Before I turned my microwave shelf into a plate rail, it was part of a cabinet on the end by the doorway - so only supported by wall behind and cabinet next to it, which is the range hood. It held a non-built in microwave - and maybe that is lighter, but if the cabinet is screwed into the wall studs, I don't see the problem - unless it is the cabinet itself which is not structurally sound.

Definitely not true for any reason I can think of. Cabinets should be structurally independent for the most part.

Thank you. I'll ask the KD again. Because the 2 alternative options she gave me (put it in base cabinet or have a full ceiling to floor cabinet) are not something I prefer. My microwave is not a build in, it is a bit big, though, about 20W x 16D x 12H. Do you think the size matters or I just have to get a bigger cabinet to accommodate my microwave, but I can still have it in the wall cabinet at the end? Thanks!

OK, thanks!! I'll ask her again.

Actually, I just went online to cliqstudios (that's where the KD's from), and under the MW shelf, it says 'Install requires 3 points of attachment for support'. So, the KD is just following instruction. I wonder why it requires 3 points attachment?

Can you post a link or picture of what you are talking about?

I'm surprised by this as well. A big stack of plates is heavier than a modern microwave. Do their specs give maximum loads for the width of the cabinet? If you have to push the matter, you could weigh your microwave (or go to a new smaller one, they really weigh almost nothing and cost so little in the grand scheme of things) and demonstrate that it is within the limits. Assuming weight is the issue. I'm really curious.

If you still hit a wall but feel confident about proceeding anyhow, can you ask if they can do it if you sign off on accepting the risk? Or just order that an open shelf with trim (or whatever) of the appropriate size be built in but not indicate on any paperwork that it's for a microwave?

http://www.cliqstudios.com/kitchen-cabinet-catalog/

Under select category link on the left, select the wall cabinet - wall specialty cabinet, then scroll down to Microwave storage. There are a few items there that have the same 3-point install requirement.

I went to other cabinet website, like lily ann cabinet and cabinets.com. Both websites does not mention any restriction for their M/W cabinet. So, I wonder if it's the cabinet design from cliqstudios? Or cliqstudios being extra cautious? I don't know. Maybe some pros who install cabinets on a regular basis can weigh in?

It sounds like they might be overly cautious. There is definitley no reason that cabinet requires a cabinet on either side for support. Should there be some unusual structural deficiency in the cabinet when it arrives, any competant installer should be able to easily strengthen it somehow

Youll be screwing it to the wall and to a cabinet above right?

Id just tell the designer to put it where you want and youll make sure the installer makes sure its strong enough.

Yeah, I think I'll do that. Just let my contractor know to make sure it's properly installed and add additional support if needed.

KraftMaid use to have the same disclosure in their spec book too. I'm not sure if it's still there.