How to Install the BA-F2A Drywall Inlay Access Panel in Your Commercial Building

BA-F2A drywall inlay access panels provide a modern, safe, and usable feature to your commercial building. For maintenance and repairs, it delivers convenient access to various building components hidden behind walls and ceilings. Although these doors serve a unique purpose, you need to ensure proper installation to successfully achieve optimal performance.

Accurately installed access doors will perform better and last longer! To better understand the importance, check out the benefits of proper access panel installation:

• Maintains the integrity of your access door's features
• Ensures safety and security near access openings
• Prevents additional repair and early replacement costs
• Ensures product performance
• Prevents return installation trips (if installed by a professional)

When you install the BA-F2A, you can expect excellence. However, improper installation can affect its intended purpose and compromise its quality. At Best Access Doors, we understand the importance of proper installation. To help you make the most out of your access panel purchase, we have created this complete drywall access panel guide for your reference.

BA-F2A Installation Process Choosing the Location

Before sharing our  effective tips on installing a drywall access door, we must first emphasize a critical step in the installation process: identifying the precise location of the access opening. Determining where to install the door beforehand saves you time and money since there is no need for additional work.

Now that you know where to install the BA-F2A drywall panel, let us start with wall installations:

Wall Installation

The BA-F2A drywall access panel is an excellent addition to busy commercial spaces since it is quick to install and maintain. You only need a few tools and our easy installation guide so that you can install the door yourself!

Tools You Need:

• Pencil
• Set square
• Level
• Drywall Saw or Utility Knife
• Sandpaper
• Electric Screwdriver

STEP 1: Trace the Opening

Using a pencil, mark the component's location on your drywall. Continue to trace your opening 3/8 inches larger than the door size while keeping a minimum clearance of 1 ½ inch from each surrounding stud. Please note that accurate marking is critical and ensure that the traced outline forms a square.

STEP 2: Cut the Drywall

Once the outline is complete, use your drywall saw or utility knife to cut the opening. Remove excess drywall carefully and sand the edges clean for an effortless and smooth fit.

STEP 3: Fit the Frame

With the touch latches positioned at the top, place the frame inside the opening and pull firmly back with a clamp to secure the perimeter. If the frame is too small, cut a little more of the drywall until you get a snug fit.

STEP 4: Secure the Frame

For easier application, use an electric screwdriver to drive the BA-F2A's self-tapping screws through the drywall and around the frame every four inches. The door's self-tapping screws are one of the reasons why it is easy to install since this type of screw doesn't need a pilot hole and is ideal for stud framing tasks.

STEP 5: Test the Panel

STEP 5: Test the Panel

Install the panel starting at the bottom base of the frame. Secure the door by attaching it to the safety cable to hold it in place. Test its touch latch and set the door aside. Prepare the drywall compound and apply it directly around the frame and over the drill holes. Once dry, sand the compound until smooth.

STEP 6: Attach the Panel

Re-attach the door and hook it into the safety cable to secure it. Close the panel and apply paint to match your existing wall. Installation is now complete!

Ceiling Installation:

The BA-F2A drywall access door is not only ideal for walls, but it is also an excellent solution for your ceiling access needs, thanks to its fully detachable hatch. Secure your ceiling with our easy-to-follow structure guide.

Tools You Need:

• Pencil
• Set square
• Level
• Drywall Saw or Utility Knife
• Sandpaper
• Electric Screwdriver

STEP 1: Trace the Opening

Using the exact measurements of the frame, draw the opening into your ceiling and ensure that it is 3/8 inches larger than the door size while keeping a minimum clearance of 1 ½ inches from each surrounding stud. Once the outline is complete, proceed to step two.

STEP 2: Cut the Opening

Using your drywall saw or utility knife, carve out the corners and cut out the opening. Carefully remove the drywall ceiling and sand the edges.

STEP 3: Fit the Frame

Determine where you want to direct the opening and position the frame accordingly. Place the frame firmly inside the ceiling to ensure ceiling access door flush installation. During this step, make sure that the frame has a snug fit over the opening.

STEP 4: Secure the Frame

Take out your manual or electric screwdriver and drill the panel's innovative self-tapping screws around the perimeter with an interval of four inches.

STEP 5: Test the Panel

Test if the door fits by placing it at the bottom base of the frame. Hook the safety cable on the door and check if the concealed snap latches are working. In addition, there is no need to push the door forcefully since its spring-loaded latches are pressure sensitive.

STEP 6: Attach the Panel

Prepare the drywall compound and spread it evenly across the frame's perimeter and over the screws. Let it dry and sand the compound until smooth before securing the door using the safety cables. Paint to match your ceiling to complete the installation!

World-Class Access Panels are Now just a Call Away!

Gain unlimited access to our  comprehensive product catalog and superior services when you shop from us. Need additional financing for your access door bulk purchase? You are always welcome to apply for credit. Call us today at (800)-483-0823, and trust that Best Access Doors will help you build better!