Author Topic: Lets talk trim kits!  (Read 1404 times)

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Lets talk trim kits!
« on: September 11, 2021, 12:54:02 AM »
So my microwave died.  20 years old (way newer to me) and it was "built in".  It was a beast, convection capabilities that I never used, never popped popcorn correctly as long as I owned it.  Started making a strange noise and burning smell.  Now to be clear, I can probably fix it.  I still have to open it up, but if it's just a connector easy peasy.  If I have to replace the magnetron or transformer then it's going to be $$.  A like-for-like replacement will be $600-$1000.  There's no way I'll pay that much for a microwave!

So I looked for something a similar size.  Nothing will match my existing trim kit.  I got the closest basic microwave and there's still about 1/2-1 inch space on all sides.  Of course there's a trim kit available for my microwave.... $300.  Ok that's like 2 times the price of the actual microwave.  No deal.

I'm searching for third party solutions.  Surely you can laser cut some stainless steel for less than $300 right?  No, custom solutions are apparently more like $400.  If I'm wrong, and missing a supplier, please let me know.  My search is young.

So what else?  Trim it out with wood?  The cabinet is massive even compared to this giant 2.2 cuft microwave.  It looks super dumb without some kind of trim.  Use my old trim and try fill in the gaps with sheet metal or black painted wood?

Why is this so hard?  Is it because people who like built-in appliances have no budget constraints?

P.S. my icemaker died and I spend a whole day getting it running again.  After the third time my water dispenser broke I just disconnected the valve terminals.  When the icemaker fill valve started to have trouble closing I switched them out.  So I'm running on borrowed time, looking at new refrigerators and it's the absolute worst time to be shopping for appliances.  The fridge is also 20 years old but still works... hate to toss working stuff but I'm also not paying a significant fraction of a new appliance to buy parts.  Hopefully my Maguver solution holds us over because most stuff we are looking at has months-long lead time.  If I straight up wait for the fridge to fail, I'm looking at a bunch of spoiled food and buying the cheapest walmart fridge I can find while I wait months for a real fridge to be delivered.

Fishindude

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3075
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2021, 06:38:58 AM »
Shouldn't be any big deal to build some wood or metal trim to make that slightly smaller microwave look like it belongs there.
Any respectable carpenter could easily pull this off.   Get some help from a handyman if this is beyond your skill set.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22421
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2021, 07:44:47 AM »
Microwave not waving, fridge on the fritz? Sounds like it's time for a $$$ full kitchen renovation. At least your dragon-ness will make demo easy.





(j/k)

uniwelder

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1723
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Appalachian Virginia
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2021, 08:20:30 AM »
I've gotten aluminum laser cut for less than I could buy small amounts of material for.  Usually they just throw my part in with production of other pieces being cut from the same sheet.  Maybe the places you've asked don't want to deal with the hassle, but it doesn't actually cost that much to do.  If you were friendly with someone, $50 could potentially get you a laser cut aluminum surrounding, like a picture frame style, rectangle within a rectangle. 

Along the same metal trim idea, a sheet metal shop could shear an aluminum rectangle to match your outer dimensions, then you cut the inner rectangular window with a jigsaw.  I mention aluminum because its so much easier to work with than stainless.  Alloys 3003 and 5052 are common for sheet and are decent for not corroding too much.  Might want to spray with clear coat though.  And when cutting, be sure to keep the protective plastic on it (if existing) or cover with masking tape.  If it doesn't already have a brushed finish, use sandpaper or wire brush.

Otherwise, wood trim should be relatively simple.  If you have trouble matching the finish, it sounds like painting black shouldn't look bad if its inside the original enclosure.  I think you're overthinking this a bit.  I gave you some complex solutions regarding the metal, but if this is all a recent replacement of the microwave, I don't know how much you'll notice in another couple of weeks.

