Cabinet Modification

[bulldog]

We want to install a microwave over our new stove, but the current cabinet is about 5 inches lower than what is recommended for clearance between the stove and microwave.
Wondering if someplace like Cords Cabinets would be able to cut them down and resize the doors to fit.
Whatcha reckon?

[StadEMS3]

I had the same problem. I took the doors off, marked the cabinet all the way around, put blue tape on to help with chips. Set up my table saw and cut the box down to size. I screwed the bottom back on to include the center post. Just drill countersunk holes from the bottom up. The doors were gently pulled apart, cut to size and put it back together. Looks factory... Not to hard at all. If your not carpentry inclined, take it to Cords, I'm sure they'll hook you up for a fee. Good luck!

[bulldog]

Originally Posted by StadEMS3

I had the same problem. I took the doors off, marked the cabinet all the way around, put blue tape on to help with chips. Set up my table saw and cut the box down to size. I screwed the bottom back on to include the center post. Just drill countersunk holes from the bottom up. The doors were gently pulled apart, cut to size and put it back together. Looks factory... Not to hard at all. If your not carpentry inclined, take it to Cords, I'm sure they'll hook you up for a fee. Good luck!

Thanks a bunch. I thought about this exact process last night and have all the tools required to do it, but am a bit concerned about the doors. I'll have a closer look at them to see if they come apart like you suggest or if they are solid.

[jrt_ms1995]

Originally Posted by bulldog

We want to install a microwave over our new stove, but the current cabinet is about 5 inches lower than what is recommended for clearance between the stove and microwave.
Wondering if someplace like Cords Cabinets would be able to cut them down and resize the doors to fit.
Whatcha reckon?

We didn't do it this way; had Cords just make a new, shorter cabinet to put in place of the original. Wasn't that much; less than $200 if I remember right.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by jrt_ms1995

We didn't do it this way; had Cords just make a new, shorter cabinet to put in place of the original. Wasn't that much; less than $200 if I remember right.

It's much easier to make a new one than it is to rework an existing cabinet. If you have raised panel doors, just pulling apart the stiles and rails without busting them up or messing up the raised panel is a chore.

[huntr1]

If they are "stock" cabinets, check with Lowes and they may have one pre-built to fit your needs. Or at least replacment doors. Hardest part with pre-made is going to be color match. Cord's can color match if you take them the existing door.

[JEB]

Do you really want doors in front of a microwave?
Wouldn't they get in your way when it's being used?

[huntr1]

Originally Posted by JEB

Do you really want doors in front of a microwave?
Wouldn't they get in your way when it's being used?

[bulldog]

Thanks for the input.
Cord's won't touch them unless they made them to begin with. I'm sure they would make us a new one, but these are 15 years old and matching the color would be a problem...I would think.
As for Lowes, yes, they are stock cabinets and still made, but even the distributer said that if we purchased a new one of the exact model, the colors would be much different due to 15 years of fading.

[bulldog]

Originally Posted by JEB

Do you really want doors in front of a microwave?
Wouldn't they get in your way when it's being used?

I'm missing your point. The doors are on the cabinet which would be above the microwave and not in the way.