How to cut a hole in overhead cabinet for a rangehood?

[Lethaleigh]

Hi I'm about to cuts hole in the bottom of my over head cabinet to house a range hood 

I've brought the hole forward to be more directly over the cooktop.

They are chipboard cabinets, if I leave 25 mm thickness between the hole and the front edge, is that enough or would I effect the strength of the unit.

Obviously the overheads do not protrude out as far as the base cabinets.

Thanks Leigh

[EricL]

Hello @Lethaleigh 

A standard 600mm pullout rangehood has a fixed outlet on the top or the back side. When you cut the hole out it has to be in line with the exhaust hole of the unit. The rangehood has been designed to catch the smoke and smells of the cooktop using the pull-out extension of the rangehood there is no need to reposition the rangehood outside its intended space. Moving it so could result in unwanted misalignment and the rangehood doors might not fit properly.   

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your rangehood cabinet along with your rangehood. Can you also please tell us the make and model of your rangehood. Once we get those details, we'll be able to give you better advice in regards to the cut outs.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Lethaleigh]

Hi Eric mate thank you for such a detailed response and I'm sorry for such a long delay in getting back to you 

Unfortunately I purchased the rangehood from the kitchen cabinet warehouse and didn't get to really have a proper look at it..so it doesn't slide out forward to catch the. Smoke etc.

So not great as the overhead cupboard only protrudes out 350 mm but I'll work with what I have.

I've attached a couple of pics, I have t cut out the hole yet but I'm guessing leaving enough width at the front edge that the chipboard won't be effected.

Thanks Leigh 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Lethaleigh,

Leaving only 25mm at the front edge of the cabinet is quite thin and may compromise its integrity to some extent. You should be fine, but if you're concerned, you could reinforce this section by attaching a timber or aluminium brace on the inside of the cabinet. 

It's also worth checking the installation instructions for your rangehood, as they typically specify the ideal positioning and minimum setback distances to the cabinet edges to ensure you don’t remove too much material at either the front or back. 

Mitchell