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2021, 04:28:59 PM »
Uniwelder: thanks I’ll keep looking around for a custom job.  I suspect the problem is I’m searching for custom trim (expensive) rather than custom cut metal (cheaper).  I really think there’s a built-in appliance tax just like the wedding tax and the pink tax

Shouldn't be any big deal to build some wood or metal trim to make that slightly smaller microwave look like it belongs there.
Any respectable carpenter could easily pull this off.   Get some help from a handyman if this is beyond your skill set.

I’m laughing at the idea that I can hire a handyman to do this for me for less than a few hundred dollars.  Might as well just buy the kit (labor here is huge)

Microwave not waving, fridge on the fritz? Sounds like it's time for a $$$ full kitchen renovation. At least your dragon-ness will make demo easy.

(j/k)

Absolutely.  My cabinet is too big for my microwave so obviously I need new cabinets!

« Last Edit: September 11, 2021, 04:30:51 PM by dragoncar »

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22421
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2021, 05:38:04 PM »
Uniwelder: thanks I’ll keep looking around for a custom job.  I suspect the problem is I’m searching for custom trim (expensive) rather than custom cut metal (cheaper).  I really think there’s a built-in appliance tax just like the wedding tax and the pink tax

Shouldn't be any big deal to build some wood or metal trim to make that slightly smaller microwave look like it belongs there.
Any respectable carpenter could easily pull this off.   Get some help from a handyman if this is beyond your skill set.

I’m laughing at the idea that I can hire a handyman to do this for me for less than a few hundred dollars.  Might as well just buy the kit (labor here is huge)

Microwave not waving, fridge on the fritz? Sounds like it's time for a $$$ full kitchen renovation. At least your dragon-ness will make demo easy.

(j/k)

Absolutely.  My cabinet is too big for my microwave so obviously I need new cabinets!
Why limit yourself to cabinets when you can just blow out everything and start all over?

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2021, 11:10:46 PM »
Uniwelder: thanks I’ll keep looking around for a custom job.  I suspect the problem is I’m searching for custom trim (expensive) rather than custom cut metal (cheaper).  I really think there’s a built-in appliance tax just like the wedding tax and the pink tax

Shouldn't be any big deal to build some wood or metal trim to make that slightly smaller microwave look like it belongs there.
Any respectable carpenter could easily pull this off.   Get some help from a handyman if this is beyond your skill set.

I’m laughing at the idea that I can hire a handyman to do this for me for less than a few hundred dollars.  Might as well just buy the kit (labor here is huge)

Microwave not waving, fridge on the fritz? Sounds like it's time for a $$$ full kitchen renovation. At least your dragon-ness will make demo easy.

(j/k)

Absolutely.  My cabinet is too big for my microwave so obviously I need new cabinets!
Why limit yourself to cabinets when you can just blow out everything and start all over?

Fair, I have a down vent hood that sucks and not in the good way.  Would really prefer overhead hood for indoor air quality. Also have super ugly honey oak which I’m just waiting to come back into style but it isn’t happening fast enough.  Obviously I should replace it with distressed gray I’m sure that will stand the test of time.

While I’m at I should build out an outdoor kitchen!  Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22421
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2021, 12:01:12 AM »
Shou Sigh Ban those oak cabinets for a modern look.. It's right up a dragon's alley.

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2021, 12:51:52 AM »
Shou Sigh Ban those oak cabinets for a modern look.. It's right up a dragon's alley.

Gets a nice smoky smell up in the house.  Won't have to worry about air quality after that for sure!

daverobev

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3964
  • Location: France
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2021, 04:10:58 AM »
Can you post a photo? Maybe with dimensions?

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2021, 12:30:08 AM »
Can you post a photo? Maybe with dimensions?

Ok here you go.  Dimensions are approximately:

Rough opening: 28x19
Existing trim outer: 30x20
existing trim inner: 25x14.5
New micro door: 23.75x13 (still need a small amount of space for door to open

The existing trim is fairly proud of the cabinets, maybe .5-1 inch I didn't measure it.

uniwelder

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1723
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Appalachian Virginia
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2021, 03:57:05 AM »
Looks good to me. Find a small piece for the bottom and it’s great. Is there anything holding the microwave in place so it doesn’t shift around when opening or closing the door?

