Nowadays range hood is an essential appliance for every kitchen. A range hood removes smokes, greases, and odours from your kitchen and also helps to clean the air of your kitchen. A custom range hood cover will give your kitchen a stunning look and more appealing to others. To build a custom range cover you don’t need to be an expert you can build one on your own. Just follow our step-by-step guide on how to build a custom range hood cover.
What is a custom cover range hood?
The custom cover range hood is a custom cabinetry cover powered by an insert for the range hood. Custom hoods are constructed from stone, wood marble, copper or marble, and other materials.
What are the benefits of a custom range hood cover?
Yes, there are lots of benefits of a custom range hood cover. First of all, you can choose what type of materials you will use for your custom range hood cover. You can use wood, stainless steel, marble, copper, etc.
Step-by-step guide how to build a custom range hood cover
In this section, we show you how to build a custom range hood cover with just a few steps. So set back and make yourself comfortable because you’re going to learn something cool and let’s get started!
Tools and Materials
Before start building a custom cover range hood, you will need some tools and materials as listed below.
- Paint Tray
- Protective eyewear
- Foam roller
- Brush (For painting)
- Primer
- Sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combo square
- Miter saw
- Exhaust fan insert
- Cabinet grade plywood (1)
- Poplar (1 for arch and bottom pieces of sides, 1 for sides of the front panel, 4 for shelf and braces)
- Chair rail (For shelf)
- Clamps (2 bar clamps and spring clamps)
- Scrap wood for clamping
- Screws
- Wood filler
- Drill
- MDF of luan
- Nails for nailer
[Note: measure your cooktop size as well as kitchen size for an easy and fun way to create your custom range hood cover.]
Step 1: Install your range hood first
Installing your hood over your cooktop or kitchen can make your work more accessible. If you already have a range hood in your kitchen, you have to measure the size so that you can build your custom cover. On the other hand, if you don’t have one or you want to upgrade, then change your old hood and measure the size again.
Step 2: Measure and cut plywood
Use a tape measure to determine the desired range hood’s length, width, and height. Make sure you consider the exhaust fan’s size, the vent’s location on the roof or outside wall, and the liner’s size if utilized.
Following the range hood design, create a cut list of poplar and plywood pieces. To avoid displaying the edge of the plywood, the edges of the arch, as well as the sides’ bottom and the edges of front panels, will be made out of poplar, as those edges will be seen. The remaining pieces are constructed out of plywood.
Instead of using plywood, MDF is a viable alternative. Because MDF has a smooth surface, it won’t be required to use poplar to make edges.
Cut wood into the desired size by using a table saw or circular saw, or miter saw. If the tools you need aren’t readily available, the pieces can be cut down to a size at no cost at hardware stores. The bottom portion is where the exhaust fan is located; therefore, the hole must be cut according to the correct dimension. Find the exhaust fan’s measurements and then transfer the measurements to the piece cut to the bottom, marking them using the pencil. Then drill the area that has been drawn to be cut using the drill bit.
Place jigsaw into hole and cut along the marked line—smooth edges by lightly sanding. Check the exhaust fan’s fit in the cut-out before installing the range hood in the following step.
Step 3: Trim the side cabinet
If your side cabinets are not trimmed or not in good shape, then trim your cabinet side.
If you already trimmed the cabinet side, then skip this part.
Step 4: Place the range hood
With a pocket-hole-jig and drill that is equipped with a pocket-hole drill, make holes in poplar pieces that join to side and front panels.
Put together the front and side panels following the design. Arrows indicate the approximate location of screws with pocket holes; holes should be made in the side that will not be visible once the range hood is finished. Use a tiny amount of wood filler to your finger to fill any apparent gaps. The seams of the panels should be sanded until they are smooth. Then create pocket holes on the lower piece, and then attach to side panels by the screw as per plans.
Check that the height of the placement is appropriate for the ventilation fan setup. Include two front braces and two back braces that have pockets hole screws, too, in accordance with the plans. Braces’ location does not need to be exact since they won’t be seen, but be sure they don’t interfere with exhaust fan vents or the ductwork. Make use of bar clamps while assembling to keep the parts in place.
Scrap pieces of wood to create an obstacle to keep braces in place while assembling.
Step 5: Place Front Panel
Place the range hood on the backside, and then set the front panel on top, making sure the sides are aligned. The panel will fit perfectly if measurements and cuts are done correctly. The front panels should be cut to ensure it works if required.
Don’t attach the front panel at this point. Place the range hood in position to “dry fit”. Make any adjustments that are needed. Keep in mind that caulk may seal small gaps and seams.
