Creative Access Panel Ideas

build4Him

Guys,
Here's a first for me... I am installing a whirlpool tub with heater/air pump and need an access door. No big deal right, until the owner said he wanted it tiled and to disappear, i.e. look like there isn't an access panel.... Any ideas? Usually I just use a face frame setup with a cabinet door and tile up to the face frame. The closest I could up up with for this is to use hinges and magnets then shim for my grout lines and use grout matched caulk. Since this isn't something that has to be removed often, it doesn't have to be fully functional but any creative ideas would be great!

Thanks,
Jeremy

ABLE1

Not going to be ABLE to help a lot but.............................

Since the panel will be on the heavy side may I suggest the use of some gas charged lifters.

The kind that are used to lift a hatch on the back of a van or a the hood of some cars. You would have to work on the length needed and then start some investigation based on that info only.

The challenge will be when you go to the auto parts store. They will be confused because all they will only know how to ask; year, model, engine size.

But then you could go here http://www.mcmaster.com/and type in Gas Shocks.

That is all I can offer. Maybe someone else will expand on the thought.

Good luck and be sure to report back with some pictures.

Les

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ABLE1

neolitic

Have done some spiffy access panels using rare earth magnets countersunk into plywood backing, and short fat lags into the frame for them to stick to.

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Mike Finley

The typical way to do it is to rough your access panel, sheet your tile underlayment, sheet your access panel out of the same tile underlayment, tile the side of the tub, tile the access panel and install it with color matched caulk instead of grout.

riggs

Schluter make a kit for this. It's basically a set of four magnets. You can get away with magnets for cabinet doors.

I agree with Mike that a color matched caulk should be used instead of grout for the gap between the access panel and tiles surrounding it. Grout should be used if you have gaps between the tiles within the access panel.

Good luck!

cleveman

The Schlueter kit is probably the way to go. This is fairly common on the baths and deutsches in Duschland. Duschland Duschland ueber Alles! Ich habe aufgehoert mit meiner Medikament und habe Strom zu meiner Verfuegung!

mdshunk

In that case, you'd better get back on your meds before you make too big a mess with the shower. Wischen Sie den Fußboden.

neolitic

Thanks for that
http://www.schluter.com/11_1_rema.aspx
I'm sure it'll come in handy.

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jeffkoCT

Thats how I was taught too it looks pretty good if the groutlines are small and the caulk matches

kevjob

we have done some wood raised panels, slabs with cut outs and use inlays etc...

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

neolitic

I give the HO photos of plumbing roughs,
before the walls are closed,
and with access panels open.
So that a plumber can find things later with out extra demo.
Probably would do no good if it they hire Putty though.

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build4Him

Guys,
Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to make the access panel the size of the end of the tub frame because they want 13.5" tile on point so to not have any extra lines for the half cut points I decided to make this access panel the full size of the end of the tub frame. I'll get pictures when I'm done if you're not understanding me I found some extremely strong, very thin, 2" wide velcro and will line the top and bottom edges with it. Then I will only have to caulk on the 4 sides of the end of the tub and of course use grout colored caulk. Pics to follow (probably early next week)

Jeremy