I need some advice regarding the installation of my over-the-range microwave. It's been about 10 years since I had one installed, and while I think Home Depot (HD) did it along with my other kitchen appliances, there's a chance the installers might not have been who I thought. Recently, I noticed that there were no holes drilled into my tile backsplash or the wall behind where the microwave was. Is there a way to install an OTR microwave without drilling, maybe a special bracket or technique HD uses? Or are they just not allowed to drill into tile? Any input would be appreciated!
4 Answers
From what I know, most over-the-range microwaves are attached to the cabinet above, which might be why there are no wall holes. However, it's typically recommended to use a wall bracket too, to provide extra support. It seems like your installation might have skipped that part, which isn't great for stability.
It sounds like a risky move to only attach it to the cabinet. Most microwaves come with a wall bracket for a reason—it's safer! If your microwave weighed around 25 to 30 lbs, you definitely need that extra support from the wall, especially if your cabinet isn't super sturdy.
That's true! I once had a similar issue, but mine weighed 47 lbs, and I never had trouble because it was properly installed with a bracket. Maybe HD skipped the wall drilling to avoid damaging your tile.
Honestly, it's a bad idea to rely solely on the cabinet for support. That can be risky. Most OTR microwaves do include a wall bracket that should be mounted first, especially if you have a sturdy wall behind your tile. Just curious—did you install it yourself, or was it done by someone?
Exactly! It should be secured to both the cabinet and the wall for safety. I'd definitely check that it was set up correctly!