Can anyone guess what this is?

9 years ago

Hello! I bought a 1920's house a few years ago and thought at that time that I was only about 2-3 years away from a full kitchen remodel. But, as these things go, it seems like I am now even further away from this remodel, so I'm going to do a few interim repairs to make it more functional and less hideous. One of the primary things is removing this giant box that is above the totally worthless vent and cabinets above my range. Does anyone know what this thing is? It is NOT a chimney or chimney cover, as I originally hypothesized, as there is absolutely nothing above this in the attic nor does it breach our roof. I tried to poke a hole in one side and the best I can tell it seems like it is a particle board like material--it is gray. I would like to add a more modern and functional vent there as it seems like I'm probably another 2-3 years from being able to remodel this space and the venting in the kitchen is really necessary. Any assistance would be very appreciated!

Thanks!!

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Comments (4)

User
9 years ago
Don't poke. Cut with a keyhole saw, and then shine a pen light in with a dental mirror inserted. You'll find out pretty quick if you can remove it or not.
plilr thanked User
acm
9 years ago
Is this an interior or exterior wall? If the latter, it's possible that it's the remnant from a prior vent hood, but that the pipe goes out toward the outside horizontally (maybe even in a soffit in the next room, or just above the ceiling) rather than vertically like a chimney. That could be helpful to you in putting in new ventillation, but I can't really think of anything that would require that giant box either way unless some other function is being hidden inside it.
plilr thanked acm
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kay kin
9 years ago
good advice from sophie. maybe you will be lucky & just a design element gone rouge?
plilr thanked kay kin
plilr
Original Author
9 years ago
So...I just did a little more reconnaissance on the opposite side of my original hole and...it seems like it is a giant box made of cement board with a ton of wood underneath that. I think acm had the best insight--I think it is meant to cover the original vent hood venting and then be something that the cabinets below it could be attached to.

The weird way that the previous owner "repaired" everything in this house has often left me scratching my head, but this one is so far afield that I just...whew!! Home ownership FTW!!! :)