How to Make a Built in Microwave Cabinet in an Existing Kitchen

No Space in My Kitchen for the Microwave

6/11/2025

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We started this project somewhat doubtful that we would be successful. Undaunted by the prospect of failure, we moved forward with Steph's idea for a floating or hanging microwave cabinet.

There are two moments in this build that brought us great joy and a real sense of accomplishment. Comment below when you find them.

Bonus, we were able to complete this project with only supplies we had on hand. Actually, we did it twice as you'll soon find out!

Materials/Tools:

Sawstop Jobsite Saw

Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig (Amazon)

Rockler Square Tool (Amazon)

Rockler Quick-Release Pock-it Hole Clamp (Amazon)

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-piece Combo Kit (Driver-Drill/Impact Driver) 1.5Ah (Home Depot)

Husky Adjustable Height Black Workbench Table (Home Depot)

RYOBI ONE+ 18V 18-Gauge Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer (Home Depot)

The usual place for a microwave is on a counter and this is where it lived for a long time, wasting precious counter space.

This is the original layout with a bottom cabinet on which sat the microwave. It was a waste of space to have the microwave there but there was no other place where it would work. The cabinet below was fine, but because it was adjacent to the sliding door, which was used frequently, it made the space feel tight.

Here's what the space looked like after removing the cabinet due to water damage.

The bottom cabinet was damaged near the bottom due to a water leak from that sliding door. We removed the cabinet, repaired the wall and flooring, painted, and added trim and a new baseboard to the area.

Our final cabinet measurements are based on the dimensions of the cabinet above as well as the microwave oven itself.

We tested fitted the oven into the cabinet to make sure it would fit.

This is the second iteration of the cabinet. The design of the side supports in the first one didn't leave enough space for the microwave. Plan B solved those issues.

Cutting the wood to size on the SawStop table saw.

We ended up bringing the table saw over to Steph's house to make all the cuts. This was smart since we had to make version 2 of the cabinet.

Here Steph is constructing the face frame with pocket holes.

We used the Kreg pocket hole jig and used a Makita Black drill to screw them in.

More pocket holes and wood glue were used to construct the box. Teamwork kept all the pieces square.

For ventilation purposes, we left the back open with the exception of this support board across the back. Since the back is visible, we did fill in those pocket holes and added wood veneer edge banding to the exposed plywood edges.

Back at my house, I sanded, primed, and painted the cabinet. The tape is where the support will be attached so we left that paint free so we could get a good bond with the wood glue.

I used these extra large zip bags to store a small paint tray along with a brush and roller for touch ups. Once empty and dry, the bags can be reused.

To hang the cabinet we are adding a small strip of wood that extends about an inch beyond the bottom of the upper cabinet.

This. Was. A. Genius. idea! The dinning room table is on an adjustable Husky workbench base so we raised the table so it would support the cabinet while it was screwed into place. It worked like a charm!

With the table holding the cabinet in place, Steph screwed through the support into the side of the cabinet.

How to build a built in microwave oven cabinet.

Here's a closer look at those supports.

The last step was to add the face frame. We attached it with a single brad nail in each corner so it can be removed when the oven will need to be taken out. With the frame in place, the microwave cannot be removed.

The last step was to add the face frame. We attached it with a single brad nail in each corner so it can be removed if the microwave needs to be taken out.

Evolution of Steph's Kitchen

This is the kitchen before any improvements were made.

This is how the kitchen looked the day Steph closed on the house back in 2013.

That's a peel and stick stone backsplash.

A few years later we covered up that scalloped area over the sink, repainted the cabinets, added new hinges and handles, redid the floors in vinyl planks, and added a peel and stick stone backsplash.

And the current kitchen with new sliding door, fridge, that light fixture which is just a wire trash can that is upside-down and the new microwave cabinet and matching kitchen island on wheels. LOVE!

The cabinet is set away from the back wall so that the switches can be access and so there is adequate ventilation for the microwave.

The switches are actually easier to access than when the microwave just sat on the counter.

This was such a satisfying build! Everything about it required creative thinking and many adjustments along the way, but end the end, it is perfection!

This cabinet, along with the mobile kitchen island below, work together so well and have made this kitchen so much more functional.

Let us know what you think.

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

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