Making a Custom and Simple Range Hood Cover
Are you looking to create a custom and simple range hood cover but just need help in the “how to”? You are not alone! When my husband and I first decided to take on this project of creating a custom range hood, we were not really sure how it would come together.
But with some simple planning, the right tools, and a bit of teamwork, we created something we are super proud of. It is beautiful and completely custom to our taste.
Keep reading to see all the steps my husband and I took to make ours!
I hope this “How To” gives you the confidence to tackle your own project!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase through one of the links I can make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my Disclosure Policy here for more details.
Before and After
Supplies to Gather
How to Steps:
Step 1: Make a Plan
Before you start any project, you should always make a plan!
Come up with your design and gather all the supplies you will need.
Our design was a simple, clean box with crown molding at the top, a trim piece at the bottom, and a hanging shelf in the middle.
Step 2: Remove Microwave or Existing Range Hood
Honestly, this step was a lot harder than we thought it was going to be. It turns out hose microwaves are heavy!
Step 3: Build and Install Lower Wood Framed Box
Using your 2x4s, build your lower wood framed box to the dimensions needed for your range hood you bought. Install it at your desired height using 3 in wood screws into wall studs, making sure it is secure. Use a 4ft level to keep everything straight.
Step 4: Build and Install Upper Wood Framed Box
Build and install the upper wood framed box using your 2x4s. Install the upper box directly above the lower box right at your ceiling. Again using a 4 ft level to ensure everything is square.
Step 5: Use 2×2 to Connect Both Lower and Upper Frames
Now that both your lower and upper wood framed boxes are installed, measure the distance between them. Cut 4 pieces of your 2×2 to that measurement and use your nailer to connect the lower and upper frames together.
Step 6: Add 2×4 to Desired Location for Shelf (Optional)
We chose to put a shelf on the outside of our range hood cover. If you like that look, plan for it now.
Install a 2×4 at the desired height to act as a nailing surface for the shelf later.
Step 7: Install Range Hood Insert
Install your range hood insert into the lower framed box. (As you can see in our photos we did this after 4. You can decide to install it earlier or at this point.)
Step 8: Cut and Install Sanded Plywood
Measure the sanded plywood to the dimensions you need to cover all three sides of the box you just created. Cut to size and install your side panels.
Install the side panels first so that the front panel covers the raw edges of the side panels.
Step 9: Install Crown Molding and Trim
Look at that! You made a box to cover your range hood insert! It just does not look pretty yet, but that is about to change!
Install the crown molding of your choosing at the top and a trim piece at the bottom to create a precise, polished look.
Step 10: Fill Nail Holes and Seams with Wood Filler
Fill in all nail holes and seams with wood filler.
Step 11: Sand Filler
Take your time to sand all the wood filler, making everything nice and smooth.
Step 12: Paint
This is where things start to get exciting!
Time for paint!
Cover all surrounding cabinets and oven with drop cloths (or whatever else you want to use). Use painter’s tape to protect your nice new range hood you just installed.
Then, prime and paint to the color of your choice.
Step 13: Finishing Touches
When we installed our countertops and backsplash, we had no intention of doing this project. Now that we have decided to tackle the new custom range hood, not anticipating this project has caused a bit of an obstacle.
The range hood sits quite a bit higher than our old microwave, leaving a gap where there is no backsplash tile. Because of the tile we chose, there is no way to fill the gap seamlessly. We would always be able to notice where we had added the new tile, so we had to come up with a different idea.
What we ended up doing is finding a piece of wood that is the same depth of the tile and painting white. On the wood, we put a gold bar to hang kitchen utensils, helping to give the space a purpose.
It is not a perfect solution, but being on a budget, we think it looks really good!
Style and Enjoy!
The building part of our custom range hood cover project is where my husband’s skills really shine, but the styling is where I shine. (Together, my husband and I make a pretty good team.)
I chose to paint the custom range hood cover the same color as our fireplace (you can find a blog post on our fireplace here.), which is exactly parallel from the hood in the living room to create a cohesive look in our two connecting rooms.
On the shelf of the range hood cover, I choose to decorate with blues, gold, and silver to help tie this area of our house into the rest of the space (and plus I love the look of mixing metals).
I will list out all the items I styled with (with a link if there is one) below:
Gold Candlestick (I found at an antique mall)
Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers (I found at an antique mall)
Hopefully this will give you the inspiration you need to help style your space!
Simple Range Hood Cover
Creating a custom range hood cover can feel intimidating, but with a clear plan and a little creativity, you can transform your kitchen that truly reflects you!
This project of creating a custom range hood cover gave us a chance to add some charm into our kitchen, while also working within a budget.
Try it for yourself! Use this post to help, but do not forget to have fun and make it your own personal style.
If you liked this I also have a blog post on how to install picture molding you would probably enjoy as well. You can check it out here.
