Rather than wasting the space, learn how we used the existing ducting and cabinet above our stove to create a custom DIY storage range hood cover.
Custom DIY Storage Range Hood Tutorial
NOTE: The fan is vented to the outside of our house through ductwork. It does not blow into the top of the hood, nor does it blow back into the kitchen. This is what it was designed for.
Today I’m finally sharing the last piece of the kitchen renovation! I’m going to do my best to walk you through this process in detail. Just keep in mind that your dimensions may be a little different than ours, so you will have to adjust accordingly.
Inspiration Photo via Better Homes and Gardens
We have received many questions about our DIY storage range hood! I have to give all of the credit for the storage factor to Mack- while we were in the planning stages of the kitchen I presented him with this beautiful high-end inspiration photo. He not only had a clear vision for how he would build it, but he also saw the functional potential in it by recycling the existing cabinet as a storage area.
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We started out by searching for the cheapest possible under cabinet stainless steel vent fan that we could find.
BEFORE:
We had a few considerations- we had to make sure it would fit the existing ductwork that attached in the back of the current ugly white vent fan. The new vent fan we found was made by Broan and I chose it because it had the buttons on the bottom rather than the front, so it was perfect for our purpose!
We followed the standard installation instructions, and luckily it fit perfectly and easily with the existing ductwork (I didn’t get a photo, but it was a simple matter of attaching it at the existing connection). Next, we went to work modifying the cabinet.
Mack simply cut out the divider in the middle of the cabinet with his multi-tool. He tried to do it as neatly as possible, but we still ended up having to use a small piece of wood and putty to repair the area where the divider had been.
Next, he measured and cut the plywood for the sides. He does this all in his head, incredibly. I am the type of person who covers everything in sticky notes when I’m doing a project- he can remember numbers and measurements without a problem.
Then he installed the side pieces using wood glue, nails, and screws. The screws were used strategically. We wanted the extra support, but we could only use them where we knew they would eventually be covered by trim pieces.
Center braces were added to support for support for the plywood panel. The panel covers up the top of the vent, but enough of a gap was left so that it directs the air down from the fan to help it circulate.
We added the pine trim pieces to get the look of the architectural detail in the inspiration photo. After, I filled in the nail holes with Drydex and sanded. Then we painted it at the same time as the rest of the cabinets, using our paint sprayer.
The last step was the door. Mack built the door using a framed piece of plywood. He framed it because we knew that we were going to have to cut the door at an angle at the end so it would sit flush with the hood, so he wanted to have solid wood for a nice finished edge. We added the center trim (made from scrap pine) with glue and a nail gun.
Mack calculated the angle by making a template based off of the actual range hood. After making sure the template sat flush, he cut the door at the same angle.
Then it was time for the test fit. Nearly perfect!
I came in for the finish work at this point, and I sanded until it was perfectly flush, filled holes, and etc. We used the drill press to create the holes for the hinges, and then it received a coat of paint from the sprayer, and we reattached the hinges.
Then it was complete, and we reinstalled the door. Most people who visit are shocked that there is storage- while you can see the gaps around the lid if you look closely, it isn’t something that immediately jumps out at you.
We also added a friction lid support to keep it from shutting on me while I was using it.
I love the custom cabinetry inspired detail that it adds to our kitchen. Of course, I appreciate the bonus that it is functional. I am extremely lucky that Mack has the skills to not only accomplish my ideas, but he also brings his own brand of logical creativity to our projects. What do you think of this project?
See more posts in the kitchen makeover series: [ubergrid id=13891]
mkcole25 says
I love that idea, such a great way to make use of a wasted space. Going to have to pin for when we finally get to buy again and not be renting because of the military.
Nina says
Thank you so much! And thank you for your family’s service!!
Cher says
Fabulous idea! I never thought to do that but it totally makes sense!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C
Nina says
Thank you Cher!!
stephanie, sandpaper and glue says
love love love this idea- so resourceful!
