How to Build a Top Around a Breaker Box

Lay out two 1/2-by-6-by-24 inch boards parallel to each other with about a foot between them. Hold them on their long, thin sides with the help of an assistant, and consider them the side boards of the box. Set a 1/2-by-6-by-12 inch board against the ends of the side boards.

Drill holes every 3 inches through the 1/2-by-6-by-12 inch board, which is the top board, and into the side boards. Set 2-inch wood screws in each hole and tighten them. Repeat for the bottom board with another 1/2-by-6-by-12 inch board.

Lay a 1/2-by-3-by-25 inch board across the frame of the box along the longer sides, so that this thin board lines up with the edge of the side board and the edges of the top and bottom boards. Lay the board toward the center of the box itself, covering a small section of the open frame. Drill holes every 6 inches through this thin board, which is a wall board, and into the side boards. Set 2-inch wood screws within the holes and tighten them. Repeat this step to add another wall board on top of the other side board.

Flip the frame over and position a 1/2-by-12-by-25 inch board on top of the frame. Set two side-mount cabinet hinges between this board, which is the door, and a side board. Mark the location of the hinge attachments, lifting the door if you need to. Drill into each of the screw markings. Attach the hinges to the door and the box with 1/2-inch wood screws.

Set the box up against the wall around the breaker box. Cut out any sections which need pipe access. Drill holes through the wall boards and into the wall, inserting drywall anchors into the wall if studs are not present. Attach the box to the wall by drilling 3-inch wood screws through the wall boards and into the wall.

Drill a hole in the door near the open edge. Slide the bolt of a knob through the hole and tighten the nut on the other side with a wrench until it is tight against the door.