Building a cabinet surround for a refrigerator is a great way to create a custom look in any kitchen. While it involves some carpentry skills, it’s a project that most homeowners can complete with the right tools and instructions.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Measure the area around the refrigerator. Determine how big the cabinet should be and what its measurements should be.
2. Draw out a plan on a piece of paper with the measurements and make a list of any supplies you’ll need to purchase for the job.
3. Purchase the necessary supplies, including wood for the frame of the cabinet, trim, screws, and matching paint or stain to finish the wood.
4. Construct the frame using wood and screws. Make sure to measure and cut the wood accurately.
5. Add trim along the edges to give the frame a professional, finished look.
6. Add a top to the cabinet and any shelves or doors you would like.
7. Finishing the cabinet is the last step. If desired, you can use stain, paint, or wallpaper on the cabinet.
After completing this project, you will have a custom cabinet surround around your refrigerator that will look like it was always there.
Why is there a cabinet above the refrigerator?
The primary one being that it is a great spot to maximize storage space. Kitchens are often crowded, and the cabinet above the refrigerator provides an ideal location to store items that are not used frequently, such as a stand mixer, blender, or large cookie sheets.
It also helps to keep potentially messy items out of sight and helps to maintain a neater kitchen.
Another reason for having a cabinet above the refrigerator is to make spots within the kitchen easier to access. Many items can be placed there, so they are within easy reach without having to bend down or open multiple cabinets.
A third reason for having a cabinet above the refrigerator is to help insulate the appliance. By adding another layer to the top, the warmth from the refrigerator below can be minimized, and kitchen temperature can be more regulated.
How do you install a refrigerator cabinet?
Installing a refrigerator cabinet requires several basic steps. Before beginning, ensure that all necessary tools are on hand, as well as any additional hardware and materials.
1. Begin by locating the desired position for the refrigerator cabinet. Mark the wall and the back of the cabinet with a pencil or marker to ensure an accurate installation.
2. Secure the cabinet in place. This can be done by using self-tapping screws, wall anchors or construction adhesive, or using a combination of the three. Make sure all hardware is tightly secured.
3. Measure and mark the area where the refrigerator will be placed. Cut a hole into the back of the cabinet using a drill, jigsaw or reciprocating saw, as necessary. Sand down any rough edges that may remain.
4. Connect the refrigerator power cord to the power source. Refrigerators require a dedicated outlet with a dedicated circuit. If one is not already installed, contact a licensed electrician to complete the connection.
5. Secure the refrigerator onto the mounting plate inside the refrigerator cabinet. If applicable for the refrigerator you are installing, secure the leveling bolts onto the bottom of the refrigerator.
To ensure proper operation, ensure the refrigerator is level and balanced within the space.
6. Refrigerators must also be properly secured in order to avoid accidents and potential injuries. Straps and harnesses should be used to secure the refrigerator in its cabinet.
7. Finally, ensure that proper ventilation is provided for the refrigerator. Follow the manufacturers instructions for specific ventilation requirements.
Congratulations! You have now successfully installed a refrigerator cabinet.
Can any refrigerator be paneled?
Yes, any refrigerator can be paneled. The panels are usually attached using mounting brackets to the frame of the refrigerator or to the wall itself. Depending on the type of refrigerator you have, you may need to buy specialized panel frames that fit into the cutout of your refrigerator or even a custom frame if needed.
In any case, all that is in needed is to measure the space where the panels will go, take those measurements to a local appliance store or supplier to get the panels, and install the panels according to your specific needs.
Installing refrigerator panels is not rocket science and can be done by anyone with basic tools and knowledge, but if you are not comfortable, you can also get a professional to help or even do it for you.
How do I hide the exposed side of my refrigerator?
If you would like to hide the exposed side of your refrigerator, there are a few different approaches you can take. One option is to install a pocket door or a sliding barn door. This will give you the ability to completely conceal the side of the refrigerator and make the space look more streamlined.
If you don’t have the space or budget for such a project, you may want to consider adding shelves or a cabinet on the exposed side that matches the cabinetry in your kitchen. This will provide storage space and give the kitchen a more organized and cohesive look.
Alternatively, you could use some type of furniture panel or wall-hanging to hide the exposed side of the refrigerator. This could be a panel of wainscoting that matches the kitchen’s existing cabinetry or a patterned wall-hanging to add a decorative touch.
Another option is to hang curtains or some type of drapery from the ceiling. This will give a softer look and can be great for creating a cozy atmosphere in a kitchen.
What does panel Ready mean for a fridge?
