How to Make Your Microwave Look Built-In

In newer homes, architects often design kitchens to have built-in appliances. Integrating appliances, fixtures and furnishings creates a more cohesive, uniform and efficient work area. A built-in microwave, for example, saves the counter space that freestanding microwaves typically take up. Get in on the benefits of a built-in microwave by installing a freestanding microwave inside of an overhead kitchen cabinet.

Tape measure
Pencil
Straight edge
Drill
Saw
Hole saw
Stain and finish or paint

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height of the microwave.
- 2
  Measure up from the bottom of the inside of a cabinet to the height of your microwave plus 1 inch. Using that measurement, make a series of marks along the inner walls of the cabinet and along the back of the cabinet door. Place a straightedge across the marks and connect them with straight lines.
- 3
  Unscrew and remove the cabinet doors.
- 4
  Unscrew and remount the first shelf from the bottom so the bottom edge of the shelf lines up with the pencil lines inside the cabinet.
- 5
  Saw off the bottoms of the cabinet doors, along the marked lines. Sand the cut edges with 220-grit sandpaper. Stain and finish or paint the cut edges to match the existing finish of the cabinets.
- 6
  Cut a hole in the bottom of the cabinet, near the back, to thread the microwave cord through. Cut the hole with a hole saw.
- 7
  Replace the cabinet doors. The removed sections will leave a opening at the bottom of the cabinet for insertion of and access to the microwave.
- 8
  Place the microwave in the cabinet opening, threading the cord through the hole.

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