Standard-size dishwashers require a 24-inch cabinet opening; fortunately, many existing kitchen cabinets will meet this requirement with ease.
No, integrated dishwashers do not need a cabinet. Instead, you need an opening where the dishwasher can be installed with sufficient space to accommodate the appliance's size and provide access to the kitchen's plumbing.
A standard size dishwasher is made for a kitchen cabinet opening that is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high.
Most dishwashers are installed when the cabinets are first put into the home so that you can tie everything together and lock it in place for years to come. However, sometimes remodeling projects will necessitate that you make additions later, such as installing a dishwasher in old kitchen cabinets.
Corner locations need at least 2 inches of space between the side of the dishwasher door (when open) and the wall or cabinet. Check for any obstructions that would cause the dishwasher motor to touch the floor of the opening, such as carpeting or loose, uneven tile.
If you are designing a kitchen from scratch, it's easy to accommodate for a dishwasher. Leaving a 24-inch opening next to the sink cabinet works in most cases.
While your dishwasher does not have to be flush with the cabinets and countertops, there are benefits to the parallel installation. A flushed dishwasher makes it easier to maneuver through your kitchen, creates a cohesive look within the space, and prevents unanticipated plumbing challenges.
Fortunately, all dishwashers are equipped with two adjustable legs on the front of the machine. Raising the leg on the left will raise the left side of the machine, while raising the right leg will lift the right side during leveling.
The plywood has nothing to do with spanning the dishwasher gap: usually kitchen cabinets have no top, and the only support for the countertop is provided by the sides of the cabinets. Whether there is a dishwasher or a drawer underneath makes no difference.
Kitchen Remodeling or Modifications
While the cost to install a dishwasher generally costs $970, retrofitting the kitchen for a dishwasher can run about $1,900 to $8,300, depending on the modifications needed.
Drill Holes in the Cabinets
Before you can install the drain hose and water line to the dishwasher, you'll need to drill two holes in the sink base cabinet. For the drain hose, this is a 1 1/2-inch hole located near the back of the cabinet and as high as possible without hitting the sink.
The gap is necessary because dishwashers create a lot of heat and humidity. It can damage the counters to be exposed to these elements too closely. Most manufacturers recommend a gap of 1/2-3/4 of an inch.
Drill pilot holes through the screw holes of the mounting brackets into the side of the cabinet, advises Sears Parts Direct. Drive the screws into the cabinet side with the drill or an electric screwdriver to secure the mounting brackets and hold the dishwasher in place.
How Far Can a Dishwasher be From the Sink? Most dishwashers can be placed as far as 12 feet from the sink. This maximum is established by the length of the drain hose that is included with most dishwashers.
Tuck it underneath the sink: Opt for a single-bowl sink and integrate the under-sink dishwasher, beneath the countertop to the side of the bowl and the sink's piping.
A filler is a piece of finished wood used to "fill" openings or gaps between cabinets, or a cabinet and any obstruction, that would inhibit the doors or drawers from fully functioning.
A Dishwasher can be installed next to a Free-Standing, Slide-In or Drop-In Range as long as there is at least 2" of clearance between the two appliances. The 2" clearance is needed for heat dissipation.
Cover the joint between the panel and the existing cabinetry, if it is visible, using caulking or wood putty colored to match your cabinets. Place a bead of paintable caulking all along the seam and smooth it with your finger. Paint if necessary to create a seamless finish.
Home Depot Dishwasher Installation Cost
Home Depot offers basic installation for $99 with free delivery 7-days a week when you spend $396 or more. A $19.99 installation kit fee, and $9.99 adapter fee will be included in all installation.
Lowe's dishwasher installation fee can range from $125 – $450, depending on a few different factors such as: What is this? Note that Lowe's offers free delivery on appliances that cost more than $396, meaning that your installation fee will not include extra delivery charges.