GuitarStv

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 23248
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2021, 07:31:46 AM »
The problem is that you're buying a modern microwave.  They tend to be built to break and not be repairable.  That's a bad thing to build into a kitchen.  Look for a used one from the '70s.  The one that I'm using had a repair done in the mid '80s and hasn't had any issues in constant use since then.  They'll match any trim you've got . . . as long as you've got dark wood paneling.  :P

Fishindude

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3075
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2021, 07:36:43 AM »
If you want some stainless trim strips, you can buy that material from McMaster Carr online.
All you'd have to do is cut them to length and drill holes for fasteners.    Note - Takes a good drill bit to drill stainless.

zolotiyeruki

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5624
  • Location: State: Denial
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2021, 08:31:33 AM »
I have a suggestion that's a different approach:  forget the built-in look.  Put in a shelf and buy a counter-top microwave.  Voila, you're future proof forever.

When my parents designed their house 35 years ago, that's what they did, and I think it's brilliant.  I think they've replaced their microwave twice in that time, and the whole "matching trim" issue never reared its head.

uniwelder

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1723
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Appalachian Virginia
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #15 on: September 13, 2021, 09:17:21 AM »
I have a suggestion that's a different approach:  forget the built-in look.  Put in a shelf and buy a counter-top microwave.  Voila, you're future proof forever.

When my parents designed their house 35 years ago, that's what they did, and I think it's brilliant.  I think they've replaced their microwave twice in that time, and the whole "matching trim" issue never reared its head.

And then what happens to the empty space where a microwave used to sit?  Plus, that new shelf probably gets mounted under a cabinet, so it'll probably take away useful counter space.

yachi

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1156
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2021, 11:42:08 AM »
I have a suggestion that's a different approach:  forget the built-in look.  Put in a shelf and buy a counter-top microwave.  Voila, you're future proof forever.

When my parents designed their house 35 years ago, that's what they did, and I think it's brilliant.  I think they've replaced their microwave twice in that time, and the whole "matching trim" issue never reared its head.

And then what happens to the empty space where a microwave used to sit?  Plus, that new shelf probably gets mounted under a cabinet, so it'll probably take away useful counter space.

Did you see dragoncar's picture?  What zolotiyeruki is suggesting is very nearly what dragoncar has: sit the microwave where the old one used to sit, but get rid of the trim and embrace the shelf look.  Something like this: https://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2018/06/building-microwave-shelf.html

uniwelder

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1723
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Appalachian Virginia
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2021, 12:00:40 PM »
I have a suggestion that's a different approach:  forget the built-in look.  Put in a shelf and buy a counter-top microwave.  Voila, you're future proof forever.

When my parents designed their house 35 years ago, that's what they did, and I think it's brilliant.  I think they've replaced their microwave twice in that time, and the whole "matching trim" issue never reared its head.

And then what happens to the empty space where a microwave used to sit?  Plus, that new shelf probably gets mounted under a cabinet, so it'll probably take away useful counter space.

Did you see dragoncar's picture?  What zolotiyeruki is suggesting is very nearly what dragoncar has: sit the microwave where the old one used to sit, but get rid of the trim and embrace the shelf look.  Something like this: https://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2018/06/building-microwave-shelf.html

I saw the photo and am confused.  Dragoncar seems to have a space above a built in oven for the microwave to sit.  Are you suggesting the new microwave just sit as-is and remove the existing trim?  The solution to filling in with trim is to just embrace no trim?  Use the few inches of empty space around the microwave for other decorative things?

The webpage you linked to had an undercabinet microwave, which was then removed and the people built an enclosure for a free standing microwave to sit in.  Doesn't seem related to the OP's situation.

