How To Attach A Dishwasher To A Granite Countertop

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

When your dishwasher doesn’t work, you can either fix it or replace it with a new one. Either way, there will come a point in the process when you need to reattach the dishwasher to your countertop. If you have granite, marble, or stone countertops, you need to act carefully not to damage them while doing this.

You can attach a dishwasher to a granite countertop by applying adhesive to two pieces of 3/4-by-4-by-4-inch plywood. Then, position the plywood underneath the countertop and attach the dishwasher to it with 1/2-inch screws.

It’s important to follow this method instead of screwing directly into your granite countertop to attach your dishwasher to it. Doing that will almost certainly damage your countertops, which could lead to costly repairs.

Attaching a dishwasher to a granite countertop is easy enough for even novice DIYers to accomplish. Keep reading to get a closer look at how to do it.

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What Tools Do You Need to Attach a Dishwasher to a Granite Countertop?

The first step in attaching your dishwasher to a granite countertop is gathering the tools and materials needed to get the job done right. You don’t need much to get started. Make sure to gather:

  • A screwdriver
  • A pen, marker, or another tool you can use to mark a measurement
  • 1 package of clear silicone adhesive
  • 2 pieces of 3/4-by-4-by-4-inch plywood
  • Wood clamps, books, or another item you can use to add pressure to the plywood while it fastens to your countertops
  • 1/2-inch screws

How to Attach a Dishwasher to a Granite Countertop

Step One: Locate the brackets on your dishwasher

You’re looking for two metal clips, which should be on either side of the front of the dishwasher. Yours may be bent at a 90-degree angle. Notice the screw hole in each metal clip. This is how you’ll attach your dishwasher to your countertop.

You may need to remove the top faceplate from your dishwasher. It can make it difficult to access the brackets during the installation process. You can do this with a screwdriver or by gently using both hands.

Step Two: Level The Feet

Set the dishwasher’s four leveling feet by turning them clockwise. This will lower the dishwasher. Keep rotating the leveling feet until your dishwasher will fit under your countertops without touching them.

Step Three: Hook the Dishwasher Up

Depending on the brand of your appliance, you may be able to do this before sliding it into place under your countertop. If the wires aren’t long enough, wait until after getting the washer into place before hooking it up.

Step Four: Mark the Location

Mark the locations under your countertop that are directly above the dishwasher’s brackets. Slide the dishwasher out a few inches.

Step Five: Plywood Preparation

Prepare the plywood by covering one side of each piece with a layer of clear silicone adhesive. Place the plywood underneath your countertops, centered over the marks you made. Apply pressure to ensure proper attachment.

Use wood clamps if you have enough room. Otherwise, any object you can wedge under the plywood to ensure it fastens properly will get the job done.

Step Six: Installation

Let the adhesive dry overnight.

Slide the dishwasher back into place after you’ve removed the clamps or wedged objects. As you do, pay attention to how the clips line up with the plywood blocks. Try to bend them up so they fit flush against the bottom of the plywood.

If the clips aren’t within 1/2-inch of the plywood blocks, readjust the dishwasher’s leveling feet until they are. Try to get the clips within a 1/4-inch of the plywood to make things easier on yourself.

Attach the dishwasher to the plywood blocks with 1/2-inch screws. Drive the screws through the dishwasher’s clips and into the plywood. Finish by replacing the dishwasher’s faceplate if you had to remove it earlier.

Should my Dishwasher Be Flush with my Countertop?

Every brand of dishwasher will fit a bit differently against your countertop. Generally speaking, your dishwasher door shouldn’t be flush with your countertop.

Instead, the door should protrude from the face of your countertop just a bit. Typically, dishwasher doors protrude about an inch. This ensures that the dishwasher doesn’t vent steam inside your cabinets while it’s drying your dishes.

To ensure your dishwasher is positioned correctly, you’ll want to make the front of the dishwasher flush with your countertops — not the door.

Does a Dishwasher Need to be Anchored?

Yes, your dishwasher does need to be anchored. Failing to do so creates a hazardous situation that could lead to injury or damage to your home.

Many homeowners choose to anchor their dishwashers to the underside of their counters. However, this may not be possible if you have specialty countertops that can’t support an anchor.

In these situations, you should look at anchoring your dishwasher to the sides of your cabinets. Often, manufacturers include side mount brackets you can use to accomplish this. If they don’t, you’ll want to purchase them yourself to keep your home and family safe.

Does Granite Need Support Over a Dishwasher?

Yes, granite countertops almost always need some kind of support underneath them. This typically comes from cabinets. However, there are obviously no cabinets to support the weight of the granite in the space where your dishwasher goes.

The easiest way to create this support is by utilizing the how-to guide above to attach plywood blocks underneath the countertop. However, this may still be insufficient to support some granite countertops.

If your countertop needs additional support, you can provide it in a few different ways. You can use corbels, posts, and brackets to ensure your granite countertops have the support they need to maintain their strength and stability.

Can a Dishwasher Support a Countertop?

You may be wondering why the dishwasher itself can’t just be fashioned to support your granite countertops. Unfortunately, this is impossible. Dishwashers aren’t made to support the weight of granite. They lack the strength and durability to do so.

Additionally, the top of your dishwasher will typically be at least an inch or two below the bottom of your countertop. That means the weight of the counter won’t actually rest on the dishwasher.

How Much Space do you Need Around a Dishwasher?

Experts recommend installing dishwashers within 36 inches of the nearest sink. Doing this will ensure that water is able to flow to the dishwasher easily.

You should also try to leave at least 21 inches of space between the dishwasher and the nearest cabinet or appliance. This ensures you have enough room the operate the dishwasher and fully utilize the cabinets or appliances next to it.

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Related Questions

Why is my dishwasher tipping forward?

If your dishwasher continuously tips forward, it’s likely due to a mistake that was made during the installation process. You can fix the issue by installing a mounting kit that will keep the appliance locked in its proper place.


How much space do you need in front of a dishwasher?

Generally speaking, you need to leave at least 27 inches of open space in front of a dishwasher. This ensures you have the space needed to load and unload it without any issues.


How do you level a dishwasher?

If you notice that your dishwasher isn’t level, you can fix the issue by adjusting your unit’s leveling feet. You may need to undo the mounting bracket and remove the lower rack of the dishwasher to do this.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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