How to Build a Microwave Cabinet | DIY IKEA Sektion Hack

Want to know how to build a microwave cabinet that looks completely custom out of Ikea cabinets? I’m showing you exactly how I used IKEA Sektion cabinets to create a genius built-in look — it only took me an afternoon, and the results are absolutely perfect! Get your microwave off the counter and seamlessly integrate it into your cabinets for under $300.

When finishing our basement this year, I used the Sektion cabinets from IKEA to create a 14′ bar along one long wall.

Oh, if you’re getting ready to finish or thinking about finishing your basement, be sure to check out my 30+ tips for finishing your basement!

I even included a printable checklist to get you started!! There are probably things listed that you have never thought of before so be sure to check it out!

Back to the microwave hack.

 

I knew our family would be spending a good amount of time in this space, so I wanted to be sure that the bar included all the things I would need to entertain or serve my family and friends.

My checklist included a sink, beverage refrigerators, pull-out trash and recycling bins, and a microwave.

Since I didn’t want upper cabinets, and didn’t want a microwave to sit on the counter, I wanted to include a microwave oven cabinet in the lower bar cabinets.

How to Plan a Microwave Cabinet in Your Kitchen or Bar?

I love using IKEA for DIY builds. It’s how I tackled my master closet makeover, too!

I planned my bar easily by using the IKEA kitchen planner to space out where I wanted all of the IKEA Sektion cabinet boxes to go. You can do this for FREE on the IKEA website!

In the plan, I included a cabinet that I would be turning into a microwave cabinet with storage underneath.

Once I planned it all out, I printed it off and used the plan to tell my electrician where the outlet should go for the microwave.  That made it easy for him, PLUS I knew where all the cabinets should go based on the printout!

Does IKEA make a microwave oven cabinet?

The short answer to that is YES! They have options on their site, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for or needed, so I decided to make my own.

How much does a microwave oven cabinet cost?

The cost of my DIY microwave oven cabinet was $255!

Here is what I ordered from IKEA for this lower microwave oven cabinet:

Supply list for a microwave oven cabinet installation

Below are all of the tools I used for this project and I have each one in my actual tool chest!

• Tape measure (everyone should have this one)
• Jigsaw or Oscillating tool
• drill (the drill and brad nailer use the same batteries) THIS KIT has both the drill and oscillating tool!
• 18 gauge brad nailer
• brad nails (be sure to get the correct length for your project!)
• wood glue
• miter saw
• Table saw, circular saw or track saw

 

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Can you put an electrical outlet inside a cabinet?

Yes! I built the cabinets and cut the back of the cabinet I would use for the microwave oven to pull the outlet through so I could plug in the microwave once installed. It was just a basic Sektion cabinet box to begin with, and it came with its own backing, which I went ahead and used. It worked perfectly!

**Be sure you know the electrical codes in your area and the air flow requirements of your microwave before completing this DIY 

How do you cut an outlet in the back of a cabinet?

First, you need to figure out where your outlet needs to go. If you have an existing outlet on a wall and are putting a cabinet over the opening and adding the outlet inside the cabinet, there are a couple of tricks you can use.

Here is what I recommend: Remove the plate cover, turn it around so it is inside out, and screw it back on. Then add a dot of toothpaste on each corner of the outlet cover and push the cabinet into place against the outlet.

The toothpaste will leave four little dots on the back of the cabinet, and you will know where you need to cut! Next, you will make a square – connecting those four dots.

Once you have a square drawn, choose a drill bit that will fit your jigsaw blade and drill a couple of holes inside the square near each corner. Then stick the jigsaw blade through and start to trace the outline of your square for your outlet.

What is the best tool for cutting the back of a cabinet?

I like to use a jigsaw, but you can also use an oscillating multi-tool, depending on what you have available.

How to use an outlet extender in a microwave oven cabinet

When I cut the back for the outlet to come into the cabinet and pushed the cabinet into place against the wall there was a gap and the outlet cover wouldn’t go on.

To eliminate the gap and allow my plate cover to be installed correctly,  I added an outlet extender box to the cabinet. This acts as a new junction box for your outlet and brings the outlet forward so that you can screw it into the cabinet back instead of directly into the junction box in your wall.

Then, once the outlet has been pulled forward you can run a long screw through the outlet screw-hole, the extender, and then into the original junction box that is on your wall.

Once my extender was added, I pulled the outlet through and secured it to the cabinet and original junction box.

Extenders are really inexpensive and a perfect solution to this problem.

What kind of microwave oven can go inside a cabinet?

