Dishwashers make our life easy in so many ways. They provide us with the leisure of enjoying and relaxing after a tasty meal. You know someone is there to take care of the most displeasing household ever; dishwashing.
Built-in dishwashers must be installed and attached to countertops to prevent them from sliding out when you open the door or when a cycle is running. What could be messier and horrific than a dishwasher roaming around in your kitchen?
Jokes apart! Dishwashers can be easily mounted to countertops other than granites. Granite is hard and durable, but it is also tough to work with. Installing stuff on granite is always a challenging thing to do.
But you don’t need to worry since you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss how you can attach a dishwasher to a granite countertop. We will walk you through a step-by-step guide to clear every tiny detail about the installation process.
How to Attach Dishwasher to Granite Countertop
There are two ways to attach a dishwasher to a granite countertop. You can use plywood pieces to connect a dishwasher or screw the dishwasher directly into granite. Using plywood is a safe approach as it won’t damage the granite countertops in your kitchen.
Let’s read how you can attach a dishwasher to a granite countertop!
Tools Needed
You will need the following tools for attaching the dishwasher to the granite countertop.
- Screwdriver
- Pen or a marker
- Clear silicone adhesive (1 pack)
- 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood (4L x 4W)
- Wood clamps
- ½ inch screws
Step 1: Locate the Brackets on Dishwasher
Your dishwasher comes with two metal clips on either side of the front of the dishwasher. These clips have screw holes in them. This is how you will attach the dishwasher to the granite top.
If your dishwasher has a top faceplate, we suggest you remove it. Top faceplates make it difficult to access the brackets during the installation process. These plates can be taken off with a screwdriver.
Step 2: Level your Machine
Dishwashers come with leveling feet. Lower all the legs of your dishwasher until the machine gets below the height of your countertop. You can use a measuring tape to ensure that the dishwasher is shorter than the countertop.
Step 3: Make Connections
Some brands offer long drainage pipes and power cords. If your dishwasher has long pipes, hook them up according to the instructions given in the user manual. If not, wait until you slide the dishwasher inside its space.
Step 4: Pinpoint the Location
Mark the location on the countertop that is directly above your dishwasher’s brackets. Pull out your dishwasher a few inches.
Step 5: Prepare the Plywood Pieces
Grab the plywood pieces and attach silicone adhesive on one side. Spread the adhesive evenly over the surface of the plywood.
Place the plywood pieces underneath the countertops and center them over the marks you made on granite. Apply pressure and lock them with clamps.
Step 6: Getting Things Ready
Let the adhesive dry for at least 12 hours. Now remove the clamps and slide the dishwasher back into its place. Make sure that the clips you located in the first step line up with the plywood blocks. Move them a little so that they flush against the bottom of the plywood.
You may need to readjust the feet of your dishwasher to bring the clips within ½ inch of the plywood sheets. Once the clips are nicely lined up, screw the dishwasher in its place using high-quality gypsum screws.
Reattach the dishwasher’s faceplate if you have removed it earlier.
FAQs
Can I mount the dishwasher directly to concrete countertops?
Yes. You can mount the dishwasher directly to concrete, but it can damage your costly countertops. Wood is cheap. You can easily replace it if the screws loosen over time. Concrete is costly and difficult to repair. We don’t want you to damage your kitchen and repent later.
Should the dishwasher be flush with the countertop?
No. it is not a good idea to flush your dishwasher with the countertop. The door of the dishwasher must protrude from the counter to a maximum of 1-inch. It facilitates opening and closing the door and ensures that the dishwasher doesn’t vent stem into adjacent cabinets while drying your dishes.
Is it necessary to anchor my dishwasher?
Yes. It is necessary to anchor your dishwasher to the countertop. A non-mounted dishwasher is a security risk and a hazard. It can slide out and break the water connection, leading to flooding in your kitchen.
Most dishwashers come with side brackets that allow the users to screw the dishwasher onto the sides. Some brands don’t send these brackets, so you have to buy them separately. You can anchor your dishwasher to the underside of the countertop or the sides of your cabinets.
How much space do I need around my dishwasher?
A dishwasher must be installed within 36 inches of the sink to facilitate plumbing connections. The spacing requirement on sides varies from one model to another. Therefore, it is best to check the user manual for such details.
Final Words
Attaching a dishwasher to a granite countertop or any other material is slightly complex but not very difficult. A wrong installation can end up not only costing you your granite countertop, but your dishwasher can also slide out. Moreover, you have to make plumbing connections as well. Therefore, we recommend that you go for a DIY installation only if you have some prior experience in installing such appliances.
