Dishwasher Installation with Higher Counters
With a kitchen reno planned for next year, we are suddenly faced with replacing our dishwasher. We are planning counters that are 38'' high.
How do people with higher counters fill the increased gap underneath when it comes to their dishwasher? Some models have adjustable feet, but that feature dramatically reduces the models one has to choose from. Once the feet are extended to the max, it would also mean that they would stick out from underneath the cover plate that fits across the unit at the bottom. Do kitchen installers then replace that with a custom toe kick that matches what runs under the cabinetry?
If the unit does not have adjustable feet, can the dishwasher rest on a booster platform at the base? I imagine that would not do wonders for the transfer of sound and vibration...
Would selecting a panel-ready model help in any way? How have all you other tall people resolved the issue?
Commenti (9)
bmorepanic
13 anni faOur counters are 37" and we needed to do somethin' about those feet too. We ended up taking them out (after carefully looking at the bottom) and nailed two sets of two 2x4's as rails under where the feet would have been. Placed the dw on the new rails. Works well, no noise transfer and the small gap at the bottom will be covered by toe kick some day real soon now.
Since its a fisher-paykel, you can still see some tub on the bottom dishdrawer because of the way their dorky toe kick is made. There is nothing new about this! You could always see a little tub if you looked for it. Getting my guts up for using some plastic paint as the dishwasher is black and the outside of the tub is very pale gray.
That wouldn't be an issue for a USA designed dw, but I thought I would mention it in case it happens to you.
rexem
13 anni faThat's basically what we did too - put it on some blocks. We made a toe kick and spray painted it shiny black so it would look a little different from our other toe kick (which was espresso color).
galleyette
Autore originale13 anni faThanks to all those who responded!
I realize as I consider this issue that I fell in love with the idea of higher counters without ever really considering how I would have to compensate underneath. I did realize that a standard range would fall beneath the level of the countertop, but knew that we'd avoid that problem with wall ovens and a cooktop.
I am assuming that unless we go the custom cabinetry route, even the cabinets themselves are going to need a boost. At that point the entire footprint of the base cabs will have to be built up. All of which will result in a very deep toe kick at the end of the day.
It''s starting to look like alot of work for 2''!
bmorepanic
13 anni faSome cabinet companies let you order just boxes without toe kicks below. We built the toekicks on site to do a little raise and take care of leveling in the kitchen. In our case, they are 2 x 4 boxes screwed to the studs in back about an inch or so off the floor and we have a block plus shims on the front edge. It doesn't have to be fancy, cause the toe kick material will cover it.
We previously had cabinets on legs with toe kicks that snapped on to the front legs and didn't like that system as much. However, it was definitely sturdy and we had no issues with the system during its short life.
boxerpups
13 anni faMy DW had adjustable feet to go up higher but the platform
ideas is excellent too.I hope it works for you. I love have higher counters.
Worth it.
~boxerCircus Peanut
13 anni faI second bmore's thoughts on ordering toe-kickless cabinets. We wanted our counters slightly higher than normal and were using recycled cabinetry, so in front of my horrified eyes my carpenter chopped off all the toekicks and built brand new platforms right on the floor. He used nice thick birch plywood, I believe. Looks great!
earthpal
13 anni faWe raised our DW about 10 inches and were able to get a flat drawer underneath it. The raised up DW really makes a difference if you have back issues. Tho if you are going that high, it is generally recommended that you do it at the end of the counter run.
User
13 anni faHmmmm ... I like the idea of a DW that is back-friendly, and the SO likes the idea of a taller counter area for his 6'5" self.
This could work out really well.
chicagoans