Nina says
Thanks Stephanie!! :)
Alanna says
That looks SO great! I wouldn’t dream it had been DIYd… Awesome job:)
Nina says
Thank you so much Alanna!
april says
Thanks so much for this idea. We had been thinking about buying an insert and a liner because that’s the only way I was aware of. But even that DIY idea cost upwards of $400 here in Alaska. Thanks so much for this idea. It looks beautiful and we are doing the same thing!
Nina says
You are very welcome!! Best of luck to you with your project :)
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says
I think this is an amazing idea. Well executed!!!
Nina says
Thank you so much, Brittany!
John Gray says
Great idea that I may modify to fit my daughter’s kitchen needs. She is an interior designer and told me the other day that a bad or standard range hood ruins a kitchen for her; she has trouble getting past it. This might be the starting point for her new kitchen! By the way, what is the hardware called that is supporting the front “door”? I am needing that for another project and cant find locally. Thanks for a great idea.
Nina says
Hi John! It’s called a Friction Lid Support. We purchased ours right at our local home improvement store in the hardware aisle, but they also have them here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171180669935?lpid=82.
Liz says
Holy cow! This is an awesome idea! I am totally keeping this in the back of my mind for my future kitchen makeover. Thanks!
april says
Hi again,
I am curious what your measurement is from your cooktop to the bottom of the hood. I am seeing codes that specify that combustable material has to be 30 inches at least from cooktop and the hood you used has a max placement of 24 inches above the cooktop. We bought the same hood and just realized that. Did you know about that or did you just do it anyway? I don’t want to have to take it down when we sell, that’s the conundrum im having. Thanks for your thoughts.
Nina says
It is slightly over 30″ from the flame to the vent. We placed it in the same location as what was already there, opting to reuse the ductwork rather than ripping apart the wall. Since the range vent is more powerful than the one that was in the location previously, I’m not sure why the manufacturer says 24″- but ultimately we were more concerned about the local code than the manufacturer’s recommendations. It all passed code and works well!
Nina says
However, if you are getting ready to sell, I would call your local building inspector and the manufacturer to discuss- we are not planning to ever sell, so we were doing the project from a much different perspective.
april says
Okay. Sounds good. Thanks for your quick reply. :)
Hannah says
We are doing a few remodels to our kitchen and we have to same vent system about ours. how do you get the air to vent back out?
Nina says
Hi Hannah,
Sorry I missed this! There is an air duct at the back that was already in place from the the previous hood.
Amber says
I am curious about the ductless airflow too
Nina says
Hi Amber,
There is an air duct at the back of the vent that was already in place from the the previous hood.
Heidi @ Honeybear Lane says
Hi! I love this idea and how well you executed it. We want to replace our above the range microwave and do something like this. I’m curious what the thickness of the plywood was used? It looks to be 3/4″ but I want to make sure. Is that the same plywood that was also used for the door because the stiles and rails of the door are most likely 3/4″ which would make the plywood closer to 1/2″ thick? Thanks!
Nina says
Hi Heidi! Thank you so much! Yes, exactly- we used 3/4″ plywood for the frame, 3/4″ pine boards for the stiles and rails, and then 1/2″ plywood for the center panels. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, I will make a note to update the post :)
Ashley @Actually Ashley says
Wow, this is an amazing idea! Thank you so much for sharing. Giving me lots of ideas for the kitchen of our new home :)
Amber says
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’m so glad I found this blog and blog post. Thank you!
Nina says
So happy that it was helpful to you! :)
Megan Jenson says
Awesome makeover! Thank you for sharing! :)
Justin Jablanski says
Does the fan build but a brownish film from the blower fan onto the swinging door, as it is now trapping the exhaust fan into your new vent cover?
Nina says
Hi, Justin! I apologize, I’m not sure I understand your question… the fan is vented to the outside of our home through ductwork. Is that what you mean?
Jessica says
This exactly what I need for my small kitchen, def gonna start on this diy project ASAP now that I see the steps needed 👍🏻Thank you 🙏
Amber says
Hello,
First of all, I absolutely love this idea and want to build something similar in my home. Do you feel like the 200 CFM hood you bought works well enough? I’ve read some reviews that say that CFM does matter and others that don’t. What are your thoughts? Thanks for sharing such an awesome DIY!
Nina says
We’ve never felt that it was underpowered for the space!