I found the microwave oven I wanted to use and made sure the dimensions would work with the IKEA Sektion cabinet box. It is just a microwave that sits on top of a counter and is not too big.

Please note that I left plenty of venting around the microwave and air can escape the enclosure. This microwave is not used on a daily basis and only for a few minutes at a time a few times a month. You can buy a special microwave meant for built-ins if you are worried about air circulation.

We really just need it for popcorn and quick snacks in the basement bar. And to warm up my coffee that I drink on repeat all day long, lol!

How to build a microwave oven cabinet with storage

Using the Sektion base cabinet 24×24, I bought a deep Maximera IKEA drawer and drawer front that works with that cabinet. After considering all of the measurements of my countertop microwave oven, I knew I would be able to do one large drawer underneath the microwave. I built and installed the drawer at the bottom of the cabinet per the instructions.

That is where I would keep popcorn, bowls, cups, etc. The size of the drawer is actually perfect!

The top of the cabinet, the portion left over above the large drawer, would be used for the microwave.

Also, I have had several people ask me if I always DIY barefoot. The true answer is sometimes, although I don’t recommend it.

I do have actual workboots.

How to make a shelf for a microwave oven to sit on

For the part the microwave would sit on, I installed the included shelf pegs into the holes above the drawer in the cabinet box and then added the stationary IKEA Utrusta white shelf onto the pegs.

Then, cutting the black Lerhyttan end panel to size (I ordered one that matched the cabinets), I created another shelf to fit right on top of the white shelf and attached it with small brad nails.

Since this shelf would be somewhat visible, the added Lerhyttan shelf would hide the white of the cabinet shelf and give it the same finish as the rest of the bar.

When I cut the black panel to create a shelf, I first centered the white Utrusta shelf on top of the black panel to trace it for cutting. I made sure to line up the front of the white shelf with one of the finished edges and then traced the white shelf.

That left me with extra space on the other three sides, like a border, and I cut those off to use them for the trim pieces on the microwave opening.

Does a microwave oven need space around it in a cabinet?

Yes, it does. They say you should have 3″ clearance on the top and sides,  and at least 1″ in the back.

I wanted to leave plenty of space for air circulation and to keep the microwave from being able to be pushed all the way back into the cabinet when used, so I created a “stop panel” towards the back of the new black shelf.

I measured the depth of the microwave and the plug and made a line across my new black shelf. Then cut and added a small, 3″ piece of the leftover panel (that I had cut for the shelf) towards the back for the microwave to “stop” from being able to be pushed back into the wall.

I used wood glue and my brad nailer to add it perpendicular to the shelf. Now there is about 5″ of dead space at the back of the shelf between the “stop” and the outlet/back of the cabinet.

Do built-in microwave ovens need trim kits?

No, they don’t need to be trimmed out. But they do look so much better! So I trimmed my opening out with the leftover black panel pieces I cut off when I cut the new shelf for it to sit on.

I cut 4 pieces from the leftover “border” pieces of the black panel and trimmed around the opening using a brad nailer and wood glue, creating a finished look.

The edges that face away from the opening can be painted to match the rest of the cabinets so you don’t see any unfinished edges after cutting the faceframe.

 

I got the microwave oven in, and it looks perfect! It looks like it was made for the cabinet!

In reality, the cabinet was custom-made for the microwave, and it not only looks amazing but functions just like I hoped it would.

This was a SUPER easy build and took just an afternoon!!

This hack is genius and looks AMAZING, right?!

How to Build a Microwave Cabinet: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Plan Your Microwave Cabinet Layout

Use the free IKEA kitchen planning tool at IKEA.com to map out exactly where your microwave cabinet will go. Measure your microwave first (width, height, and depth), then find a Sektion base cabinet that gives you at least 1–2 inches of clearance on the sides and top for ventilation. This is also where you’ll tell your electrician exactly where to rough in the outlet — do this step before anything else.

Step 2: Order IKEA Sektion Parts for Your Microwave Cabinet Build

You’ll need: a Sektion base cabinet frame sized to fit your microwave with a few inches of clearance all around, a Utrusta shelf (rated for heavy items, this is non-negotiable), drawer components, and cover panels for a finished look. For my build, the total for all IKEA parts came to $255.

Step 3: Assemble the SEKTION Microwave Cabinet Frame

Follow IKEA’s included instructions to assemble the base cabinet frame. Attach the back panel yet. You’ll need to cut it first in the next step.

