Beaded Frame vs Picture Frame Access Panels: Which to Choose?
Most access panels come in two styles: a picture frame panel, with a visible frame and a metal door that sits on the face of the wall, and a beaded frame panel, which is plastered in so it almost disappears. Both do the same job, but they suit different rooms, different stages of the build and different budgets. Here is how to choose, using the FlipFix range we stock as the example.
Picture frame access panels (metal faced)
A picture frame panel has a flat steel frame, 20mm wide on FlipFix panels, that sits over the edge of the hole like a picture frame. The door is white powder coated steel with a spring-loaded flush lock opened with a T key.
- Fitted after decorating. The frame covers the cut edge, so there is no plastering. You can fit one into a finished, painted wall in minutes.
- Robust. A steel door copes well with frequent opening, so it suits plant rooms, risers, commercial corridors and anywhere maintenance staff need regular access.
- Widest range. FlipFix metal faced panels come non fire rated (150 x 150mm to 1200 x 600mm, from £14.15 ex VAT), 1 hour fire rated (to 1200 x 600mm, from £19.82) and 2 hour fire rated (to 600 x 600mm, from £20.62).
- Larger clear opening. The clear opening is panel size less 50mm each way.
- Visible. The white frame and door are obvious against a coloured wall.
Beaded frame access panels (plasterboard faced)
A beaded frame panel has a 25mm expanded bead around the edge and a door filled with 12.5mm plasterboard. You tape and skim over the bead and the door face along with the rest of the wall, then decorate, leaving just a fine shadow line round the door.
- Discreet. Ideal for living spaces, hallways, bedrooms and feature ceilings where you do not want a white square on show.
- Fitted before plastering. It goes in at board stage, then gets skimmed. Fitting one into an already-decorated wall means patch plastering and redecorating.
- Budget lock as standard, opened with the key provided.
- Sizes and ratings. FlipFix plasterboard faced panels come non fire rated (from £28.02 ex VAT) and 1 hour fire rated (from £45.84), in sizes from 150 x 150mm to 600 x 600mm.
- Slightly smaller clear opening. Panel size less 50mm by 75mm.
Side-by-side comparison
| Picture frame (metal faced) | Beaded frame (plasterboard faced) | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible white frame and door | Plastered in, almost invisible |
| When fitted | After decorating | Before skimming |
| Frame width | 20mm | 25mm bead |
| Frame depth (FlipFix) | 50mm | About 56–60mm |
| Lock | Spring-loaded flush lock, T key | Budget lock, key |
| Fire ratings | Non, 1 hour, 2 hour | Non, 1 hour |
| Largest stock size | 1200 x 600mm | 600 x 600mm |
| Clear opening | Panel − 50mm each way | Panel − 50mm × 75mm |
| From (ex VAT) | £14.15 | £28.02 |
Which one should you choose?
- New build or refurbishment, before plastering, in a living space: beaded frame.
- Retrofit into a finished wall or ceiling: picture frame.
- Frequent access (plant, meters, risers, commercial): picture frame.
- 2 hour fire resistance needed: picture frame, as the beaded panel tops out at 1 hour in this range.
- Large openings over 600 x 600mm: picture frame, with 900 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm sizes.
- Tight budget on lots of panels: picture frame, which costs less size for size.
What about plasterboard door and tile-in panels?
You will also see "plasterboard door" panels (a plasterboard door in a picture frame) and tile-in panels with a recessed door for tiling. These are specialist variants. If you need one, call us on 03330 908479 and we can check what FlipFix can make to order.
Cost over a whole job
On a single panel the price gap is small, but it adds up across a project. As an example at the time of writing, a 450 x 450mm FlipFix panel is £36.40 ex VAT metal faced and £44.82 ex VAT plasterboard faced (non fire rated), and £44.05 vs £69.32 for the 1 hour fire rated versions. On a block of flats with a fire rated ceiling panel in every bathroom, choosing metal faced where the panel will not be on show can make a real difference. Remember to allow for the labour of taping and skimming a beaded panel too; where the walls are being skimmed anyway, that extra cost is minimal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint a beaded frame access panel?
Yes. Once the door and bead are skimmed, it is decorated with the wall or ceiling.
Is a beaded panel harder to fit?
The fitting is the same (cut the hole 5mm larger and tighten the FlipFix clamps), but you then need scrim tape, filler and a skim coat.
Which is more secure?
Both FlipFix locks are rated Grade 1, low security. They are designed to keep panels closed, not to resist forced entry.
Are both types suitable for ceilings?
Yes. All the FlipFix panels we stock are dual purpose for walls and ceilings.
Order access panels
Browse all our access panels or the full FlipFix range. Every panel can be ordered singly, prices are shown ex VAT at trade prices, and you can order online or call us on 03330 908479 for bespoke sizes or project quantities. Read our installation guide before you start.
Outside England? Call 03330 908479 or contact us for a delivery quote.
Sources: FlipFix datasheets and fitting instructions for FF/000/MD/PF/FL, FF/060/MD/PF/FL, FF/120/MD/PF/FL, FF/000/PD/BF/BL and FF/060/PD/BF/BL (FlipFix downloads); HM Government Approved Documents (gov.uk). Prices ex VAT and correct at the time of writing.