How to Install A Range Hood Vent Cover

By Arnie Hauslane Expert

4 mins read | Last updated 05/02/2024

Having a range hood sure beats opening windows and doors to air out your kitchen after dinner. If you're someone who loves to switch up your kitchen style, you might be considering adding a range hood vent cover. This fun DIY project can be completed over the weekend. Here’s how to get it done.

What We'll Cover:

Step 1: Materials and Tools
Step 2: Install Range Hood
Step 3: Add Side Cabinet Trim
Step 4: Install the Frame
Step 5: Install Angle Frame Supports
Step 6: Attach the Range Hood Cover
Step 7: Add Cover Trim
Step 8: Caulk, Prime, and Paint
Step 9: Attach Wood Board to Frame
Step 10: Install Side Boards
Step 11: Finish Out the Frame

How to Install A Range Hood Vent Cover Man Gathering Tools and Materials to Install Range hood and build vent cover

1. Gather Your Materials and Tools

Before you get started, prepare all of your materials and tools in one location. You’ll want to double-check the size of your boards and make sure they measure correctly to your range hood. Make sure you have the following items to make and install your range hood vent cover:

Miter saw
Brad nailer
Kreg Jig
Circular Saw
Measuring tape
Clamps
Level
1x6 at 8ft
8ft x 4ft at 1/4-inch thick plywood
1x2 at 8ft
2x2 at 8ft
Two 1/4" x 8ft lattice board at 1/4-inch thick
1x4 at 3/4-inch thick boards
1-inch and 1 1/4-inch and 2-inch brad nails
Two 1/2-inch screws
Two 1/2-inch Kreg screws
Paintable caulk
Lightweight spackle
Paint
Wood stain
Polyurethane

2. Install Your Range Hood (optional)

Of course, if you already have your range hood in place, you can skip this step! Always follow your manufacturer’s manual when installing your new range hood. We have some handy guides to help you with installation:

Not sure which range hood to buy? Our buyer’s guide is here to help!

3. Add Cabinet Side Trim (optional)

This step is optional but one you’ll want to complete if your cabinets do not have side trim pieces. Simply use the 1x2 (height should match the range hood) to create trim pieces and add them with a brad nailer.

4. Install the Frame

5. Install Angle Frame Supports

Nail 1x2s with ¼-inch in depth to your cabinets. Then, add two 2x2s stacked on top of each other with 2-inch brad nails on each side. Take the 1x2 front angle boards past the stacked 2x2s to determine the angle you’ll need and to determine the top angle cuts. Nail the bottom part of the board into the stacked 2x2s. Finally, attach the 1x2s inside of the cabinet front corners.

6. Attach the Range Hood Cover

Use your circular saw to cut the ¼-inch plywood to size for the front cover. Secure it to the 1x2s with one-inch brad nails and a brad nailer. Clamp the plywood to trace the shape you’ll need to cut. Use a circular saw and a straight-edge guide to make the cut.

7. Add Cover Trim

Trim the front range hood cover and use 1-inch brad nails. Depending on the size of the range hood, you may want to add trim to the sides.

8. Take Care of Caulking, Priming, and Painting

Use caulk to fill all of the gaps and seams. You can fill the holes with a lightweight spackle. Prime and paint the cover with a paint color of your choosing.

9. Install the Wood Board to the Frame

To create a trim for the front of the range hood vent cover, cut out a 1x6 board. Make sure the front board has a 45 degree bevel cut on each end. The two side boards need a 90-degree end and a 45-degree bevel end.

10. Stain the Boards and Install the Side Boards

Stain the 1x6 board in a shade of your choosing. You may want to apply polyurethane to make the cover wipeable. Install the side boards with 1 ¼-inch brad nails. Nail the front board to the side boards and frame.

11. Finish Out the Frame

Use 1x4 boards with ⅜-inch thickness, paint them, and nail them into the frame to finish out the underside of the cover.

Rather not DIY? No problem. Our kitchen island, wall-mount, and built-in range hoods function beautifully without a vent cover!