When you finish a wall that was unfinished before, you could end up covering with drywall something that you need access to, like a water shut-off valve or electrical wiring. You can leave a hole in the drywall, but that's unattractive and not very safe if electrical wires or outlets are exposed.
The Fix host Joel Schmarje shows how to install an access panel, which will give the area a more finished look and provide easy access to the plumbing or electrical wires behind the wall.
Materials
finished 1"x2" stock for the frame
1/2" plywood board for the panel door
two hinges with screws
drill with Phillips driver bit, a countersink bit and assorted drill bits
tape measure
framing square
rasp
drywall saw
clamps
caulk gun with construction adhesive
miter saw or miter box and hand saw
circular saw
safety glasses
magnetic door latch kit with screws (optional)
door pull (optional)
1. Hold a framing square around the hole in your wall, and trace a line around its perimeter to make the opening square.
2. Use a drywall saw to cut along the lines. Be careful not to cut any wires that are inside of the wall, and wear safety glasses.
3. If your existing hole is close to the studs inside your wall, align your cuts with these studs for added support. If not, install horizontal support blocks behind the wallboard. First, measure the distance between the two studs and cut two 2"x4 " wood blocks to size. Pre-drill screw holes into the ends of the blocks and place the blocks between the studs, one at the top and one at the bottom of the hole. Secure the blocks to the studs with screws.
4. Use a rasp to smooth out the rough edges of the drywall.
5. Once your opening is prepared, brush away the resulting debris and measure the height and width of the new hole.
Note: The measurements you took of the hole were from inside edge to inside edge of the drywall opening. If you make your frame to these exact measurements, the bare drywall edges will show. Subtract 1" from the width and height measurements you took . This will decrease the size of your frame 1/2" on each side, hiding the drywall edges behind it.
6. Using a miter box and hand saw or miter saw, cut lengths for the frame from the stock so that the inside mitered edges fit your measurements.
7. Use clamps to hold two pieces together like a picture frame and drill a pilot hole into one corner. Follow up with a countersink bit to make room for the screw head.
8. Apply wood glue to the mitered joints, and clamp the pieces back into place . Then drive screws through the pilot holes to hold the pieces together.
9. Repeat this process until all four pieces are connected and the frame is complete .
10. Trace the outline for the panel door onto a piece of 1/2" plywood, and cut it out using a circular saw. Remember to wear safety glasses.
11. Paint or stain the panel door and frame to match your room's dC)cor.
12. To attach the hinges, hold one hinge in place about 2" down from the top of the door and drill pilot holes into the wood. Then secure the hinge with screws.
13. Install the other hinge in the same manner, about 2" up from the bottom of the door.
14. Next, fasten both hinges to the frame with screws.
15. If you wish, attach a magnetic door latch to hold the door closed when you close it, and add a knob to the front of the door panel to make it easier to open .
16. To install the door and frame to the wall, drill pilot holes in the frame and follow with a countersink bit to hide the screw heads.
17. Run a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the frame.
18. Hold the frame in place and secure it through the drywall into the studs with screws.
19. Cover the screw heads with a bit of caulk or spackling compound and touch up with paint if necessary.
