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Monday, May 7, 2012

This Really Sucks(In a Good Way)

Sorry for the radio silence, everyone.  I was stuck in the weeds last week and had to step away from the computer.  But I'm back, and energized and ready to do some sharing.  I think I might actually finally be able to put a done stamp on our kitchen.  For those of you who don't know, CG and I took sledgehammers to our kitchen nearly 4 yrs ago.  We completely DIYed the reno, and it took a few years to get to almost done.  We finally finished the last item on our list and call it honest to goodness done.  I'll share the whole 4yr long before and after with you later this week, but for now I'll show you that last project - replacing the microwave hood that sucked(or didn't suck as the case was) with 900CFMs of superior sucking.  This is where we started.
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Remember how we installed a microwave drawer here last year?  That cleared the way for us to get rid of the non-sucking microwave.  The microwave venthood had to come down, and CG installed a plywood shelf to attach the hood to.  It plugged into the same outlet as the microwave vent, but we ran new ducting because of the different size needed(that rectangular hole was for the microhood.)  Each elbow in ducting will reduce air flow, but we have such a short run that it was fine to use them.
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It's important to note here that the duct elbows are connected with silver foil tape, not what we all know as duct tape.  Silver foil tape is the correct material to use for ducting.  The other duct tape is great for making prom dresses and wallets.
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Since no one wants to look at ducting, we attached blocking into the hole using a spare piece of a cherry veneer cover panel as a spacer.
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And slid a piece of cherry veneer into the hole in front of the blocking.
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Blue tape was used as handles to slide it into place.
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I placed some of my salt and pepper shakers up on the resulting ledge.  The hamburger splits into 2 shakers, and I painted the dog and cat at one of those paint your own pottery stores.
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A reminder of the before.
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And the after.
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I fried up some potatoes, and it really did a fantastic job with capturing the grease.  The baffles and grease catcher cups can go right in the dishwasher.  I'm so excited to be sharing the entire kitchen reno later this week now that I can finally call it done.
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Thanks for popping in and checking out our new vent.


7 comments:

  1. Fantastic Job! Seriously, I love renovations. And that you did it yourself is great. Although 4 years is a long time. I think I would have sliced my wrists after four months.
    I'm glad I get to see this today. We are buying a house where the microwave is was too low and we need to replace it. You'll see eventually.
    Can't wait to see your before/during/and afters!
    m.
    p.s. Your blog finally appeared in my Reader. I'm here now. Look out!

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  2. Your kitchen looks so pretty - I can't wait to see more of it. Awesome job DIYing that vent - impressive skills!! Do you like your microwave drawer? I am thinking of doing that when we get to renovating our kitchen.

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  3. I'm sure the light must be nice as well. I do like the little shelf over the hood -- great idea for filling up the space. I could also see a little row of small plates hanging there. Or one of your clever wood cut outs. Look forward to the whole enchilada. Jane

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  4. WOOHOO! It turned out AWESOME!! I can't wait to see more pictures!
    I hope your Monday is off to a great start! :)

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  5. Looks good! I'm sure it feels incredible to be done! I'm looking forward to your next post about your kitchen!

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  6. LOVE the little shelf above...and still room to open the doors above, so that's good. Enjoy your new sucker!

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  7. Looks great Marcia! I tried emailing you a few weeks ago regarding the home tour. You were suppose to be up a few weeks ago...Now I am way out there for the summer time. Which is probably still OK with you, gives you plenty of time.

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