What to cover tile hole with?

[jones988]

I have this open access area to my whirlpool tub that I need to cover up. It is all tile as you can see and would like some type of door so I can still have access to that area behind the tub if needed.

What options do I have to cover this hole up with? I can't think of anything with it being tile.

 

[Shiftless]

Whenever I have a filing question, I check John Bridge dot com.

In your case, I would put in some blocking and then fabricate a panel with matching tile. The panel is mounted using small magnets and the gap is filled with color matching caulk. To access the motor, etc. just cut the caulk with a utility knife and pry it out. I assume you don’t have to access the mechanicals very often, right?

 

[larry_g]

My access is covered with a cabinet door matching the ones on the vanity and the closet.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Shiftless]

My access is covered with a cabinet door matching the ones on the vanity and the closet.

lg
no neat sig line

That’s certainly the easiest solution. If you’re careful, that door won’t get too much water damage. You put on a few layers of polyurethane, right?

 

[Lassen Forge]

Your "utility access" port is framed, I'm assuming around the perimeter of the hole...

I was thinking something similar to this, but instead of pulling a whole section out and having to use a grout line, build up a section to fill the hole, match your tile pattern, and then build up your blocking in the existing framework. You could either do a hinge and magnetic closure (kind of like a vanity door) or just use a magnet on 4 corners to attach the cover to the hole. leave a small "divot" on one edhe (the non-hinge edge if you go that way) for a finger grab pooint, or if you use the spring loaded mag catch idea, you don't need this, as when you push it in it will automatically jut out when you release it...

The main thing is to use caution, cut everything as close as you can, so the joint will be relatively unnoticable.

 

[jones988]

Whenever I have a filing question, I check John Bridge dot com.

In your case, I would put in some blocking and then fabricate a panel with matching tile. The panel is mounted using small magnets and the gap is filled with color matching caulk. To access the motor, etc. just cut the caulk with a utility knife and pry it out. I assume you don’t have to access the mechanicals very often, right?

I'm not sure if I even have extra tile for this and with it being angled, I don't have a way to even cut the tile to fit.

 

[The Cobbler]

when the tiling was being done, it would have probably been easier that to try & do something now that looks proper.
is the square equal , larger or or less than a full tile ?
could have made up a "door" on that end with a tile set in the other end to make it look uniform.
still could be done if you have some leftover tiles

 

[larry_g]

That’s certainly the easiest solution. If you’re careful, that door won’t get too much water damage. You put on a few layers of polyurethane, right?

Its finished the same as the vanity and after being there 10+ years it is still undamaged. What in the hell do you do in your bathroom that flings enough water around that you could harm the woodwork?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Dan C]

I did the same as larry_g. When I bought my vanity I bought an extra door sized to cover it up.

 

[kaymccampbell]

You could put one of those plastic access panels in it.