Struggling with fitting a new built-in microwave – any tips on cutting the frame to keep the finished edge inside?
Asked by Ahmet Brun 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Can you help me out with this geometry puzzle? I got a new built-in microwave but I can’t figure out how to trim the frame to make it fit. I want to keep the finished edge on the inside if possible, but I don’t think it’s doable. I have pictures of the old and new microwaves, along with their dimensions.
I suggest avoiding mitering the corners. Instead, use full-length pieces for the top and bottom, and then fill in the sides.
Kevin s, that was actually my initial idea and I was very close to going for it. I even went ahead and got a table saw. But then I realized that it wouldn’t alter the inner height of the rectangle, which is currently 13″ compared to the microwave’s 14.75″.
Do you happen to have wood stain that matches your cabinets for the filler strips?
Kevin s I’m not sure, these cabinets are probably from ikea so it’s unlikely to be real wood. I might check out ikea for some trim options. I’m also exploring stainless steel kits but it’s tough to find one that fits both my microwave and the cabinet space
What if I just trim and paint the pieces black instead?
Oh wow, there used to be a nearby stainless shop that could make custom items like this for me at a good price but it seems they’ve shut down or relocated
For the drawer face detail, extend the left and right boards to full height and carefully add in the horizontal pieces. You might want to round off the ends of the horizontals to match the drawer faces.
PS: Try using lumber that matches the species and cross-section of the drawer face frames. You might be able to find prefinished material from kitchen cabinet suppliers, which would save you a lot of work and concerns about matching the surroundings.