Make sure to measure each piece multiple times before cutting it to limit the chance of errors.
Step 6: Cutting the arch and making the template
With a combination square, draw lines on top and sides of the arch using MDF or luan. Use these marks to create the template. Allow 2 inches of space between each arch and 2 inches away from the top of the poplar board to make pockets. Make use of an oval tray or platter to serve as an example of the curve.
Clamp MDF to the work surface or board using spring clamps to hold it in place and cut along the arch line using the jigsaw. Sand edges to smooth. Set template in place over the bottom of the front panel and secure it with bar clamps. UtiliseUtilise a router with a shank-side bearing flush trim and allow it to ride across the template to cut arches.
If a router isn’t accessible, a jigsaw may be used. However, the cut won’t be as smooth.
Step 7: Install an exhaust fan
There is also the possibility to “hear” studs by knocking against the wall while listening to hear a specific sound. Draw studs using an eraser just above the area where braces will be positioned. Then, raise the range’s hood and then insert 1-1/4″ wooden screws into the back braces to the studs. Install screws through both braces in all stud locations to attach to the wall.
If you’re installing in the kitchen, where cabinets are adjacent to range hoods, screw two screws from wood into the cabinet frames that are next to each other through the side panels. Attach the exhaust fans to the ductwork in line with the guidelines provided by the company.
Read Also: 5 best range hoods for Chinese cooking
Step 8: Make a front shelf
Make two poplar pieces to the desired length of the shelf with a miter saw. Determine the molding height you want to trim frames (4″ to 6″ molding is the best). Place poplar pieces cut to form shelf and measure the total thickness of each board. Add that number to trimming height. Cut (cut lengthwise) boards according to the measurement you have determined to serve as spacers and to serve as an anchor for the shelf.
For example, if you have a trim that is 4″ high and the thickness of two poplar boards is 1 1/2″, the board must be cut down to the dimensions in the range of 2 half”. Cut the ripped board according to lengths that are shelf-like. Cut two small pieces of the waste that can be inserted in the sides. Fix the pieces together and nail them to make a box that is an open front.
Make use of a combo square for determining the proper position on the front panel. Apply the finishing nailer. Fix the back of the box to the range hood’s front using 1-1/4″ wood screws. Rip cuts can be made using circular saws or tables. If the tools you need aren’t readily available, you can have the pieces cut to size in a hardware shop.
Step 9: Trim the shelf
You have to trim and cut the bevel at 45-degree angles to equal width to the shelf. The measurement should be taken from the shortest edge on the trim so that it fits correctly. Cut side shelf pieces using a 45-degree beveled Angle as well as one straight cut. Dry-fit the sides and front to the shelf before nailing them to the frame with a finishing nailer after aligning.
Step 10: Set up front panel and moulding
Attach the front panel to the range hood. Nail to the hood using the finishing nailer. Take measurements of both the width and depth of the range hood, then cut crown molding to accommodate. Place the crown molding in the desired position using a finish nailer. Join two pieces at an angle prior to nailing to make sure an even angle.
Miter Saw Crown Molding Cut Guide
Miter saw angles have to be left-angled to 33.9 degrees to prevent cuts.
In the corner inside, the left-hand side, the uppermost part of the molding on the miter saw fence and setting the angle at 31.6 degrees. The left side will be the final piece.
The inside corner left side set the lower part of the molding on Miter Saw Fence and adjusted the angle at left 31.6 degrees. The left side of the molding is your completed piece.
Outer corners left side set the lower part of the molding on the Miter Saw Fence Set an angle of left 31.6 degrees. The right side is the last piece.
On the outside edge right side, the molding should be placed on top. The molding on the miter fence and set the angle to 31.6 degrees. The right side is completed.
[Note: The left and right sides mentioned in the previous paragraph refers to the right or left corner and not to the right or left of and the roof.]
Step 10: Caulk, Paint, and Prime
Fill nail holes and tiny seams using wood filler. Place a small amount of it on your fingertip and rub it into any gap or crevice. With a caulk gun, apply trim caulk that is paintable to the seams around shelves or crown, as well as for trim.
Apply a tiny bead along the edges and smooth using wet fingers or a cotton cloth. Allow the caulk as well as the wood filler to dry. Sand rough areas with larger grit (lower-numbered) Sandpaper, working until you reach fine grit. Clean up dust using a slightly dampened cloth. Primate the entire range hood with a good primer using a two” sash brush and a 6″ foam roller. The primer should dry before you apply one or two coats the same way as a primer.
After the last step, connect your range hood to the electricity. Check is it working correctly, or the ventilation system is working. If you face any problem, you can share it here.