Panel Ready refers to a type of refrigerator which has a flat door and can be fitted with a custom panel to match other cabinetry in the kitchen. These refrigerators provide a seamless look in the kitchen, as if they were built-in as part of the cabinetry.
They are often referred to as “built-in” refrigerators but they are not actually a built-in model. Panel Ready fridges typically come in sizes similar to other freestanding units but may allow for more customization with custom handles and covers to match the kitchen’s other cabinetry.
They may have different features and functions depending on the model, but the distinguishing feature is the the ability to add custom panels that match the rest of the kitchen.
How can I make my refrigerator look like a built-in?
One way to make your refrigerator look like a built-in is to install panels on the front of the refrigerator. Some companies, such as SubZero, offer custom panels in a range of sizes and styles. These panels attach directly to the front of the refrigerator and can be matched to your kitchen’s cabinetry.
This will help your refrigerator look like it is integrated into the overall design of the kitchen. Additionally, you can install wood trim around the base of the refrigerator and then finish it off with a layer of matching paint.
This will blend seamlessly with the cabinets and bring a bit of detail and texture to the space. Additional ways to further enhance this look include installing handles to match your cabinetry. If you don’t have handles, you can also hide a handle cutout in the panels to allow easy access to the refrigerator.
Lastly, you can create a cohesive flow in the kitchen by matching the flooring, countertops, and cabinetry up against the refrigerator and panels.
How do you hide a fridge in a small kitchen?
Hiding a fridge in a small kitchen can be tricky, but there are some creative solutions that can help make it possible. The most obvious idea is to install a cabinet door over the fridge that blends in with the rest of the cabinets in the room.
This will give the illusion that the fridge is tucked away behind the cabinet and can be a great way to save space. Another great option is to get a counter-depth refrigerator. These refrigerators are much shallower than their standard counterparts, so they can be built into a wall or the cabinetry in your kitchen.
This is a great way to add some extra storage and keep the fridge from taking up too much floor space. Finally, if you have some extra cabinet space you can also opt for a slide-out fridge that sits atop your regular cabinets.
This will keep the fridge tucked away, but still make it easily accessible via the convenient slide-out design.
Can a fridge be enclosed in a cupboard?
Yes, a fridge can be enclosed in a cupboard. However, there are a few safety and practical considerations that should be taken into account. First, adequate ventilation is required to ensure that the refrigerator can operate safely and effectively, meaning a minimum of five inches of clearance should be left around the sides, top and back of the fridge.
Additionally, make sure the cupboard door has a heat-resistant handle and sill plate to protect against heat build-up, as leaving the door ajar or spreading hot liquids on the sill can result in damage to the appliance.
Lastly, it’s important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before adding a cupboard. This will ensure the fridge is fitted correctly and that the door will open and close fully, and without obstruction.
Do refrigerators need to be vented?
Yes, refrigerators must be vented in order to ensure the proper operation and longevity of the appliance. Without proper ventilation, a refrigerator can overheat, leading to decreased efficiency, higher energy costs, and increased wear and tear on its internal components.
Additionally, insufficient ventilation can cause moisture build up in and around the appliance, which can lead to rust and mold. In order to provide adequate ventilation, most refrigerators should be placed a minimum of 1-2 inches away from the wall with enough space behind it for air to circulate freely.
Additionally, it is advisable to install a dedicated, wall-mounted vent at the rear of the appliance in order to help alleviate any accumulated warmth. This can help improve cooling efficiency and will help to extend the life of the refrigerator.
Can you put a freestanding freezer in a cupboard?
Yes, you can put a freestanding freezer in a cupboard. An ideal solution is to use a tall kitchen cabinet or wardrobe to store the freezer. You want to make sure that the cabinet or wardrobe is large enough to house your freezer and also has plenty of ventilation to prevent the freezer from overheating.
It’s also important to ensure that the freezer is positioned flat on the floor of the cupboard and away from any heat sources such as a boiler or hot water tank. You also want to make sure that the door is allowed to open and close properly when the freezer is inside the cupboard.
It’s best to use shelves or drawers to keep the freezer in place so that it won’t move around or be dislodged when you open the cupboard door. Finally, you’ll also want to remember to keep the cupboard door open when the freezer is running to ensure that the air can circulate freely around it.
Can I make my fridge integrated?
Yes, it’s possible to make your fridge integrated. Integrated fridges are those that have door panels that match the style and finish of your cabinetry. To do this, you’ll need to buy a specially designed integrated fridge with a built-in metal frame that allows the door panels to be attached to it.
