door!

   :-]

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Jan 06, 2010 09:42pm | #18

   http://www.larsensmfg.com/access_panels/flush-non-rated-access-panels.html#l-dwc

   View Image

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