"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!

Your picture helps a lot. Looks a lot like my old 1969 kitchen before the
cabinets when into the garage.

Spencer's Appliance in Mesa Az sells trim kits to fit larger openings.
Having said that you will need to buy a microwave that works with that
model.
These trim kits look funky to me, made of sheet metal and fit on 3 sides of
the microwave. Top and sides only. The trim kit expands a lot like the
expanders on window airconditioners.
Call your manufacture and see if they offer such an option.

Anything you try to do with the wood will probably not match. At least it
never does when I do it.