How to Make a Box to Hang a Microwave

Assemble the Microwave Box

• 1

  Measure the width, height and depth of the microwave. Transfer the depth and height measurements to the side boards and add 1 inch to both dimensions for some wiggle room. Mark the measurements and cut the side boards to fit. Transfer the width and depth measurements to the top and bottom boards, adding 2 inches to the width measurement and 1 inch to the depth measurement. Mark the measurements and cut the top and bottom boards to fit.

• 2

  Assemble the boards with the bottom board on the working surface and the two side boards stacked on top of it, their outside edges flush with the outside edge of the bottom board. Position the top board on top of the side boards and ensure that the outside edges are flush. Predrill three evenly spaced holes through the top board and into each side board. Attach the boards together with wood screws.

• 3

  Flip the assembly and repeat the process with the bottom board, then rotate the entire box so that its front surface is face down on the working surface. Measure the dimensions of the rear area and cut the rear board to cover the entire rear of the box.

Installing the Box

• 4

  Locate the studs in the desired microwave wall using the stud finder, marking each side of the studs with pencil. Measure the distance from the center of one stud to the next. Transfer this measurement to the rear board of the box to make four evenly spaced markings in the rear board. Mark these locations as two rows of two markings each, with each row the same distance apart as the wall studs, and with the distance between the rows vertically dependent on the size of the microwave.

• 5

  Predrill all four holes and hold the rear board up to the wall surface. Position the board so that all four markings line up with studs, then mark the wall through the board using a pencil. Reposition the holes by drilling new ones if necessary if you cannot line the holes up with the studs.

• 6

  Predrill the wall markings, being sure to come into contact with the wood stud on each hole. Cut or drill out a small hole in one corner of the rear board to allow the electrical cord to exit the box. Position the rear board on the back of the microwave box and attach it in place using the wood screws, predrilling holes every 8 inches around the perimeter first.

• 7

  Hold the box in position on the wall and insert the 3-inch wood screws, tightening each partway until they are all installed. Tighten each screw completely, then test the strength of the installation by pulling down on the box before installing the microwave.