You may also need to buy a custom-sized panel as well for a properly matched look. Once you get everything you need, you’ll then need to measure and cut the panels to fit your cabinet or space, fit the door panels onto the integrated fridge, and install the fridge in your cabinet.
Installing an integrated fridge may require the help of a professional electrician or handyman, so make sure you call one if the task is too difficult to do on your own.
How much clearance does a mini fridge need?
When installing a mini fridge, it is important to ensure that there is adequate space available to allow proper airflow around the appliance to cool the motor coils. The ideal clearance for a mini fridge is at least 2 to 4 inches from all sides, top, and back of the refrigerator.
Additionally, it is recommended to leave at least 6 inches of space between the wall and the appliance to avoid the risk of overheating. Furthermore, if the appliance is placed close to an oven or other heating device, it is important to leave enough space for the extra heat generated by surrounding appliances to escape.
Installing a mini fridge with proper clearance also helps to reduce energy consumption, as it allows the motor coils to stay cooler and operate more efficiently.
Can you put a cabinet on top of fridge?
In general, it is not recommended to put any cabinets or other storage items on top of a refrigerator. This can be dangerous for several reasons. First, fridges generate heat and can cause items placed directly on top to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Second, refrigerators can also be heavier than expected, so any item placed on top could damage or break since a refrigerator can weigh over 250 pounds. This is especially true if a larger refrigerator is placed on a smaller or weak surface that wasn’t designed to carry the refrigerator’s total weight.
Third, the vibrating sound of the fridge motor can cause items on top to become unstable and shift, especially if the items are lightweight. In addition to being potentially hazardous, this can also be very annoying.
Finally, refrigerators can be energy hogs, and if cabinets or other items obstruct their ventilation, the refrigerator could overheat and cease to function correctly. It also makes it difficult for a technician to service the refrigerator if the top is blocked with items.
In conclusion, it is generally not recommend to place any items on top of a refrigerator.
What do you put in space above refrigerator?
Above a refrigerator, there are many storage and organizational options. Depending on the size of the space and the needs of the household, these could include decorative shelves, magnetic boards, hooks, baskets, containers, a rail system, and more.
Shelving can be used to store items like sauces and spices, canned goods, and snacks, in an easily accessible and organized fashion. Using magnetic boards or a rail system are great for hanging kitchen towels, measuring cups and spoons, aprons, or even recipes.
Hooks and baskets can be hung from the rail system to hang items like mugs, kitchen gadgets, tea towels, or oven mitts. Containers of various sizes can be used to store items like microwave popcorn, napkins, and spices.
No matter what is used, it is important to make sure that the items are installed securely and not blocking any airflow. Additionally, decorative elements like plants, art, or a chalkboard can be hung above the fridge to add some personality to the room!.
What is a refrigerator trim kit?
A refrigerator trim kit is an accessory used to give a built-in look to a counter-depth refrigerator model. It is normally composed of a panel which is cut to fit around the sides of the fridge and then secured in place.
Most kits also feature two frames which attach to the top and bottom of the panel to give the refrigerator a more finished look in the cabinetry. This type of accessory is especially useful for kitchen remodels since it can provide a seamless built-in look and can be easily customized to fit the cabinetry and refrigerator.
How do I modify my kitchen cabinets?
Modifying kitchen cabinets is a great way to spruce up a kitchen on a budget. Depending on the level of difficulty you want to take on, there are a few different ways to modify your kitchen cabinets.
If you want to make a change that is relatively simple and relatively low cost, you could add decorative knobs and pulls to your cabinet doors. This gives you the opportunity to pick something that compliments your kitchen decor, without having to invest in completely new cabinetry.
For a more involved makeover, the best option is to paint your cabinets. This can really brighten the space and give it a face-lift with minimal cost. Before beginning, be sure to properly prepare the cabinets: sand away rough spots, clean carefully, and use a primer before painting.
As a more involved and expensive option, investing in new cabinet doors can make a drastic difference in the look of your kitchen. Whether you completely replace them, or keep the box and update just the doors, this can be an exciting way to update the space.
Keep in mind, you may need to hire a professional to properly install these new cabinet doors.
Finally, if you want to go bigger with the modifications you can always consider replacing the entire cabinet system. For the most dramatic change this will be the best option. This can be a more expensive choice, but it really can change the entire design of the kitchen.
Regardless of the chosen modification, give yourself plenty of time for the project and be sure to measure twice before cutting. Making changes to your kitchen cabinets can completely revamp your kitchen, have fun with the process and enjoy the finished product.