Access door to bathtub plumbing
#1
08-06-02, 08:31 PM
Access door to bathtub plumbing
Help! I don't even know where to start! I am attempting to build a wooden door to access my bathtub plumbing.
- How do I cut the sheet-rock? (ex. what tools do I use and should I cut stud to stud or does that matter?)
- How do I measure for the hole and do I measure to allow room for the frame?
- How do I frame the hole for the door?
- Do I buy a door already made or is that something I will cut myself?
- What type of wood do I use for the door if I cut it myself?
#2
08-07-02, 05:37 AM
Group Moderator
This will be a little involved, but here goes:
1. You can use a drywall saw to cut the opening. Should be able to find one in any tool store/section. Looks like a large steak knife with teeth essentially. If you make the opening stud-to-stud it will give you solid backing on 2 edges. Be carful of the plumbing while cutting the opening.
2. You can frame the hole with some plain pine lumber; 1x2 or 1x3 should work fine. First cut two pieces for the verticle sides. Cut them the same length as the height of the opening. Attach these to the two sides into the studs with the inside edge even with the edge of the opening/stud. You can use nails or screws, but either way good idea to drill pilot holes to keep from splitting the boards at the ends. Next cut the top and bottom pieces. Cut these long enough to extend to the outer edges of the vertical boards. Attach ends to the studs. Now you have you opening framed.
3. For a door 1/2" plywood should suffice. Lowe's and Home Depot carry plywood in precut small sizes so you don't have to buy a whole sheet. You can either cut the door to size so that it fits inside the frame you've installed or so that it is slightly larger than the opening and sits outside the frame. If you cut it to fit inside the frame you will nedd to install a "stop" along the inside of the edge opposite the hinge to keep the door from swining too far in. Install hinges and mount the door. Install a bolt latch or hook & eye. Prime and paint and you're done.
It is possible to get fancier and more professional with the woodworking but this will give you a basic access hole. You can also go much more basic by simply cutting the hole, cutting a plywood panel slightly bigger than the hole and attaching it to the studs with corner screws. Prime and paint.
1. You can use a drywall saw to cut the opening. Should be able to find one in any tool store/section. Looks like a large steak knife with teeth essentially. If you make the opening stud-to-stud it will give you solid backing on 2 edges. Be carful of the plumbing while cutting the opening.
2. You can frame the hole with some plain pine lumber; 1x2 or 1x3 should work fine. First cut two pieces for the verticle sides. Cut them the same length as the height of the opening. Attach these to the two sides into the studs with the inside edge even with the edge of the opening/stud. You can use nails or screws, but either way good idea to drill pilot holes to keep from splitting the boards at the ends. Next cut the top and bottom pieces. Cut these long enough to extend to the outer edges of the vertical boards. Attach ends to the studs. Now you have you opening framed.
3. For a door 1/2" plywood should suffice. Lowe's and Home Depot carry plywood in precut small sizes so you don't have to buy a whole sheet. You can either cut the door to size so that it fits inside the frame you've installed or so that it is slightly larger than the opening and sits outside the frame. If you cut it to fit inside the frame you will nedd to install a "stop" along the inside of the edge opposite the hinge to keep the door from swining too far in. Install hinges and mount the door. Install a bolt latch or hook & eye. Prime and paint and you're done.
It is possible to get fancier and more professional with the woodworking but this will give you a basic access hole. You can also go much more basic by simply cutting the hole, cutting a plywood panel slightly bigger than the hole and attaching it to the studs with corner screws. Prime and paint.
