You can purchase metal and plastic access panels in a wide variety of sizes—from fist-size to large enough to permit an average-size person to crawl through. Some styles of purchased panels permit a choice between easy surface mounting or flush mounting. Flush mounting is slightly more difficult but much less visible. Expect to spend roughly 20 minutes installing a small access panel. Before you begin, choose the location for your panel. Editor’s Tip: Inexpensive spring clamps do a great job of holding the plastic housing firmly against the wall until the construction adhesive sets. Clamping the housing lets you continue with other tasks without fear that you’ll accidentally knock it out of position. Squirt a small bead of construction adhesive along the rear perimeter of the flange, and press the housing into place. The door simply snaps into position. If you paint the plastic the same color as the wall, caulk the edges of the housing to help blend it into the wall. If you do make the frame, size it so that it will hide the edges of the drywall panel. For framing stock, you can select economical flat lumber or opt for a decorative molding.
