I'm curious if anyone has taken the plunge to modify their hardwood floors for flush mount register covers instead of the typical plastic ones. Specifically, I'm looking for tips on setting up a router jig or any other techniques for cutting out the flooring to accommodate these covers.
1 Answer
Absolutely! If you're looking to do this, start with a flat piece of 1/2" plywood that's larger than your grille dimensions, ensuring there's extra space all around. Center your grille on it, cut the plywood into 1-inch strips to create a frame around the grille, and secure it with screws—taping it down first helps, too. Then, with a router and a flush cut-top bearing bit, remove the grille and router a hole into the plywood. Make sure to fasten it to your floor with double-sided tape and check your router depth carefully; you just want the grille to sit flush. A practice run on some scrap wood is also a good idea before you go for it. Hope that helps!
And definitely watch out for nails! If your router bit hits one while spinning at high speed, it's going to be quite an adventure.