How To Attach Dishwasher To Quartz Countertop?
A quartz countertop is fairly expensive, and attaching a dishwasher can cause the quartz stone to creak.
Still, if you want to proceed, you must know how to attach the dishwasher to the quartz countertop properly.
Following we have discussed the whole process step by step to let you install the dishwasher easiest and most reliable way.
How To Attach Dishwasher To Quartz Countertop?
Before starting the process, make sure the dishwasher properly fits under the countertop.
To verify it, measure your dishwasher’s dimensions and the area under the countertop.
The area under the countertop should be larger than the dishwasher so that there remain a few inches of space under the countertop and on both sides of the cabinet.
You should leave around 4 inches on the backside of the dishwasher for hooking up the electrical and plumbing lines efficiently.
After measuring the space, connect all the drain pipes and air gaps to make sure they will fit. Then attach the drain hose to the kitchen sink with a P-trap or garbage disposal.
Then connect the water lines and create any hole in the cabinet if required. Make sure you will get easy access to the water valve and that the power cord will reach the wall socket.
If everything is okay, then you can prepare to install your dishwasher. Don’t forget to remove all those hoses, pipes, and electrical wires.
Things you will require:
- Cleaning clothes
- Table or portable saw
- Dishwasher mounting hardware kit
- Adhesive
- All-purpose cleaner
- Plywood strips
- Electric drill
Prepare The Countertop
Clean the bottom of the countertop using an all-purpose cleaning solution to prepare it for your purpose. Then wait for a few moments so it can dry completely.
Locate The Brackets And Faceplate
Before attaching the dishwasher, select a place for the bracket and faceplate, whether they will be connected.
The bracket is typically placed on the front edge of the machine or sometimes near the side. The bracket includes two holes from where the fastener goes into it.
Some models may have mounting brackets that are placed at the back of the lid’s faceplate.
If you have such a model, then remove the faceplate using a small pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to get better access to them.
Attach the mounting bracket gently to the dishwasher, as you may need to do it if the plywood fits too tightly.
Place The Dishwasher
Rotate the dishwasher’s feet to make sure that it fits the counter height and that there are still a few inches between the top of the dishwasher and the bottom of the counter.
So the dishwasher is at the bottom so it sits accurately on the floor. Then connect the electric wire, drainage hose, and water line.
Cut The Plywood
Hold two plywood pieces and trim them to fit the width and the top edge of the dishwasher.
Choose ¾ inch thick plywood that fits the whole surface of the top of the dishwasher.
Apply Adhesive
Rub adhesive on the top of the plywood and place the plywood at the base of the quartz countertop.
Make sure you place the plywood at the center under the countertop, both horizontally and vertically.
Hold the plywood in place with your hand for 2 minutes to let the adhesive cure.
Clamps or books are also good alternatives that can hold the plywood in place for up to 12 hours to cure the adhesive if you wish.
Attach The Dishwasher
Remove the clamp once the adhesive has dried. Then put the dishwasher in its place and slide it slightly back into the desired position.
While sliding back the dishwasher, note the space between the size of the cabinetry and the plywood slabs.
If you notice the dishwasher fits tightly, remove it and cut down the plywood. There should be a minimum of 8/1 inches between the dishwasher’s top and the plywood.
After getting the right fit, remove the machine and attach ½ inch screw to the plywood blocks. Then mount the block to the dishwasher with mounting brackets.
This way, you can secure your dishwasher to the quartz countertop bottom to prevent moving during operation.
FAQs About Attaching Dishwasher To Quartz Countertop
When To Install A Dishwasher: After Or Before The Countertop?
It’s better to install the countertop before attaching the dishwasher.
This way, you can easily measure the room under the countertop and the dishwasher to ensure a perfect fit for the dishwasher.
But if you install a dishwasher first and then try to replace the countertops, make sure you measure the dishwasher’s height accurately.
It will prevent difficulties during installation once the countertops are placed in the cabinets.
Is It Possible To Screw Into Quartz Countertops?
You shouldn’t directly screw into the quartz countertop, as the heat produced by the drill machine can crack the stone easily.
It can also break or chip the stone too. If you must create a hole in the stone, apply a diamond hole saw bit.
Though this saw bit is slightly expensive, it will prevent damage to the stone.
Another alternative is to use a mounting fastener like a bracket or insert plywood with high-quality adhesive.
Wondering how you will remove the adhesive later? A solvent will help you remove the adhesive quite efficiently.
Will You Need To Anchor The Dishwasher?
Yes, experts anchor the dishwasher during installation to stop any moving during operation.
Otherwise, the dishwasher door can open up and cause physical injury as well as water damage.
You can anchor the dishwasher with mounts on the cabinetry side and mounting brackets at the front or top of the machine.
Final words
Quartz is one of the toughest stones, next to topaz, diamond, and conundrum. Directly screwing onto the quartz countertop increases the risk of breaking or creaking.
Though there are alternatives that allow attaching dishwashers to quartz countertops, they require proper skills and safety tools.
Therefore, learning how to attach a dishwasher to a quartz countertop is the smart move for a novice home DIYer to make to get the job done easily and successfully.
