Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Over the Range Microwave installation HELP
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mcapper
03-21-08, 05:32 PM
Hello,
I sure hope someone can help me with my question/problem. I recently purchased a new home. The home has a range hood. The kitchen is somewhat small so I really want to have an over the range microwave. So, I purchased one prior to moving into my house.
-Good new is that the range hood is on a dedicated 20amp circuit. So, all I need to do is move the wire and install an outlet.
-But, here is my problem. My house is relatively new, so like most newer houses in Hawaii it is a steel framed house. The installation instructions state that the back mounting bracket must be mounted to at least one wood stud. I am sure I am not the only one who has ever wanted to install a microwave into a steel framed house. So, I am asking what should I do. I am hoping the answer is not to cut out the drywall and add some 2x4s behind the wall. Surely there must be something simpler. Please help! IF anyone has any suggestions on mounting the back plate to a wall with steel studs I would love to hear the suggestions.
Thank you!!
With Aloha,
Mike
I sure hope someone can help me with my question/problem. I recently purchased a new home. The home has a range hood. The kitchen is somewhat small so I really want to have an over the range microwave. So, I purchased one prior to moving into my house.
-Good new is that the range hood is on a dedicated 20amp circuit. So, all I need to do is move the wire and install an outlet.
-But, here is my problem. My house is relatively new, so like most newer houses in Hawaii it is a steel framed house. The installation instructions state that the back mounting bracket must be mounted to at least one wood stud. I am sure I am not the only one who has ever wanted to install a microwave into a steel framed house. So, I am asking what should I do. I am hoping the answer is not to cut out the drywall and add some 2x4s behind the wall. Surely there must be something simpler. Please help! IF anyone has any suggestions on mounting the back plate to a wall with steel studs I would love to hear the suggestions.
Thank you!!
With Aloha,
Mike
Just Bill
03-22-08, 04:57 AM
The load is all verticle, so if the cabinets are properly installed, there should not be a issue of using the metal studs, and there should be something in the instructions. Houses framed with metal studs usually have wood mounted in the wall for hanging cabinets, sinks etc., so hopefully there may be some wood. The front of the MW is supported by the cabinet above, so that takes off some of the wall load.
That part of the wall will be covered, so if you are still incomfortable, cut the drywall and attach some 2x between the studs, them reinstall the drywall.
That part of the wall will be covered, so if you are still incomfortable, cut the drywall and attach some 2x between the studs, them reinstall the drywall.
Wayne Mitchell
03-22-08, 09:37 AM
MCapper - Have you contacted the Microwave manufacturer? Visit their web site, contact (by e-mail or phone) them and ask for their input.
mcapper
03-23-08, 01:02 PM
Thanks for the help.
I did call the manufacture but they said they are not trained to provide installation assistance.
I did as suggested by just bill. Actuall that is exactly what I was thinking but the instructions stated "critical step: Ensure at least on acnhor into wood stud" Anyway, I attached the metal back bracket to the wall and put a couple of the screws throught he metal stud. They seemed to grip and provide support. The cabinet is attached good so much of the load is indeed supported properly from the top.
Everything feels pretty solid to me. I checked the bracket before placing the microwave on it. I am pretty sure it is solid.
Well, thanks for the help. I really do appreciate it!!
Aloha, Mike
I did call the manufacture but they said they are not trained to provide installation assistance.
I did as suggested by just bill. Actuall that is exactly what I was thinking but the instructions stated "critical step: Ensure at least on acnhor into wood stud" Anyway, I attached the metal back bracket to the wall and put a couple of the screws throught he metal stud. They seemed to grip and provide support. The cabinet is attached good so much of the load is indeed supported properly from the top.
Everything feels pretty solid to me. I checked the bracket before placing the microwave on it. I am pretty sure it is solid.
Well, thanks for the help. I really do appreciate it!!
Aloha, Mike