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How to make an appliance cupboard

An open cupboard showing various appliances neatly arranged on shelves inside.

Overview

Is your kitchen full of appliances that clutter your bench space? Hidden appliance cupboards are a great way to save space, declutter and make cleaning easier and more efficient. They're ideal for storing items like microwaves, toasters and coffee machines out-of-sight, but close-to-hand.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Before you begin

    Make sure your appliance cupboard will be in a practical and easily accessible spot that has access to power.

  2. 2

    Remove doors

    Remove the door with a screwdriver so that you can easily access the inside; this will make working easier.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Place all screws in a small container and put it to the side so they’re contained in one spot.
    A person uninstalling cupboard door hinges.
  3. 3

    Ensure the benchtop fits

    Your benchtop will serve as a great area to make your coffee and tea. It will also be a space to hide away larger kitchen appliances like your microwave. Measure the width and depth of your cupboard space, ensuring your benchtop is cut to these measurements.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: You can choose from a range of different benchtop materials like stone, granite, timber and laminate. It all depends on the look you want and what you need.
    A person holding the benchtop with his hands.
  4. 4

    Attach the aluminium angles

    For added support, measure the length from the back of the cupboard to the front. Cut the aluminium to size. Next, pre-drill three holes and screw into place. This acts as another layer of support when it comes to placing items on your benchtop.

    A person using power screwdriver to attach aluminium angles.
  5. 5

    Measure and cut the cement sheets

    Measure the side and back panels of the cupboard space to determine what dimensions the cement sheets need to be cut to. Cut them to size so they’re ready for installation.

    A person using a tape measure to measure the dimensions of cement sheet.
  6. 6

    Secure cement sheets into place

    Screw in the cement sheets. Before you begin, make sure they fit into place correctly, sitting flush against the sides of the cupboard. Screw them in using a drill and screws to keep the cement sheets sturdy and in place.

    A person using a power drill to fasten a screw into a cement sheet.
  7. 7

    Lay the tiles

    Once you have selected the perfect tiles for your cupboard, it’s time to put them in. Apply tile adhesive to the cement sheets to stick the tiles on. Lay them in place on the tile adhesive and wait about an hour for them to dry before you grout.

    A person laying tiles.
  8. 8

    Glue the MDF boards

    If you want a lavish look, you can add MDF boards (painted to your desired finish) above the tiles. Simply install them using adhesive and nails.

    A person applying adhesive to MDF board.
  9. 9

    Install shelving

    Figure out where you want the shelves to be in the cupboard and mark the spaces where they will be installed. You can fit the shelving to suit your needs, but make sure there is enough room for all of your appliances.

    Pre-drill holes two holes on each side of the wall, so you can slide the shelf supports in. Once they’re in, simple place your shelf on top.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Don’t put the shelves too close together. Make sure there’s enough space for taller items.
    A person installing shelves.
  10. 10

    Re-hang doors

    Finally, re-hang the doors on your fully functioning appliance cupboard. Now you can fill your brand-new cupboard with all your appliances and declutter your bench!

    A person holding a cupboard door.
  11. 11

    Watch the full episode

    For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 4: Luxury kitchen and dining room renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.