Paper Chaser

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1872
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2021, 12:34:23 PM »
I have a suggestion that's a different approach:  forget the built-in look.  Put in a shelf and buy a counter-top microwave.  Voila, you're future proof forever.

When my parents designed their house 35 years ago, that's what they did, and I think it's brilliant.  I think they've replaced their microwave twice in that time, and the whole "matching trim" issue never reared its head.

And then what happens to the empty space where a microwave used to sit?  Plus, that new shelf probably gets mounted under a cabinet, so it'll probably take away useful counter space.

Did you see dragoncar's picture?  What zolotiyeruki is suggesting is very nearly what dragoncar has: sit the microwave where the old one used to sit, but get rid of the trim and embrace the shelf look.  Something like this: https://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2018/06/building-microwave-shelf.html

I saw the photo and am confused.  Dragoncar seems to have a space above a built in oven for the microwave to sit.  Are you suggesting the new microwave just sit as-is and remove the existing trim?  The solution to filling in with trim is to just embrace no trim?  Use the few inches of empty space around the microwave for other decorative things?

The webpage you linked to had an undercabinet microwave, which was then removed and the people built an enclosure for a free standing microwave to sit in.  Doesn't seem related to the OP's situation.

I think the original suggestion was to remove the current microwave and trim, leaving a large cubby. Then, use a typical countertop microwave (likely on the counter) that can be used anywhere with a standard electrical outlet, and repurpose the current microwave cubby as general storage (perhaps with a shelf)

zolotiyeruki

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5624
  • Location: State: Denial
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #19 on: September 13, 2021, 01:27:14 PM »
I saw the photo and am confused.  Dragoncar seems to have a space above a built in oven for the microwave to sit.  Are you suggesting the new microwave just sit as-is and remove the existing trim?  The solution to filling in with trim is to just embrace no trim?  Use the few inches of empty space around the microwave for other decorative things?

The webpage you linked to had an undercabinet microwave, which was then removed and the people built an enclosure for a free standing microwave to sit in.  Doesn't seem related to the OP's situation.

I think the original suggestion was to remove the current microwave and trim, leaving a large cubby. Then, use a typical countertop microwave (likely on the counter) that can be used anywhere with a standard electrical outlet, and repurpose the current microwave cubby as general storage (perhaps with a shelf)
This is exactly what I had in mind.  Thank you, Paper Chaser, for explaining it!

dragoncar

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9930
  • Registered member
Re: Lets talk trim kits!
« Reply #20 on: September 13, 2021, 01:36:40 PM »
Yeah I could definitely remove the trim and leave the microwave there.  In theory I could put a shelf above it and haven’t even 5 inches above the microwave for whatever (spices, etc).  They mangled the cabinets under the trim (the cutout is very rough) so I’d have to clean that up somehow or trim it out.  I’m more inclined to leave it as is though.

The cubby could be made into a shelf or regular cabinet if I had more doors but there’s no other place in my kitchen for a countertop appliance.  But that makes me think one option would be to just add doors in front of the microwave some day. 

For the suggestion to fill in the bottom with say black painted wood… that’s seems like a good idea.  Not sure if it’s better at the current height or I should lower it so the gap is even on all sides

The photo doesn’t entirely do the gap justice as there is direct sunlight at a certain time of day that highlights the inside of the cabinet.  In the end it’s not that bad with the current positioning except for the bottom. If I lower it to have an even .75 in above and below it’s a bit much

Although the microwave is fairly light compared to previous it doesn’t move around much.  Even the old one was just sitting there with a thin piece of plywood behind its rear feet to prevent it from getting pushed back into the cabinet. I was just going to adjust the plywood spacer or I could drill out little indents for the feet

Yes it’s true I’m probably over thinking it.  I appreciate the idea of McMaster for parts.  Are you thinking like some type of channel?  Perhaps a little u channel would fit in underneath and blend with existing

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!