How to Build an Access Door to Jetted Tub Motor Sheetrock

Access doors are used to get at plumbing systems that are likely to require maintenance over the life of the system. Jetted tub motors are a system or product that is a good candidate for an access door. Typically, the access door is located on the opposite side of the wall from the tub placement in the room closest to the tub. The access panel is disguised to look like drywall so it can be finished with the rest of the wall surfaces to further hide the panel. The access door should be built into the wall sduring initial construction when the studs are exposed, but you can also install it after the drywall is in place.

Tape measure
Stud finder
Drywall saw
2-by-4-inch board
Table saw
Level
Framing nail gun
Access panel door
Screws
Screwdriver
Mastic
Trowel
Joint compound
Wide drywall knife

Instructions

- 1
  Move a stud finder along the wall to locate the studs and mark the locations. Measure away from the stud 12 inches and mark. Measure 12 inches tall and mark. Make sure your opening will line up with the location of the motor on the other side of the wall. Draw your 12-inch square on the drywall and cut the drywall with a drywall saw.
- 2
  Remove the drywall and set it aside for later. Fit your 12-inch square access panel door to the drywall. It should recess as much as 1 inch in the center of the door panel. Measure inside the wall opening between the studs. Cut two 2-by-4 boards at your horizontal measurement.
- 3
  Fit and level one board aligned with the top edge of your door panel opening. Toenail the board to the studs using two nails on each end of the board. Fit and level one board aligned with the bottom edge of your door panel opening. Toenail the board to the studs. Measure the height between your two boards and cut a board to fit. Position your vertical board aligned with the side edge of the opening and toenail the board to your horizontal boards. This frames your door.
- 4
  Insert the access panel door over the drywall. Most of these doors have a drywall flange, a lightweight metal frame with a flat, perforated face -- on all sides that is designed for this style of attachment. Use drywall screws around the perimeter flanges using two screws per side. Attach the inside of the panel frame to the framing studs with more screws. Attach two screws per side.
- 5
  Trim the drywall you cut from the wall earlier to fit the insert area of the door panel. Cut around the stainless steel cam or handle. Be as clean as possible. Apply mastic to the metal panel door and press the drywall in place so that the drywall is level and as flush as possible with the adjoining walls.
- 6
  Apply drywall joint compound around the flange area of the panel. Smooth the compound away from the access door to the adjoining drywall. Allow the compound to dry completely. Sand and apply a second coat. Texture the finish to match your existing wall. Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours.

How to Kill Mold in Fiberglass Vents

How to Troubleshoot Fireplace Inserts With Broken Dampers

Interior Home Repair