When it comes to kitchen remodeling or upgrading your appliances, one common challenge is ensuring that the appliances that you have bought will fit seamlessly into the available space.
If you’ve recently purchased a new refrigerator and feel what to do when refrigerator is too wide. Don’t worry you can trim cabinet to fit refrigerator. In this article, we’ll show you the process of how to trim cabinet to fit refrigerator that blends seamlessly with your kitchen decor.
How To Trim Cabinet To Fit Refrigerator?
To trim out a refrigerator cabinet, there is a step-by-step guide that will help you trim a cabinet to fit a refrigerator that will blend with your kitchen cabinets and give a furnished look.
Before trimming the cabinet, must wear Eye Goggles, a Dust Mask, and Work Gloves for your safety. Safety should be your top priority throughout this process.
Tools and Materials
Gather the necessary tools and materials for this project. You’ll likely need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Paint or Stains
Measuring the Refrigerator
Start with measuring the refrigerator. Measure the dimensions of the refrigerator including height, width, and depth. When calculating, account for the handles and door opening space of the refrigerator. These dimensions will identify how much cabinet you have to trim.
Make sure to provide sufficient clearance for ventilation around the refrigerator. The recommended clearance is 2 inches from the back wall, 1 inch from the top cabinet, and 1/4 inch on either side of the refrigerator.
Removing Cabinet Doors and Shelves
To access the cabinet space more easily, remove the cabinet doors and any interior shelves. It’s crucial to trim the cabinet without any hurdle. If you have an open cabinet then skip it.
Remove all items from the cabinet to access the doors and shelves easily. By using a screwdriver or drill, remove the screws from the hinges and remove the cabinet doors and shelves.
If your cabinet has adjustable shelves, locate the shelf supports that hold the shelves in place. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the supports out of their holes.
Marking and Trimming
That’s the most crucial step in trimming a cabinet to fit a refrigerator. Mark the cut lines on the interior side of the cabinet according to the measurements of the refrigerator.
If your upper cabinets are framed, you can trim the bottom of the cabinet to fit the refrigerator which will be a frame of the cabinet. It can be easily removed by cutting with a jigsaw.
Use a circular or jigsaw to make precise cuts along the marked lines. Take your time to ensure straight and clean cuts on the cabinet. Double-check the measurements after trimming.
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Sanding the Edges
After trimming the cabinet, you may find rough edges or uneven surfaces. Sand the edges by using a sander to avoid any damage or scratches to the refrigerator while fitting.
If a sander is not available, use 220-grit sandpaper to smoothen the rough edges. It is crucial for the safety and aesthetics of the cabinets as well as the refrigerator.
Refinishing the Cabinet
To get the furnished look of the kitchen cabinets, apply paint or stains to the edges that match the cabinet’s look. This will give your cabinet a polished appearance and protect the exposed wood during the fitting of the refrigerator.
Once the paint is dry, reassemble the cabinet. If you have removed cabinet doors and shelves, reattach them to the cabinets. After installing, make sure they are level and secure.
Carefully move the refrigerator into the newly trimmed cabinet space. Ensure the recommended clearance of 2 inches from the back wall, 1 inch from the top cabinet, and 1/4 inch on either side of the refrigerator for proper ventilation.
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FAQs
What to do when refrigerator is too wide?
If you want to install your refrigerator inside the cabinet but the refrigerator is too wide, it can’t be set inside the cabinet. Don’t worry, you can simply trim your cabinet to fit a refrigerator that blends seamlessly with your kitchen decor. Trim your cabinet by using a circular saw, sand, and repaint and fit it into the cabinet.
How to trim bottom of cabinet to fit refrigerator?
Draw a cutting line on the frame of the cabinet. Using a circular saw or jigsaw, carefully cut along the marked lines on the bottom of the cabinet. After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the newly cut section.
How wide is a refrigerator cabinet?
Standard kitchen cabinets in the United States are typically designed to accommodate refrigerators that are 30 to 36 inches wide. So, if you want to install a 36-inch(91cm) wide refrigerator, then you will need 36.5(93cm) wide clearance. The half-an-inch clearance for ventilation.
How to attach a cabinet door to a refrigerator?
To attach a cabinet door to a refrigerator, you’ll need a door mounting kit or brackets. First, measure both doors to ensure they match in size. Next, attach the mounting brackets to the refrigerator door. Align the cabinet door with the refrigerator door and secure them to the brackets.
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Final Thought
Trimming a cabinet to fit your refrigerator is a practical solution to ensure your kitchen remains both functional and visually appealing. If you’re not confident in your carpentry skills, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a professional to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing result.
Moreover, if you are doing it yourself then I am sure I have explained the whole process step by step which will help you to trim cabinet to fix refrigerator perfectly. Thanks!
