How To Replace Outlets Over Beadboard

This post about replacing outlets is sponsored by The Home Depot.  It’s almost guaranteed if you are doing any kind of renovations there will come a time when you need to replace an outlet.  So, let’s get to it!

A DIY tutorial to replace outlets over beadboard. How to safely replace outlets once you’ve installed beadboard wall treatment.

New outlets are like fresh frosting on a cake.  Irresistible and so sweet but someone has to make that frosting.  Let’s start at the very beginning:

That’s a beige wall with a dark brown switch and an almond outlet in my laundry room.  Does it make you feel twitchy?

I made some progress installing a nice sheet of beadboard on that wall with trim but we still have the issue of the outlets.

The remedy to this situation is to completely change the switch and outlet with brand new.  I used the Home Depot Mobile App with image search to quickly find replacements for these outlets.

Using The Home Depot Mobile App:

• Open the app on your mobile device. Notice the white search bar near the top.  You can search by voice, barcode or image.

• Click on the camera icon. You can snap a live picture or use an existing photo on your mobile device.

I opted to take a photo of the existing outlet and brown switch with pilot light.

• The app will search and find a similar matching product.

Check out the search results generated below:

• Click on the product you want. In this case I selected the top Leviton tamper resistant outlet in white.
• Once you select the product the app will tell you where in the store it is located, how much stock and all delivery / pick up options.

I opted to pick up in store because this is a relatively small product and I only needed few supplies to complete this project.

Mission accomplished and now the outlets are squeaky clean and refreshed.  Why do new outlets make me feel so good?

Now that the floors have been painted, the beadboard and new trim installed and the outlets replaced I am moving on to the new countertops!  But first I’m sharing how to replace the outlets down below.  It’s a fairly simple process and something you can do yourself.

Supplies:

• (1) duplex outlet
• (1) combination switch with pilot light
• (2) electrical box extender
• (2) outlet wall plate
• Needle nose pliers
• Philips screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver

Instructions:

** Disclaimer: I am not an electrician.  If you are at all unsure about changing out the fixtures then consult an electrician.

Step 1: Shut off the power.  Go to your breaker box and be sure the switches for these outlets are shut off.  Go back to the outlets and check both outlets.  Mine were actually on different breakers so you have to check everything.

Step 2: Remove the old outlet.  Simply unscrew the fixture, pull down a bit to get the wires out of the junction box.

I highly suggest taking a photo of the outlet you just pulled out to be certain you attach the new outlet in the same manner.  The wires should be color coated and the screws on the outlet are different colors as well.

Step 3: Loosen the screws on the side of the outlet and unhook all wires to remove outlet.

Step 4: Slide wires through electrical box extender and push into place.  It will be snug.

Step 5: Re-hook wires onto screws on side of outlet.  Be sure black goes on the ‘hot’ side – brass screws.  White wires go on the stainless steel screws.  If you have a third wire it goes into the back hole.  Also be sure to secure the ground wire to the green screw.

Step 6: Gently but firmly shove the wires back into the box and then secure the outlet to the box using the longer screws that were included with the box extender.

Step 7: You can see I cut the hole too wide in the beadboard for the outlet.  To remedy this cut a small sliver of beadboard then apply construction adhesive to the back.  Slip the spare piece in place and then secure the box extender and outlet.  Add some chaulk and putty to fill any gap.

Step 8: Sand the putty smooth and paint over your mistake!

Step 9: Finally attach the new wall plate.

Now flip the breaker back on and enjoy your new outlets!

Thanks for joining me for this replacing outlets project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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