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framing for fridge built in look

15 years ago

My fridge is at the end of the kitchen against a wall, I was going to build a panel 24" deep on each side and a cabinet above it. (same depth as base cabs) But then the fridge show on the sides 6" + door handles that stick out.

If I make the panel 30", it will physically look like the cabinets turns out from their 24" depth? Or is that OK because it would otherwise be the fridge getting in the way anyway?

Should it be 28" or some other depth?

What kind of methods have you used to "shim" out the cabinet above the fridge almost 6" or so?

recessing into the wall is not an option here because it is exterior wall.

Thanks, this detail is driving me crazy..

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Comments (5)

frodo_2009
15 years ago
i would use a panel on both sides and bring the top out to match..i built my fridge and trash compacter into a recess
thats 36" deep
Babka NorCal 9b
15 years ago
The fridge has to stick out the width of the door edge in order for you to be able to open the door more than 90 degrees (for pulling out drawers and shelves). Sub Zeros, and some others, I think, have different hinges so they can be flush with the cabinetry.

-Babka
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PoorOwner
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi, you are right, so the fridge I want has a depth of 28" without doors, I should make the panel no more than 28" right?
Circus Peanut
15 years ago
The thing to watch for is how much room the hinges need to open the door fully. Virtually every fridge will tell you in the spec sheet how much freedom it needs around the hinges. That lets you know how far back from the door the hinge-side panel should be.

I got a Liebherr, which has fabulous hinges that rotate 180 without needing any extra space, so I panelled right up to the door on both sides.
amylovesbud
15 years ago
We enclosed ours also. We did have room to recess the fridge into the wall, so our panels are the same depth as the adjacent cabinets. As for building the box above. My husband suspended supports from the ceiling the distance we needed. It worked very well.

Also, I need to get a picture of the sink for you and I'll take a pic of the fridge, too. We just got back in from a hotel after having the floors refinished and it's a little disorganized right now.

I saw your other thread and things are looking good!

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