Step 4: Cut the Outlet Opening in the Microwave Cabinet Back Panel

Using a jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool, cut a hole in the back panel where your outlet will be located. Measure carefully before you cut. This is the step that lets the power cord reach the outlet cleanly without being pinched and without leaving a gap in the back of the cabinet.

Step 6: Install Your Microwave Cabinet

Secure the assembled cabinet into the space according to your plan. Slide the back panel in with the outlet hole lined up, then attach it.

Step 7: Install the UTRUSTA Shelf Inside Your Microwave Cabinet

The Utrusta shelf is the key to this whole build — it’s rated to hold the weight of a microwave and uses a simple bracket system inside the cabinet. Install it at a height that positions your microwave at a comfortable level.

Step 8: Place the Microwave Into the Cabinet and plug it in

Carefully slide your microwave onto the Utrusta shelf. Run the power cord to the outlet in the back panel and plug it into the outlet inside the cabinet. Test it before adding any finishing touches.

Step 9: Add a Drawer Below Your Microwave Cabinet

If you included a drawer in your plan, install the Maximera drawer slides and box now, then attach your drawer front. The drawer below the microwave is perfect for storing popcorn bags, microwave-safe containers, or kitchen linens.

Step 10: Finish Your Microwave Cabinet with a Cover Panel

Attach a matching Lerhyttan cover panel (or whatever finish panel matches your cabinets) to the exposed side of the cabinet. Cut it down to the sizing you need. This is what makes the whole thing look custom-built instead of like a hack. Step back and enjoy the built-in look you just created for a fraction of custom cabinet prices!

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Microwave Cabinet

Does IKEA make a microwave cabinet?

IKEA doesn’t sell a dedicated microwave cabinet, but their Sektion base cabinets work perfectly as a DIY built-in microwave cabinet. With the right components. Specifically the Utrusta shelf, which is designed to hold heavy items — you can create a completely custom, built-in look for a fraction of the cost of custom cabinetry.

What size cabinet do I need for a built-in microwave?

Start by measuring your microwave: note the width, height, and depth. Then choose a Sektion base cabinet that gives you at least 2 inches of clearance on the sides and top for ventilation. Most standard countertop microwaves fit well in a 24-inch-wide Sektion base cabinet, but check your specific microwave’s dimensions and air flow instructions before ordering.

Can a cabinet shelf hold the weight of a microwave?

Yes. But you need the right shelf. IKEA’s Utrusta shelf is specifically engineered for heavy loads, which is why it’s the key component in this build. A standard adjustable cabinet shelf is NOT rated for microwave weight. Always use the Utrusta when building a microwave cabinet with IKEA Sektion.

Do you need an electrician for a built-in microwave cabinet?

I strongly recommend it, especially if you’re creating a new cabinet space (not replacing an existing one). Having a dedicated outlet roughed in inside the cabinet, before the cabinet goes in, keeps cords completely hidden and is the safest approach. It’s a small cost that makes a big difference in the final look and in safety.

Can a microwave go in a lower base cabinet?

Absolutely! Lower cabinet placement is great for accessibility and also places it at a comfortable reach height. The key is installing the Utrusta shelf at the right height inside the cabinet so the microwave sits at a level that’s easy to use and can accommodate the size of the microwave you use. Anywhere from 24 to 36 inches from the floor tends to work well.

How much does it cost to build an IKEA microwave cabinet?

My total for all IKEA components was $255, which included the Sektion base cabinet frame, Utrusta shelf, Maximera drawer, Lerhyttan drawer front, and Lerhyttan cover panel. Add in your electrician cost if needed. Even with professional electrical work, this is a dramatic savings compared to custom cabinetry.

What IKEA parts do I need to build a microwave cabinet?

Here’s what I used: a SEKTION base cabinet frame sized to fit your microwave with clearance, a UTRUSTA shelf (rated for heavy items — non-negotiable), a MAXIMERA drawer for storage below, and drawer fronts and cover panels in your finish of choice (I used Lerhyttan in black stained).

Will putting a countertop microwave inside a cabinet affect the warranty?

Placing a countertop microwave inside a cabinet can sometimes affect warranty terms since countertop microwaves are designed with open ventilation in mind. My microwave is not used every day. It is in a basement bar and used for quick things like popcorn before a movie. I suggest to always leave 1–2 inches of clearance on all sides, and check your microwave’s manual for any built-in installation restrictions. If your microwave came with a trim kit option, that’s a sign it’s designed to be recessed, a great feature to look for when shopping.

I hope this inspires you to create your own genius hack to make it work for YOU, or this IKEA microwave cabinet hack that worked for ME!

Until next time, stop waiting. Start creating!