Small woodworking project
 

We replaced our kitchen refrigerator last September. The new fridge is taller than the old one so I had to pull out the cabinet box above the fridge (it came out neatly and with no damage). That cabinet box needs to be shortened by about three inches. This involves simple modifications to the existing box and doors. A very small job to be sure; nevertheless, it's not something I feel I can tackle as I lack the needed woodworking tools and ability.

Can you recommend any woodworker that could do this...or even a forum member with a home shop and the necessary skills? This does not involve work at our home as I can install the reconstructed box. I'm in Meredith and happy to transport the unit wherever reasonable.

Thanks all.

Would it not be cheaper for you to find a similar looking cabinet at the correct height? Lowes or Home Depot would be a good start. Also, ReStore up in Plymouth has kitchen cabinets that may work.


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Not sure what town... so I am going to suggest Meredith Craftsmen...

DONALD SINCLAIR
603-707-1261

Or

Terry Lee
603-520-2173

Sawdust Bin, Moultonboro
 

I recommend Glenn at the Sawdust Bin in Moultonboro. He made custom entry doors and newel posts for me. He is a very talented and pleasant guy. The only problem is the same with everyone: getting on the list of any talent craftsman is a challenge...

Chances are you would never find doors to match. I had to cut three inches out of the cabinet when we replaced our refrigerator. I'm pretty handy and have the right tools. The cabinets are painted so I was able to dowel the doors together and patch over the area so you can't see the cuts. If I had to do it over again I would pay someone else to do it. But it felt good to see my handiwork when the project was done.

It would be a perfect project for a local vocational school woodworking shop. But timing is bad as school is getting out for summer. But if you can wait, drop by the school early and see if you can get scheduled.

'Sounds DIY To Me...
 

I'd buy a cheap saber-saw from Amazon ($30) and cut three inches off the cabinet bottom. Cut and trim 'til it's a tight fit. Once fitted in place, those rough edges won't show.

Re-purpose the cool refrigerator's top surface to store temperature-sensitive items, like waxes, adhesives, vitamins, ointments, gel-capsules or emergency heart medications like nitroglycerin (which has an extremely narrow range of storage temperatures).

Should an electrical outage occur, the sheer cold mass of the refrigerator will maintain a cooler temperature than anywhere else in the house.

Is there enough space to simply raise the cabinet above the refridgerator?
Years ago I installed an above the stove microwave and simply raised the cabinet. Luckily I had no crown molding to get in the way. It looked a little weird at first but it looks normal now.

Im happy to help. I’m a retired engineer and part time woodworker with a shop thats ready to go. I’m just down the road in Laconia. PM me and I’ll take a look at it!

As is typically the case, great feedback and I thank you all. Couple of notes in response to the various posts.

1. WinnisquamZ - Good points however I believe I have all I need to reduce the height of the cabinet by three inches - except for the needed skills and tools. Hoping to find someone that possesses those very things. I think that person could make quick work of this.

2. John - Thanks for the references and I may reach out to one/both if needed. I am in Meredith by the way.

3. Tom C - Thanks also for the reference and I may reach out to Glenn if needed. Really hoping to find someone that can make quick work of this however.

4. rick35 - I'm hoping the existing doors can be cut down and remortised. These are natural pine - not painted.

5. Tummyman - That's a creative idea. Will consider but hoping to get this cabinet installed ASAP.

6. Aps - I've thought of that. If need be, I can do that for the cabinet box but the doors are what's primarily visible, require some routing and I expect some mortise work. I'm going to mess that up which is why I'm looking for someone with some skill.

7. loony - There's space however, unlike you, I do have the crown molding in the way which needs to continue the same height to match that of the abutting cabinet.

8. SteveO123 - Thanks - I've sent you a PM.