When talking about the kitchen, kitchen appliances are the most crucial components, yet an unattractive, badly fitted dishwasher may make the room look unfinished. The dishwasher must look correctly installed in its place, whether you are finishing up a kitchen installation or simply replacing a dishwasher.
Because dishwasher and cabinet sizes can differ, filling the spaces between them provides a desired finishing look. Standard-sized dishwashers are available, but it’s important to know how they work and how much space they require.
Let’s examine why the gap is necessary for the dishwasher to operate effectively and how to lessen your kitchen’s unattractive appearance.
Table of Contents
Ways To Fill Gap Between Dishwasher And Cabinet
Measure The Gap
When the dishwasher is fully gathered in the space, first calculate or estimate the gap on either side of the appliance. Measure the height between the underside of the counter and the top of the toe kick with a measuring tape to determine or establish the availability of space on either side.
You must select the least measurement if the width of the spaces somewhat varies.
Raise Dishwasher
Instead of lifting your dishwasher, you might want to consider doing so if you wish to close the clearance or gap, but your dishwasher’s feet have already reached their highest point. The length, width, and current gap height all affect the plywood’s thickness, while the dishwasher’s base size affects the plywood’s length and width.
If your dishwasher has one, a new panel for the toe kick will need to be fitted because of the extra height. The dishwasher’s door is typically elevated somewhat above the remainder of the unit. The dishwasher and countertop can thus be spaced apart just a little. But you won’t need to see it because of the door.
Use Shims For Elevating The Dishwasher
The result is to raise the dishwasher, so there isn’t a noticeable space between the dishwasher and the cabinet. Leg adjustments are the simplest solution. So, you’ll have to assist yourself in rising a little higher. First, measure the gap to determine how high to raise the dishwasher. Then you can attach a plywood piece to either side.
In every decision, you will need two large pieces of wood to install on both sides. The additional board of wood should then be positioned below both left-side legs. Because it offers the most stability, this is essential.
Use Sandpaper To Sand The Wood
Using a hand saw and your calculated results, rim a thick piece of appearance-grade lumber. Take hold of the board in the area to check or determine if it is adjusted correctly. Start using medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the cut edges as soon as the wood fills the space without settling too firmly or leaving a gap.
Paint The Piece Of Wood
To match your existing cabinetry, it is time to stain or paint each piece of wood in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Allow the pieces to dry completely for at least 24 hours.
Limit how high you raise the dishwasher. A small gap is required to allow heat and moisture to escape without harming your cabinets. Additionally, you might prevent the dishwasher door from opening. Just take care to only lift it as high as is necessary to cover a wide gap.
Secure Panels With L-Brackets And Screws
With wood screws and a screwdriver, fasten an L-bracket in the opening. Remove the dishwasher and set the bracket 1 inch from the counter’s underside, with the face of the L-bracket spanning the opening and one end of the bracket positioned in opposition to the nearby cabinetry.
Install 1/2-inch wood screws across the rear of the wood to secure and fasten the wood panel to the L-face. Brackets on the other side, repeat. In line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, install or repair the dishwasher, including the wiring and plumbing.
Is It Necessary To Leave Gap Between Dishwasher And Cabinet?
The use of heat is one of the key components in the dishwashing process. There is a build-up of heat around the dishwasher in the small space under your countertop, whether it is water being heated to efficiently wash your dishes or heating the air within to dry your dishes.
Given that hot air rises, a gap might be a better option in this situation, allowing warm air to exit the enclosed area. Additionally, it is simpler to raise the dishwasher to the correct height by changing the appliance’s feet.
When Is It Not A Good Choice To Leave Gap Between Dishwasher And Cabinet?
While dishwasher space must be cleared, it also serves as a blank canvas for gathering dust around your appliance. Disconnecting the plumbing and electrical systems after removing a dishwasher to clean is a challenge.
If the cabinets in your kitchen are wood, steam that escapes when your dishwasher is opened or from the vent may collect there and result in a steam burn. As a result, your wooden furniture will develop a white film, and your cabinets may eventually need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Check for any gaps or openings around the plumbing and electrical lines that can cause a cold draught to form before you seal your dishwasher into the cabinet. After placing your dishwasher neatly under its frame, it won’t be very pleased to find the draught.
You might try adjusting the legs if your dishwasher has a space between it and the surface. For this purpose, most machines include adjustable feet. If it doesn’t work, raise the dishwasher by placing two wooden planks beneath the washer’s legs.
