How to Install an Access Panel in Plasterboard

Fitting an access panel into a plasterboard wall or ceiling is one of the easier drylining jobs, as long as you measure carefully and cut a neat hole. This guide covers fitting a FlipFix panel, which uses screw-in clamps that grip the back of the board, so there is no need to frame out the opening with timber or metal. We cover both the metal faced picture frame panel and the plasterboard faced beaded panel, plus the extra steps for fire rated panels.

Tools and materials

• The access panel (check the size against our access panel size guide)
• Tape measure, pencil and spirit level
• Pipe, cable and stud detector
• Plasterboard saw or jab saw (or an oscillating multi-tool for a very clean cut)
• Cordless drill/driver with a low torque setting
• Dust sheet, mask and eye protection, especially for overhead work
• For plasterboard faced panels: scrim tape, joint filler and finishing plaster
• For fire rated panels where the datasheet calls for it: an approved intumescent acrylic sealant

Before you cut

1. Find the services and the framing. Use a detector and, if you can, a small inspection hole to confirm what is behind. Avoid cutting studs, joists or ceiling channels.
2. Check the depth. The frame needs space behind the board: 50mm for the metal faced panels and up to about 60mm for the plasterboard faced panels, according to FlipFix.
3. Check the board. FlipFix clamps grip boards from 8mm to 32mm thick on the metal faced range and 12.5mm to 32mm on the plasterboard faced range.
4. Check the fire rating. If the wall or ceiling is fire-resisting, use a fire rated panel and follow its datasheet. Our fire rated access panels guide explains what to look for.

Step-by-step: fitting a FlipFix access panel

1. Mark out the opening

Stock FlipFix panels come with a perforated pop-out template built into the box. Pop it out, hold it in position, check it is level (or square to the ceiling edges) and draw round it. If you are marking by hand, the opening is panel size + 5mm each way, so a 400 x 400mm panel needs a 405 x 405mm hole.

2. Cut the hole

Drill a starter hole in a corner and cut along the lines with a plasterboard saw, keeping the cut straight and square. Take your time: a ragged or oversized hole is the main cause of a poor finish, and on a fire rated panel FlipFix allows a maximum gap of only 2.5mm per side between frame and opening. Support the offcut so it does not tear the paper facing as it drops.

3. Fit the sealant (fire rated panels)

For the 2 hour metal faced panel, FlipFix's instructions say to apply intumescent acrylic mastic to the back of the frame before fitting. For the 1 hour plasterboard faced panel, the datasheet lists the permitted sealants. Follow the datasheet for the exact panel you have.

4. Put the panel in the opening

Offer the whole panel into the hole. You do not need to remove the door. Make sure the hinge is on the side you want: in a ceiling, fire rated panels are tested opening downwards towards the room.

5. Tighten the FlipFix clamps

Set your drill to a low torque setting and screw in the FlipFix devices. They rotate out behind the board and pull the frame tight against the face. Stop when they grip securely; over-tightening can crush the plasterboard. Check the frame sits flush and square and the door opens and closes freely.

6. Finish

• Metal faced, picture frame: the 20mm frame sits on the finished surface, so this is usually fitted after decorating. Nothing else is needed. Lock the door with the T key.
• Plasterboard faced, beaded frame: apply joint filler and scrim tape over the junction between the beaded frame and the surrounding board, then skim the wall and the door face together. FlipFix says scrim tape prevents the skim cracking at the bead. Once dry, decorate with the rest of the wall.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting the hole to the panel size. It needs to be 5mm bigger, or the frame will not go in.
• Cutting too big. The clamps need board to grip. On fire rated panels, oversize gaps can void the rating.
• Not checking behind. A pipe or noggin in the 50–60mm frame depth will stop the panel seating.
• Skimming without scrim. The plaster will crack along the bead line.
• Swapping parts on fire rated panels. Use the lock and hinges supplied; they are part of the tested product.

What if there is no board yet?

If you are building a new stud wall or MF ceiling, plan the panel position before boarding. Leave a gap in the studs or channels, add a drylining accessory such as a service support plate where needed, board over and then cut the opening. Our drywall partition calculator helps you price the rest of the wall.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to frame the opening?

Not with FlipFix panels. The clamps grip the back of the board, so FlipFix says no bracing, screws or glue are needed.

Can I fit an access panel in a ceiling on my own?

Yes for small and mid sizes. For 600 x 600mm and above, a second pair of hands to hold the panel while you tighten the clamps makes it easier.

Can I paint a metal faced panel?

The FlipFix panels have a white RAL 9010 powder coated finish. FlipFix's product information says the powder coated finish is not suitable for painting over; choose the plasterboard faced panel if you want it decorated with the wall.

Can I fit an access panel into tiled walls?

A picture frame panel can sit over a tiled surface if the total board-plus-tile thickness is within the clamp range. Measure carefully and cut tiles cleanly. Dedicated tile-in panels are a different product.

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. For a discreet plastered-in finish, see the plasterboard faced beaded panel; for frequent access, the metal faced picture frame panel.

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.