I started out with the intention of just building a basic microwave cart for the kitchen, but as I progressed into the project, it’s turning out so well (for me anyway) that I really want to make this piece look nice. I think I’ve finally graduated from considering myself a hack at woodworking 🙂 Anyway, I’m including some pictures of where I am at this point, and would appreciate any ideas from you guys. Maybe a base of some sort, or some ideas for the doors and drawer fronts.
Another point of interest for this project, is that it’s all recycled/reclaimed wood… the hardwood plywood used to be a pallet topper, I got them from a manufacturer in the area that just throws them away!!! My dad and I have taken literally several hundreds of these 4×4 plywood squares, which is interesting seeing as the one side of the plywood is practically finish grade! And the face of the cabinet I cut from an old shelf that I took down in my garage, so this project has not cost me anything but time so far.
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You've done very well so far, and I'm betting that you already have ideas that could make this piece a real gem. But since you asked, here are a couple of things that come to mind for me.....
Since this will be a microwave cart, it will look more well-placed if it has a base that offers a toe-kick (just like the other cabinetry in the kitchen). This will also make it a tiny bit easier to use.
Doors wil probably be a good thing, but only if you can make them match what's already in the kitchen (or what's planned for installation soon).
And if it's not too much of a skill stretch, put drawers in it - one in each half, or just a stack on each side. Most kitchens don't really have enough drawer space, and most cooks will tell you that drawers are more useful than base cabinets.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
I do have a few ideas, first I totally forgot to mention that all those little cubes on the right side are going to be drawers. I was thinking solid wood drawer fronts with something routed around the edge. Next is the top, I want to put an oversized top on it so that it overhangs on 3 of the 4 sides. As for the doors, it doesn't really have to match the rest of the kitchen, because the cart will be just outside of the kitchen in the hallway to the dining room. Maybe make panels that have a beaded pine look to it or something. But for the bottom, I'm not sure. I did think about making a toe kick, but I'm sort of leaning toward some sort of decorative feet for the corners. I don't want to raise the height too much more, maybe an inch or two at the most.
Looks nice, I'd say you're beyond a hack....
How about casters? I say this because we're putting together ideas on a microwave cabinet for the kitchen. Ease of cleaning brought up the casters.
Placed next to the stove and convection oven our design will have the microwave oven on top, below will be doors with slots which house the convection oven's sheet pans standing on the end. and then space for a pasta pot.
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