How to Mount Brackets for the Microwave Above the Stove

Find the studs on the wall with a stud finder. The microwave must be mounted to a flat wall constructed with 2x4-inch studding or drywall that is at least 3/8-inch thick. The wall must be capable of supporting the weight of the microwave. Consult the owner's manual for the weight of the microwave.

Remove the mounting plate from the microwave: The mounting plate is often attached with screws or bolts. Reserve the hardware. Some microwaves have a mounting plate that is released by pulling a lever.

Position the mounting plate on the wall above the stove. Align the mounting holes with the studs and mark the locations with a pencil. The microwave must be mounted on the studs, or else it may fall. Some microwaves come with a mounting template, a piece of paper that contains a printout of the mounting plate.

Drill holes into the wall in the location of each mounting bracket hole.

Insert the provided toggle bolts into the holes.

Position the mounting plate against the wall so the holes on the mounting plate are aligned with the drilled holes in the wall.

Insert the provided washers onto the provided bolts. Insert the bolts into the mounting holes. Tighten the bolts with an adjustable wrench until you feel the bolt insert into the toggle bolt in the hole. Pull the bolt toward away from the wall to clamp it down against the back of the wall, then tighten the bolt all the way down to the wall.