What Is Rough Opening For Dishwasher?
A standard dishwasher comes with a rough opening of 24x24x35 inches. The numbers serially represent the width, depth, and height of the opening.
The rough opening may vary depending on the design of a dishwasher.
Commonly, there are three popular models for dishwashers; the space saver model, the standard model, and the oversized model.
Here is a guide about the rough opening of a dishwasher and its dimensions.
What Is Rough Opening For Dishwasher?
Rough openings are the space where you should be able to fit your dishwasher. The rough opening should be accommodating enough to fit the dishwasher and leave some extra space for movement and fitting.
It should give you ample space to open and close the dishwasher.
How to measure the rough opening of a dishwasher?
You need to measure the width, height, and depth to see if the rough opening is good enough for your dishwasher.
You can use a measuring tape to do the measurements.
How to measure the height?
For the height, place the tape on the ground and stretch it to the very very end of the countertop.
This will tell you the height of the rough opening.
How to measure the width?
Place the measuring tape from one end of the cabinet for the dishwasher to the other end.
While measuring ensure there is some extra space for the flexible fit of your dishwasher. This will help you determine the width.
How to measure the depth?
Depth is an important criterion. Measure it from the back end of the opening to the face of the cabinet.
Ensure there is enough space to open and close the dishwasher door.
The dishwasher door extends from the cabinet. This allows easy loading and unloading of the dishes.
Important factors to consider while doing the measurements
- The side of the cabinet or wall needs extra two inches of spacing in addition to the standard size. Especially, if the dishwasher is to be located in a corner.
- The dishwasher should fit into the opening in such a way that the motor does not touch the floor. Look out for loose tiles and sloppy cabinet structures to avoid this issue. Hence, take measurements considering the odds.
- The height of the food and dimensions of the floor may add or deduct extra height and cause the dishwasher to fit unevenly into the opening. Take into account those extra inches while measuring.
Which dishwasher models are available?
Space saver dishwasher
This compact-sized dishwasher has similar dimensions to a standard dishwasher. They have a height of 24 inches with a depth of 35 inches.
However, their width is way less. It is around 18 inches making it smaller and compact.
These dishwashers can fit into any dishwasher opening quite easily. The minimum width requirement is 20 inches to set a space saver dishwasher.
In case of bigger dishwasher openings, the cabinets are later modified after settling the dishwasher.
They sometimes fit into vacant cabinets. They can be changed into dishwasher openings if necessary with a few technical modifications.
Standard dishwasher
The standard dishwasher has the dimensions as stated before of 24 x 24 x 35 i.e. width, depth, and height.
Most dishwasher openings also have these exact measurements. Therefore, it is quite convenient for a standard-sized dishwasher to fit in.
However, the problem comes when both the measurements are exact, it causes the door to get stuck. It makes the process of loading and unloading the dishes.
Hence, it is recommended to get a size that is an inch or two less than the standard dishwasher opening.
Oversized dishwasher
These dishwashers are mostly made for big kitchens, for customized kitchen areas requiring bigger dishwashers.
They can easily be used for restaurants and crowded families.
They have similar heights and depths of 35 inches and 24 inches respectively to match the standard ones.
However, they have a width of about 30 inches which is quite higher than the regular or compact ones.
These dishwashers accommodate large amounts of dishes in one cycle. Therefore, they need a bigger opening to fit in and settle the dishwasher.
Most of these dishwashers fit into customized dishwasher openings that allow oversized dishwashers to flexibly fit in.
FAQs on what is a rough opening for a dishwasher
Is The Dishwasher Height Adjustable?
Yes, it is adjustable. Most dishwashers come with adjustable feet. You can fix them as per your need.
Do Unevenly Set Dishwashers Create Problems?
Yes, they create problems in the draining process.
How To Set An Uneven Dishwasher Into The Opening?
You can put cardboard wedges beneath them or adjust the feet of the dishwasher.
Are Decorative Dishwasher Openings Problematic?
Decorative openings create issues while measuring the length, width, and depth.
The extra layers added may disrupt the standard size and the dishwashers might just not fit in.
Which Dishwasher Opening Dimension Is The Best?
The standard size of 24x24x35 inches is good enough for standard-sized and compact-sized dishwashers.
If you have very specific requirements then you should go for customized dishwasher openings to fit in oversized dishwashers.
Final Thought
A dishwasher is an absolutely important component of the kitchen. This component needs a proper house to perform at its best.
The dishwasher opening plays a vital role in allowing the dishwasher to function appropriately. Setting the dimensions right will allow your dishwasher to fit in properly.
The proper dimensions are needed to allow easy opening of the dishwasher door. The door extends outside to help in getting the dishes on and off the washer.
The even setting of the dishwasher ensures there is proper draining after each wash cycle.
The flexible spacing gives you enough room to easily set your dishwasher in and get it out while replacing it.
So go ahead and get your tools and make the perfect dishwasher opening for your dishwasher right away.