If you can’t build or make a custom range hood, then you should hire an expert.
[Note: Create a basic frame as shown, and add the back, bottom, and side support. It replaces the standard cabinet.]
the stove or range, which the exhaust fan/range hood will be connected to and venting through. The wood we used was scrap as the frame is completely hidden when the work is completed.
You’ll need to design cut-outs for venting and ductwork. However, the exact location depends on the site of your home and the location of the vent relative to the position that your cooktop is. Be aware that the height at which the frame is placed is dependent on the particular home and kitchen. The user manual for our range states that the bottom edge of any range hood or upper cabinetry should be 24 inches from the top of the stove. It is possible to make this measurement larger but don’t reduce it.
Be aware that you’ll need to make sure that you attach the frame to studs on the wall to ensure that it’s secure enough to support all the load of your whole range as well as the cover and hood. It is possible to employ a stud finder tool to locate where your studs are. As we had put up shiplap made of wood, we used the exact location of brad nails, as Dean was sure to attach them to the studs.
Different types of Custom range hood cover
There are many ways you can make your own custom range hood. Here we have discussed some most popular types of custom range hood cover. So that you can make your own decision on which custom range hood cover would be ideal for your kitchen.
1. Bold black range hood cover
- This type of range hood comes with a cover of bold back cover.
- It’s the focal point in the spacious kitchen.
- Beautiful marble countertops and sleek shaker cabinets bring the contemporary design home. And to top it all off, you will find beautiful lighting over the ceiling.
2. White custom range hood cover
- It comes with trimmed wood and white color.
- It adds an elegant and modern appearance.
[Note: You can customize the shelves with color and decoration.]
3. Carved Range Hood Cover
- It has carved shaped decorative cover.
- It adds premium looks to your kitchen.
4. Wall-mounted range hood cover
- It is perfect for a small kitchen.
- This type of range hood stand middle of your cooktop, and the surface shines in your kitchen.
5. Modern and Stainless Steel Island range hood cover
- This type of cover is made of steel. [If you want to build this type of hood, hire an expert]
- You can add and develop your range hood with marble. It also adds a fascinating look to your kitchen.
6. Copper Range hood cover
- The dark brown hue blends in well with the walls, cabinets and kitchen island.
- The custom design is the central feature of your kitchen and is sure to be overlooked.
7. Modern White range good cover
- It’s ideal for a small cabin or an apartment with an abundance of room to work in. It’s a great space to enjoy cooking and socialising.
- It’s not luxurious. It’s elegant, tidy and can do the job.
- A stainless range hood made of steel in this cover adds a touch of elegance and informs you that a severe chef is living in this house.
More questions and their answers
1. What is the reason I’d need an extension for my hood?
All of our chimney-style range hoods have telescoping, so the height is adjustable. The model you choose will determine the size and ceiling’s height; you may require an extension.
2. What kind of ducting type is ideal for proper airflow?
Ventilation of range hoods must be done by using ductwork made of metal. The smoother ductwork is more effective than flexible or even ribbed. This is due to the fact that straight ducting will not limit or reduce the flow of air as flexible ductwork can. It’s essential to consider this when you are contemplating or planning to include elbows on your ductwork.
Never utilize a dryer duct that is 4 inches long or any other plastic ducting in a kitchen hood. The minimum size of duct permitted for most range hoods will be 3 1/4 by 10, which amounts to six inches of the round. Hoods with more power require bigger duct sizes, up to 10 inches wide. When you are remodeling, replacing cookers or hoods, don’t reduce the ductwork size to more minor than the dimensions required for the range hood. Reducing the size of the duct hinders the efficiency and reduces the longevity of the appliance.
3. How often should I change my range hood’s filters?
For average cooking, it is recommended to change your charcoal filters at least every 3 to 6 months or in the event that the air around the cooking surface stops smelling clean after the exhaust hoods are in use.
Filters made from stainless steel and aluminum mesh filters do not require replacement.
4. Do you prefer having a more incredible CFM?
What amount of CFM you will require for your range hood is contingent on the style of cooking you prefer. But the more incredible CFM is preferable to less, which means you can ensure that all the harmful substances are eliminated out of your house, and your kitchen will be spotless. It is possible to lower the speed of your blower; however, the reverse can be more challenging.
Conclusion
Building a custom range hood cover could be daunting. However, it has a lot more to offer it can give your kitchen an astonishing look which makes you feel better and happy. So take your time while building one and keep eye on our step-by-step guide on how to build a custom range hood cover with you which will help you along the way to get the job perfectly. Thank you for reading.