I want to install an outdoor light on either side of my garage door. No boxes or wiring exist today. I'm having trouble figuring out how to mount a box.

I was first looking at the round plastic remodel boxes with the flip out wings. That option went away quickly when I noticed that the "wings" don't go back far enough. By that I mean they won't be able to get behind the thickness of the cedar siding and sheathing. I suppose I could put longer screws on, but then you lose the locking feature that keeps the wing perpendicular as you tighten. I've always thought they are flimsy anyway and I don't like using them.

I then looked at 4" pancake boxes thinking I could just screw them to the wall. The lamps (as all seem to be) have a very shallow recess in the back for wiring. The pancake box bottoms out in the fixture before it is completely covered. Not an option.

Next, and latest, thought was to cut a hole the side of the pancake box o.d. just though the siding. I could then mount the box to the sheathing so it is recessed into the siding. Sheathing is usually not very strong so I wasn't too keen on this option either.

The back side is sheet rocked but if necessary, I can pull that off to get in there. Seems like it would be pretty hard to get a hole in the right place to make a nail on work even if I was coming from the back side.

I was thinking of something like just a flat round plate that would screw to the siding and have the tapped holes in it. Couldn't find anything like that at the store though.

Any recommendations?

 

Use the old work boxes you have found and add box extenders to make the box flush with the surface.

 

They also make boxes that have a flange on the outside that you could use. Using a hole saw you would cut a hole just large enough to allow the body of the box to be set in to the wall and then use screws through the flange to secure it to the siding.

 

Just wondering how a box extender would work in this application.......

I would be using a round "old work" box. That would mount flush with the siding but the wings wouldn't go back far enough to grab behind the opening.

Could you explain a bit further.

This is the box I was talking about using originally:
http://www.hardwarestore.com/pop-print/larger-image.aspx?prodNo=2199

 

I've been looking for these everywhere but can't find them!

Do they have some secret name? Should this be available at Home Depot type stores?

Thanks.

 

I've seen them at HD but I can't say it was recently. It is possible that HD no longer carries them but you should be able to get one at an electrical supply company or possibly an old-fashioned real hardware store.

 

I really like these. They already have the box built in and provide a very sturdy mounting surface. They can be installed for new or retrofit work.

http://www.aifittings.com/whnew24.htm

 

Thanks for the link!

I'll have to see if I can find it locally or order from somewhere.

 

You may need to try an electrical supply house instead of the home stores. Reps for Arlington are also listed on the website.