"JM" wrote in message ...
Our 1989 built-in microwave stopped working, so I bought a replacement.
The problem is that the old microwave was huge, and the cutout requirement
for the new microwave/trim kit is 3" smaller in height than the existing
hole.

The trim kit specs 15 3/4", the existing hole is 18 1/2".

Any ideas on how to fill the gap? Should I try to match the wood stain,
or am I better off using a contrasting material? I don't have a lot of
money to spend here, that's why I'm trying to do this myself. Any ideas
and suggestions appreciated.

A picture so you can get an idea of the cabinet material/color:
http://home.comcast.net/~jdmcahren/microwave.jpg

Thanks!

Do you know the brand of the original cabinets? If so, you may be able to
buy a matching trip strip or filler.

Barring that, you may be able to buy a piece of wood and come close on the
stain. If so, it would be simple to bring it down to the required size.
You may want to consider putting a shelf in the space also. Put a couple of
cookbooks on it and it will fit right in like it belongs.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/