I built an access panel a few years ago similar to this, and have a bit of advice for those watching this video wanting to do the same. Note, I didn't watch this video when I built mine and have learned from trial and error. First, if your access panel is large, maybe any larger than the one pictured in this video, the full 2x4 frame can actually get quite heavy for some family members to lift and remove. I have opted to rebuild my access panel with the frame pieces only in the corners and long side to reduce the weight. Second, the part sticking up that this video shows at the beginning is absolutely crucial. I didn't have this in my first attempt, and the pressure change from the furnace / AC kicking on actually sent the access panel crashing to the ground more than once. You need those frame corners sticking up at least 1/4 inch or more above the access door to hold it in place during pressure changes. The casing board around to trim it up will hold it in place the opposite way. Third, it might seem like a good idea to cut a hole and then use the same piece of drywall as the door, because it will be a snug fit. As briefly mentioned in this video, you actually want it a bit loose. This is so that you can maneuver it to lift and remove the panel, otherwise that tight fit will get in your way and you'll practically break the trim pieces trying to get it off the wall. I trimmed around 1/2 inch from the top of mine. When measuring, be sure your frame extends that extra 1/2 inch! Finally, if you're using a piece of drywall, the sides and top of the drywall piece will just be gypsum, and will crumble to the touch. If you ever accidentally drop the panel or put it down rough, there's a chance it will just break. I found that painting the edge around the panel helps seal it very well, and prevents dust from crumbling off every time you move the panel. One additional step I eventually took was using bondo on the corners only. It hardens like a rock and made them very strong / break free, as this was an issue on mine after a few times the panel fell due to pressure changes. I wouldn't recommend the bondo for everyone, but it depends on how you plan on trimming it I guess, or if you want your piece of drywall to be more secure.

Sounds like you have an awesome little helper there. It’s awesome to see you including him on vids. Especially showing him a trade. I wish I had learned that early. You should include him more.

I was planning to build a 4'x3' access door using old closet doors but after see this video, I like your drywall panel idea a lot better. So you sir deserve a Like!

Damn. This is way easier than trying to tape, mud, sand, more mud then more sand, prime then a full paint job. Great idea

Great video sir. The panel looks amazing! My wife and I very much enjoyed the fact that you did not cut the parts out that had your camera man talking. It is very endearing!

I've watched a few of these access panel "how to" videos and yours definitely looks the nicest!

With respect to how-to build vertical access panel, this is the best one that I have seen. Well done sir!

I've been agonising over the best way to do an access panel - was originally thinking a repurposed closet door but I love the simplicity of this idea! Your camera-person and your directorial instructions to them were classic! Bravo (pun intended) to you both!!!

Thank you! For this easy explanation and your kid is very cute helping out dad!

Dude if I could come there and hug you I would. You have solved such a big problem for me!!!! Hurrah to you mate!

The easiest to follow and understand. Feeling confident enough to try this for myself. Watched at least 6 videos that left me with questions but this one didn't. Thanks!

Very clever. This solves our need for an access panel to our plumbing stack. Thank YOU!

Thank you! We have a five foot by 30? Inch opening and this solves my access door problem.

I love that you are having your kiddo help you. 😀 I don't have the patience 😓

"Someone's calling you." 😁 Nice video. Thanks

Absolutely ingenious. No hinges or door nobs needed!! ❤

Camera person was on point. Thank you was looking for way to seal my entertainment center wall

For a hidden access panel you could put the Sheetrock on and then have a mirror cut to the same size and frame it in. Then people would just think it’s a wall mirror.

Thanks for the help brother. I just built the very same panel. You saved me $200 on buying a closet door that would have looked out of place. That design is simple, effective and well explained. You get a like, a suscribe, a share and a bell hit. Well done sir!

Love your sweet little helper’s intentions !!!

Pretty slick idea. I need to make 2 small access panels for emergency lines shutoffs in my laundry room. Something like this will work nicely.

"Go!" Nice fun video, thanks!

What a great video. Thanks for this! Need access to my shut off valves for a shower and this is a great idea. 👍🏼

Great video, I used this to make a shower plumbing access door. Thanks for sharing.

Hey WOW , Really like the way you did that , Will use your idea on some tub access opening . Thanks for taking the time to help others .

Nice and simple. Love it!

I like this. Need to do something like this for access to my air handler. Getting tired over removing trim boards and a section of sheetrock every time in need to get to it. Thanks!

