I need to create an access hatch in a T&G oak floor.
Does anyone know of any hatches I can buy and fit, or anywhere i can
get some information on making one myself. It has to be manhole-sized
and sturdy enough to walk on.
TIA.

Make the hatch from the boards you cut away. Cut them mid-way over the
joists and you have a ready made ledge for the hatch to rest on. Only
requires battens across the back to hold the boards together/stiffen
the hatch, and maybe a pair of lifting handles rebated in.

If you want fancy, edges cut with a router and framing around the edges
would look good.

If it's a good oak floor/a floor that's on show, and you're not
experienced - get someone in to do the work.

On 16 Apr 2006 11:30:05 -0700, "Rob Walford"
wrote:

I need to create an access hatch in a T&G oak floor.
Does anyone know of any hatches I can buy and fit, or anywhere i can
get some information on making one myself. It has to be manhole-sized
and sturdy enough to walk on.
TIA.

To make it a reasonable size for access you usually have to cut away
an intermediate joist section. The floating joist ends are then
carried by a transverse "trimmer" which forms a sturdy rectangular
framed opening through the floor. the trimmers can be joined in a way
that will not weaken the joists carrying them, or they can be fixed by
angled metal plates which are screwed or bolted in place.
You can then fit stops to the opening, set to the depth of the hatch
itself.

The hatch usually made from the original cut-out floorboards is
usually more structurally sound and looks better if strongly framed
and braced. Boat fittings for hinging etc. usually look good for this
sort of job.
--
Regards,
Mike Halmarack

Drop the (EGG) to email me.