Still looking for ideas to finish this access door issue. The one on the other side was under wood floor, no issues there. But this one falls under hearth area... So I want to finish it so that
if I have to get into it, the tile , cement board, plywood, insulation sandwich can be replaced easier. I have already marked each layer out. But if I have to remove 4 tiles, if I have to cut a hole in cement board, then into the ply through the foam,
should I pre-cut any of these layers? I really want to keep that area as tight as possible.
I removed the steel cover plate (it was bigger than the hole) so the access hole would be just below the insulation before covering with insulation
The plywood would be ez to precut IF I have to.
The cement board is where I have the issue, would be difficult to put back as original if cut out...
I am probably over analyzing this but, hey, I want to do it the best way on small things, so I follow that thinking with larger projects... Thx Thom