Best Surface Mount Floor Boxes and Electrical Back Boxes for Modern Spaces
Choosing the right surface mount boxes and floor boxes helps installers and DIYers protect connections while keeping floors clean and accessible. This guide focuses on reliable options that fit tight spaces, offer durable construction, and support both power and data needs. Below are five top picks, including backboxes and floor boxes from trusted brands, with quick access to product details and installation considerations.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang | Leviton | Backbox | Flat, 1.89″ depth; practical where wall boxes aren’t feasible |
| Arlington FLBR5420 Recessed Floor Box | ARLINGTON | Floor Box | Multiple cover colors; recessed power and data |
| Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Dual Gang | Leviton | Backbox | Dual gang; compatible with multimedia wallplates |
| Arlington FLBRF101BL-1 Retrofit Floor Box | ARLINGTON | Floor Box | Flush-to-floor installation; includes receptacle and accessories |
| Arlington FLBC4580 Recessed Floor Box | ARLINGTON | Floor Box | Concrete floor compatibility; brass finish option |
Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Single Gang
Designed for spaces where adding a traditional wall box isn’t practical, this Leviton backbox provides a shallow, surface-mounted housing with a 1.89-inch depth. It’s suitable for single-gang installations and includes breakouts that align with common surface mount raceway systems, enabling straightforward wiring paths and compatibility with various faceplates. The unit’s plastic construction emphasizes light weight and resistance to typical indoor conditions, making it a versatile option for apartments, offices, and workshops where surface wiring is preferred.
Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Black, Single Gang
This Leviton backbox variant provides a black finish and the same practical 1.89-inch depth as its white counterpart. It is intended for surface mounting where a conventional wall box isn’t feasible, offering breakouts to match standard surface raceway layouts. The housing is compatible with a broad range of Leviton faceplates and configurations, making it a favorable choice for retrofit projects or rooms with limited wall access.
Leviton Surface Mount Backbox, Dual Gang
In dual-gang configurations, this Leviton backbox accommodates higher outlet density in surface mounting situations. Like other Leviton units, it features breakouts to integrate with standard surface raceway systems and supports compatibility with multimedia wallplates. The 1.89-inch depth keeps overhead clearance reasonable while delivering a sturdy mounting surface for outlets, data jacks, and low-voltage devices.
Arlington Retrofit Electrical Floor Box
This Arlington retrofit floor box provides a practical flush-to-floor installation suitable for existing floors. The kit includes a box designed for retrofit projects, a NM94 connector, duplex receptacle, back plate, gasketed cover, and mounting screws. It supports convenient upgrades where power access is required in finished floors, minimizing the need for major structural changes while delivering a clean, low-profile finish.
Arlington FLBC4580 Recessed Floor Box
Designed for concrete floors, this recessed floor box kit accommodates a clean, professional installation with a choice of brass or nickel finishes. It includes a 15-amp Decora style power outlet and is marketed for concrete floor applications, making it a solid option for new construction or renovations where the floor surface must remain uninterrupted. The recessed design helps minimize tripping hazards and creates a streamlined appearance.
Arlington Flush Floor Box Kit (Brass)
This flush floor box kit is designed for a precise fit requiring a 3.5-inch hole plus a 4-inch countersink cut. It enables a clean, sanded-in look with two threaded screw plugs and an option for brass or nickel-plated covers. While it emphasizes flush mounting and a refined finish, installation requires careful measurement and surface preparation for best results.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
When selecting surface mount or floor boxes, consider installation environment, load requirements, and future accessibility. Here are essential factors to evaluate:
- Application type: Choose backboxes for surface-mounted walls or cabinets, and floor boxes for exposed outlets in floors or under desks. Consider whether you need data, power, or both, and select boxes that support the desired configurations.
- Depth and footprint: Shallow-depth backboxes (around 1.89 inches) save space and minimize protrusion. Floor boxes vary in depth and diameter; measure the installation area before purchasing.
- Material and finish: Plastic backboxes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while metal options can offer higher durability and a premium look. Finish color should coordinate with surrounding décor or equipment.
- Compatibility: Ensure the backbox or floor box is compatible with available faceplates, outlets, and low-voltage components. Breakouts and modular designs improve flexibility with raceways.
- Environmental suitability: For kitchens, bathrooms, garages, or outdoor-adjacent spaces, select sealed or gasketed models to resist dust and moisture intrusion.
- Installation considerations: Some floor boxes require specific hole sizes or concrete-cut requirements. Retrofit boxes are useful for existing floors but may need precise alignment.
- UL certification and standards: Look for listings that indicate compliance with electrical codes and safety standards to ensure reliable operation and warranty eligibility.
- Screw and accessory requirements: Note whether screws or metric inserts are included. Some products specify metric threading, which affects fastener selection.
In summary, for surface mounting in less accessible spaces, Leviton backboxes offer dependable compatibility with common raceways and wallplates. Arlington floor boxes provide varied depth options and finishes suitable for concrete or retrofit applications. When planning a multi-gang setup or upgrading an installation in a room with limited wall space, pairing backboxes with compatible faceplates and a properly sized floor box kit helps maintain a clean, safe, and code-compliant result.