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Jaime Costiglio

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How To Replace Outlets Over Beadboard

August 4, 2020

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!

outlets replaced

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:

laundry room wall before

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.

beadboard on wall with 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.

mobile app search bar

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

mobile app image search camera

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

mobile app product image search

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

Check out the search results generated below:

mobile app image search results

  • 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.

mobile app delivery 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?

replace outlets in beadboard

replacing outlets

updated wall treatment

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.

new outlet over beadboard

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

supplies for new outlets

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.

unscrew old outlet

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

old outlet pulled out

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.

old outlet removing wires

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

inserting outlet extender box

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

squeezing wire in place on outlet

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.

installing new outlet

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.

new outlet with filler piece

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.

painting outlet filler piece

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

installing new outlet coverStep 9: Finally attach the new wall plate.

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

beadboard with 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:

Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook / Youtube / Twitter

how to replace outlets

how to replace outlets in beadboard 

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Filed Under: DIY, HOME DECOR, SALTBOX PROJECT, TOOLS2 Comments

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Comments

  1. K Phillips says

    August 4, 2020 at 8:35 AM

    You always do such an outstanding job and offer such helpful tips! But this time I’m anxiously looking for more pics about that canvas bin that we only get a glimpse of–I have been searching and searching for a rolling laundry basket. I think you just might have found the perfect one. Where did you find this little gem?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      August 4, 2020 at 12:04 PM

      Thank you. The canvas laundry bin is from Steele https://www.steelecanvas.com/collections/for-home-trucks/products/elevated-truck-removable-canvas-6bu?variant=7890621251 I promise to share more laundry room details in a full wrap up post once I complete the space.

      Reply

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