Exactly what I need. Thank you!!!!!

Looks great, thanks for sharing!

Just what I needed thanks bro!

Thank you sir ! The best idea for a acces door.

Clever idea and solid execution!

Love your camera people!!!!!!

Thanks for the vid. Clever use of an LBV too - I'd not seen that before and made me chuckle. Coincides with the channel name, and would have infinite customization.

Cool! Nice job!

Thanks for the video. It is very helpful.

Thanks! Very helpful.

Thanks for this...exactly what I need👍

Great very helpful. Great camera person too!

Great video!

Good job!!!

Great idea, thank!

That’s awesome!

Thanks! I have to cover the master water shut off and they don't make panels that cover the measurements I need. This helps nicely.

Cool Video, thnx!

Good idea 👌

Good idea 👍

Wow amazing how easy u made this n how great n functioning it is

I cut out two access holes (24x19" (above the bathtub) and 33x16" (above the door to the bathroom in the master bedroom)) to monitor termite activity after I treat the walls there inside w/Termidor. I think to use this clever method to make the access panels. Can I use Poplar 0.75x2.5x as needed" inside and frame it w/0.25x2.5"x as needed" outside. The walls are painted and stencilled, so I think if I use those thin poplar pieces w/thickness 0.25", the panels will be less visible (I'll paint and stencill the edges of those panels same way as walls). I'll do 4-6 screws into the studs in addition, but still not sure if I can use so thin wood for framing. Thank you so much for such a clever idea for the access panels. I cut another access hole (16 x 16") to monitor the second bathtub for possible leaks or smth and planned to hang the door from the drywall on hinges. But the method shown in this film is so much better.

This will do nicely to cover my small 24'' x 30'' attic access in my bonus room above the garage.

I like that better than the plastic doors for like a water access. I think I will do that in my closet so can access the bathtub faucet etc.

Thanks!

Awsome idea! Easy and budget friendly.

Great idea and nicely done. However, one caution: I don't think this will work on a load bearing wall if opening is to be wider than existing stud spacing. This solution requires that a header is not used, since space is needed for the two extended 2x4's. Great idea for a non-load bearing wall. I plan to use this in an upcoming project.

Great Idea! Thanks. Will definitely be using this. Any ideas on a ceiling access panel?

Suggestion: To avoid the possible top slide-in conflict (which I did experience) from a tight fit, use a 5/8" drywall section rather than the same 1/2" wall thickness. But also a thin shim of material will work too, such as thick tape.

thumbs up on being ready to fight off the taliban while installing access panels!

Got the big helper holding the camera...hehehe

man this is an excellent video thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. One question for you. On the top trim piece where/how do you decide to put the 45 deg cut? I know you only want like 1/2" lip on the trim but I dont understand where to put the 45. Thanks!

Cam girl stole the show I hope you paid her accordingly

at 8:20 , the Dad look! :)

Thanks so much, I left a comment to another reply about how clearly you explain the process and I appreciate the video. I also have a question, my opening will be much smaller, is it necessary to use 2x4 and frame out the entire pieces of drywall? Could I use scrap pallet wood and just put the base pieces and the upper side/ears on the back. Would that be enough to hold it in place? It would definitely make it lighter. Since I don’t foresee having to access the water heater often, I’m not sure I need such a robust framing behind. Thanks for your reply.

I like using the coffee canister to hold the screws

Is that 2.5 inch trim it looks bigger

Hey brother, great video! Question for a newbie to the home building. How did you manage such perfect cuts in your drywall? Or was the door space thought of before hand? I have my drywall up and need to cut the hole so would you have any idea how to make such perfect cuts?

Yea but what keeps te bottom from popping out

I have a similar setup under my stairs but much smaller without the 2x4s. What type of hinges could you use for this setup to make access easier?

Is this man going to war or putting in a access panel

very nice video and I will use this method for my attic door access. Can u pls share the link for 2 1/2 inch trim board you are using?

lol 8:13 A men thank you camera girl lol

How do you get it off? Thank you!

😂 Stop making that noise…(kid continues making noise) Great tutorial and looks like you’ll need a tripod in your future;)

i like this because of the kid.

She's so cute don't tell her to "shhh"!

Nice

Drywall a couple studs... $300 door Guess I'll make it out of pallets 😐

Jeez put your damn camera on a tripod. just couldn't watch anymore

Please level your audio.