DIY Network

Building a Water Heater Surround From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-306F

	The crew admires Kendra's artwork: she dressed up the surround with a faux-brick surface and one of her paintings.
	Per local codes, the door had to be surrounded by hat channel and sheet metal to minimize combustibility.

To hide the unsightly water heater in the garage studio, the crew decides to build a surround.

Materials:
Table saw
Nail gun - trim
Nails
Hoses
Compressor
Drill
Phillips bit
Orbital sander
Belt sander
Tape measure
Pencil
2' Level
Metal break
Razor blades
Hinges
32" luan door (hollow core blank,slab only)
Flat sheet metal
Super strength construction adhesive
Screws
Wood glue
3" drywall screws

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Note: Always check local codes before enclosing any appliance.

1. First, check placement of studs near the area where the surround opening will be. This will ensure that the door has plenty of support.

2. If no stud exists in the area, install 2 x 6 cleats, then install a door jamb using wood screws to secure. Tip: When driving screws through several layers of wood (figure A), first rub the screw on a bar soap to help it go through the material easier.

3. Cut the door to size. Then attach hat channels and sheet metal to the door (figure B). A metal break can be rented to bend the metal easier.

4. Attach the hinges to the door (figure C) and hang door. Add an extension piece to close the remaining opening (if necessary)

RESOURCES :

Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield Information
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Rust-Oleum Corp.
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