"Built-In" Cupboard W/ a Microwave Cubby!

5 Materials
Remember when we got rid of the microwave over the stove-top? We added a Rustic Range Hood...but where was the microwave going? Right here! We opened up cabinets and created a 'built-in' cupboard look - adding an easy Microwave Cubby for a counter-depth microwave! This is one of my top 5 Favorite DIY's that we've ever done...
Here's a little BEFORE shot! That's a whole lotta white cabinets don't 'cha think? :)
Ever so much warmer with the cabinets opened up ...
We got rid of the doors and shelves--then added breadboard to all sides of the inside of the cabinets and the backsplash! (We didn't tear down the subway tile-we glued the breadboard right over the tile)
We added a wood countertop ( This post isn't a tutorial for the countertop) The wood countertop is absolutely NOT necessary for this project- Mike joined hardwood and made an edge and we placed the wood countertop right over the granite...
We measured the microwave adding a little room on 3 sides or ventilation - then using 5/8" Plywood, Mike cut out the sides and the bottom of the cubby...
He put it together and installed it using wood screws...
While we were at it, we added another divider to create a place for cookbooks...
He cut 1x2 Pine strips for moldings and attached them with a brad nailer...
Then we painted everything in a coat of Irish Mist paint...
The microwave is a Counter Depth Model -which takes up less space than the extra large one we had before...
Remember the Before...
The kitchen looks so much warmer now...(complete tutorial on All Things Heart and Home) Thanks so much for having a look around my friends xo
All Things Heart and Home
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  3 questions
  • Rita Tantalo Rita Tantalo on Feb 28, 2018

    I too, love the open cupboards, but 1 problem. How do you keep your dishware etc. from getting dusty?

  • Suzy3a Suzy3a on Mar 01, 2018

    My very small wall oven went out and the cooktop was on it's way out too so I got a regular stove. I removed the wall oven, built a shelf and put my microwave and toaster oven in there. My problem is the microwave cuts off after about 12 minutes and has to cool down. Do you have an issue with yours over heating being in a confined space? I put a vent in the side of the cabinet but it didn't help much.

  • Dpo1826113 Dpo1826113 on Mar 03, 2018

    how does your microwave cubby allow for enough air

    flow behind it? That's necessary, you know.

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  • Pamala McBrayer Pamala McBrayer on Nov 08, 2018

    I want my microwave off the actual counter, but because of rotator cuff and neck injuries, no way is a microwave above the range a safe option for my kitchen. I need to build a wall cabinet that puts it about chest level, not a reach UP.

    • Sandra Sandra on Dec 18, 2018

      I am 5’1” and over the oven (stove) microwaves are just out i

      of reach unless I use a stool. Not a great idea. But in a small kitchen, which I have, my microvave being on the counter takes up far too much of a foot print. This is nice, but still it doesn’t help add counter space. But, it looks terrific. Now if I could have all those always used counter items up in the ceiling and have a button which would cause them to drop down, used, then push a button to move them back into their place. Now that would be some kitchen.


  • Lisa Sinclair Lisa Sinclair on Oct 20, 2019

    I love my open cabinets, and my microwave is up and off the counter. I think I keep everything much tidier, cause now you see everything

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