How to Install a Duct for Venting a Kitchen Hood

Position the kitchen hood vent at least 24 inches above the stove top. Mark the outline of the vent connection on the bottom of the cabinet above the hood. Mark the screw holes through the hood tabs on the wall and the bottom of the cabinet.

Put on work gloves and goggles. Then cut the outline of the vent connector through the bottom of the cabinet with a reciprocating saw.

Open the cabinet door. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the cabinet. Draw an outline of the flexible vent pipe on the back of the cabinet between the studs.

Cut along the outline through the back of the cabinet, the interior wall and the exterior wall with a reciprocating saw.

Feed a flexible duct pipe through the bottom and the back of the cabinet to the exterior wall. Connect the pipe to the vent of the hood.

Feed the electrical wiring of the hood through the bottom and back of the cabinet. Turn off the main power supply to your home. Connect the wiring to a nearby electrical outlet with wire nuts.

Drill pilot holes through each screw mark on the cabinet and wall. The pilot holes should be smaller than the wood screws you will use to attach the hood.

Position the hood in place. Fasten the hood to the underside of the cabinet by inserting and tightening wood screws in the pilot holes with a screwdriver.

Fit an aluminum flashing ring around the flexible vent pipe on the exterior of the house. Apply caulk around the end of the vent pipe and around the flashing ring to prevent moisture from damaging the exterior of the home.