DIY Range Hood Microwave Cover: Hide Your Microwave in Style
Do you have a microwave serving as your kitchen vent? No extra space for a separate microwave? You’ve been dreaming of a sleek, custom range hood design? Now you can have it all!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I built a custom wooden range hood cover to hide my microwave. From prototype to finishing touches, I’ll walk you through every step so you can create a functional and stylish solution for your kitchen.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Microwave Before
Microwave After with Range Hood
Project Snapshot / Quick Facts
- Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced
- Time Required: 2-3 Weekends
- Cost: ~$100–150
Material & Tools List
Materials
- 2×3 wooden studs
- 1/4″ birch plywood
- Wood stain: Dark Walnut & Antique White (Varathane)
- Continuous hinge
- Hydraulic hinge (Amazon)
- Power strip
- Screws, Brad nails
- Wood Glue
Tools
- Drill
- Nail Gun
- Router
- Table Saw
- Measuring Tape
- Clamps
- Sander/ Sandpaper
Step-by Step DIY Range Hood Instructions
Step 1: Build a Prototype
Before committing to the final project, I built a prototype to test the design and dimensions. It looked rough, but it gave me confidence that the concept was feasible.
💡 Tip: Don’t skip the prototype! It ensures you get the angles and fit just right.
Prototype using scrap wood 😉
Just playing around 😉
Step 2: Install the Range Hood Base Frame
This solid base is crucial for supporting the microwave cover latch later.
- Remove upper kitchen cabinet doors and crown molding.
- Build a wooden frame using 2×3 studs for the top part of the range hood cover.
- Attach the frame to the upper cabinets and ceiling using wood screws.
Step 3: Build the Microwave Cover Latch
- Construct a three-sided latch frame out of 2×3 studs, leaving the bottom open.
- Ensure the latch is positioned for easy reach — not too low to hit your head, not too high to not reach it.
Step 4: Install the Microwave Cover Latch
- Attach the latch to the base frame using a continuous hinge.
- Mount one hinge onto the base studs and the second onto the latch frame.
Latch using a continuous hinge
Assembled latch- Microwave After with Range Hood
Step 5: Attach Range Hood Plywood Covers
- Install 1/4″ birch plywood onto the base and latch using a nail gun. 💡 Tip: You may need to add a power strip on top of the cabinet if you can no longer reach the outlet behind the microwave.
- Measure and cut side pieces using a cardboard template for exact angles.💡 Tip: Templates save mistakes when cutting angled pieces.
Range hood cover using plywood
Plywood strips “Shaker style”
Plywood lip along the latch to cover base when closed
Step 6: Add Shaker-Style Trim
- Cut strips of 1/4″ birch plywood for the shaker-style frame.
- Bevel the inner edges using a router.
- Attach strips with wood glue, ensuring they create a lip to hide plywood edges.
Holding plywood in place with wood glue and clamps
Beveled plywood edges using a router- Plywood strips “Shaker style”
Step 7: Finishing Range hood Touches
- Stain the wood with a mix of Dark Walnut and Antique White (Varathane).
- Install a hydraulic hinge (Amazon) on the latch so it stays open. The hydraulic hinge makes daily use smoother and safer.💡 Tip: Glue a small wooden strip onto the microwave to attach the hinge if space is limited.
Final Microwave cover
The microwave is now hidden behind a custom wooden cover, giving the kitchen a clean, cohesive look. The shaker trim matches the cabinets, and the hydraulic hinge makes opening the cover effortless.
Q&A, Pro Tips
Q: Does the construction hold up with frequent opening and closing of the latch?
A: Yes, it’s held up great! After about two years, the metal piece that connected the hydraulic hinge eventually gave out from stress, but I simply replaced the hinge and everything works perfectly again.
Q: Does it open evenly even though there’s only one hinge?
A: Yes! Because the 1/4″ plywood is so lightweight, the cover opens smoothly and stays level. Even after four years, the latch is still perfectly straight.
Q: Did you apply any protective coating?
A: Not this time — though I normally would. Surprisingly, even after four years, there’s been no change in color or material. I just wipe it down occasionally with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
Q: What did you do with the old cabinet doors?
A: Nothing goes to waste in my workshop! I repurposed the doors for my next project.
Q: Would you do anything differently if you did it again?
A: Overall, I’m very happy with how it turned out. If I were to do it again, I might use a higher-grade wood for the latch frame instead of standard studs — it would cost a bit more but give a more professional finish.
Q: Any other tips I should know before starting?
A: Definitely build a rough prototype first using scrap wood or even cardboard — it makes planning and measuring so much easier. Also, lightly sand or round off all corners so they’re not sharp once finished.
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