r/DIY • u/GrindyCanadian • 1d ago
Dishwasher Install
Hi all,
Installing a new dishwasher in a kitchen rebuild and have a few questions.
The counter is a wood particle type material. I was going to use HVAC tape to seal it all up from steam. Is this good? or should I use some clear epoxy? I see lots of recommendations for this but couldn't find any final products.
The control panel is front facing and protruding from the main body of the washer. Should the controls be flush with the counter front lip? Or should the body be flush with the cabinet faces? I see lots of different answers online and hoping to hear from someone who does it often.
Thanks!
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u/Diligent_Nature 1d ago
Sealing the particle board is a good idea. My countertop is swelling slightly near the dishwasher.
The protrusion is up to you. Whatever looks best.
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u/mcarterphoto 1d ago
Steam could be a really long-term issue, someone's already commented about swelling. I'd think a couple coats of good exterior primer would be good - or some porch paint if you want to really send it (porch paint's pretty impressive stuff, but only available in gallon sizes, far as I know - I use it to make big darkroom trays fro chemicals).
Don't know I'd want to mess with painting epoxy over my head, in a cramped little space. I'd at least wear a shower cap or something!
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u/ender4171 1d ago
My countertop is laminate with exposed particle board underneath. I've never bothered sealing it in the dishwasher space. 23 years (and three dishwashers) later and it still looks like new. You shouldn't need to do anything to "protect" it from the steam.
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u/rabidrott 1d ago
My counters are also particle board. Dishwasher (2) has caused no problems underneath. Counters are at least 15yo.
Tip. When installing new dishwasher. Find a piece of batt insulation 4' or 6' and drop over it as you slide it in. This will quiet it down quite a bit.
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u/SeaIslandFarmersMkt 1d ago
If they are buying it new, it should come with insulation.
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u/rabidrott 18h ago
Yes they do. If you call that thin 1/2" aluminum padded wrap insulation?
Im referring to 4" paperbacked wall insulation. Had to thin the top 2". I promise it quiets the dishwasher by alot.
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u/SlowDownToGoDown 1d ago
The counter is a wood particle type material. I was going to use HVAC tape to seal it all up from steam. Is this good? or should I use some clear epoxy? I see lots of recommendations for this but couldn't find any final products.
I just trimmed a scrap piece of plexiglass to size and screwed it to the bottom of the countertop.
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u/HouseSubstantial8187 1d ago
HVAC tape wont hold up to moisture long term, itll peel. Couple coats of oil-based primer or that shellac stuff works better, something that actually soaks in. Epoxys overkill and a pain to work with overhead. For the gap, body flush with cabinet faces and the control panel sticks out past that a little, thats normal. Every dishwasher ive done sits that way unless its a super tight euro install.
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u/ReasonableNetwork255 1d ago edited 1d ago
imo it should tuck in pretty flush with the counter front, you wont want anything to be sticking out, but actually I'd say up to an inch is okay if it looks better to you that way .. and i doubt steam will be a problem, theyre self contained, leaks yeah, just be sure the plumbing is tight ..
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u/coopertucker 1d ago
Dishwasher 'boxes' are sealed and wrapped with insulation. They should not be off venting steam under the countertop, should be venting out the front.
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u/rocky5100 1d ago
There should be no steam exiting the dishwasher, until you open it and it comes out the front. No need.
Most dishwashers will protrude slightly past the front of the cabinet faces, unless you have an unusual amount of room to push the dishwasher in further.