I recall seeing a pop out access panel for tile in one of the past FHB issues. I have to tile around a fireplace, and the gas shut off is buried in the wall, so I have to leave an accessible opening to get to it.
Not sure how I am going to pull this off, not only the panel, but what about the grout lines. I was thinking of using a matching caulk grout instead of the regular grout around the access panel.
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Replies
I just did an internet search. This company says you can tile on their panels.
http://www.accesspanel.com
Webby
Thanks to everyone for your responses. Pro Products Access Panel looks great, but it appears that you need to put a knob in order to open the door. This would be a massive drawback.The Schluter Rema looks like it relies on magnets, which can be pulled, I guess by breaking the caulk seal, and hooking under the tile.
Not really clear as the install video looks like it was done by someone very, very limited video capabilities.Obviously this appears to be a dilemma waiting for the proper solution.Too bad the Pro Products Access Panel does not have a push magnet set up.
Old 'trick'. Tile on backer and glue magnets to back of backer that line up with 'heads' of lags behind for magnets to stick to. Bury string under matching caulk - note to self - leave end of string exposed!
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
never used, but remember seeing this in their literature
http://www.schluter.com/11_1_rema.aspx
Push latches, one in each corner, with the panel sized to the tile dimension.
To open, you just press all four corners in until the latches unlatch. Nice part is that they then push the panel out to you, and mostly perpendicular to the surface.
Still, not a bad idea to use matched-to-grout sealer rather than grout around the opening.
I've also seen a nice cup hinge used, one with the right sort of geometry to tip the panel out, and a bit of nylon webbing to be the pull.