How to Attach a Dishwasher to a Granite Countertop (2024)

Dishwashers are a kitchen staple. They make our jobs way easier. They afford us the rest and relaxation our bodies need after a hearty meal or party. They make cleaning up after a breeze. Maybe not to the point of actually liking it, but it definitely decimates the gargantuan task.

On any other countertop, dishwashers can be screwed on with no issue. On stone countertops, however, you’re going to have to think twice before doing so. Directly drilling on to the natural stone countertop is one of the seven deadly sins in natural stone communities.

Don’t worry, we’ll talk about some alternatives that you can do to do away with drilling on your granite while preventing your dishwasher from tipping over.

Before you attach your dishwasher

First, you would want to know the type of attachment your particular dishwasher has. Dishwashers can actually be secured from the side or from the top. Older dishwashers are top mounting while newer models are side mounting.

The last thing you need is to leave your dishwasher unsecured. The dishwasher in itself is an investment. Most importantly you would never want to put your prized kitchenware at risk while inside the dishwasher.

How to Attach the Dishwasher to your Granite Countertops

Side Mounting Dishwashers

Side mounting dishwashers pose no threat to your granite countertops. They simply screw a metal plate on to the adjacent cabinets and the job is done. You will have your dishwashers secured in no time.

Top Mounting Dishwashers

These are mostly found in older dishwasher models. Screw plates are used to secure the dishwasher to the countertop. This is not a usual problem for wood laminate countertops but it is highly recommended that you avoid drilling directly into the granite. The following are methods to secure your dishwasher without potentially harming the stone.

Retrofit Brackets

A retrofit bracket is basically a device that converts your top mounting dishwasher into a side mounting one. It is readily available commercially and has lots of online support in the form of manuals and tutorials online if you decide to DIY. Here are the simple steps in how to attach your dishwasher using a retrofit bracket:

Step 1:

Pull out your dishwasher.

Step 2:

Remove any existing plates or attachments.

Step3:

Turn the leveling feet knob to lower the dishwasher to the correct height.

Step 4:

Drill a hole on the adjacent cabinets’ frame. This is where the screws to secure the bracket will go. Fasten the screws to secure the bracket.

Step 5:

Attach the top mount plates to the retrofit bracket.

Step 6:

Inspect your work. Make sure all doors close and all drawers draw in and out before putting everything back together.

Wood and Adhesives

Wood can be used as a filler and a buffer. They are placed in between the dishwasher and the stone countertop so you can secure your dishwasher without having to drill directly on the granite. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:

Remove the dishwasher and its attachments from the countertop slot.

Step 2:

Glue the piece of wood directly under the countertop stone. You may use silicone or caulking material.

Step 3:

Clamp the wood until the adhesive is set. Depending on the adhesive, this may take overnight or up to 24 hours.

Step 4:

Once set you may now start installing. Note that you will need to lower your dishwasher’s height to compensate for the wood placement. Do this by turning the leveling feet knobs.

Step 5:

Replace the dishwasher and screw the mounting plates to the wood.

Conclusion:

Modifications may be needed on your granite countertops. Always keep in mind that although granite is extremely hard and dense they are still prone to cracks and chips. Major damage might also occur if the modifications are not done safely and correctly.

The good news is the internet is rich with DIY information in the form of video tutorials, instructional articles, and many more. A quick google search will actually provide you with a lot of very useful information.

For the not so handy homeowners, asking for professional help is highly advised.

At Granite Selection, we only provide the best quality materials and the best quality service. We are a leading supplier of granite and other natural stones in the Chicagoland area. Our stone yard has 14,000 individual slabs to make sure you get just the right one. We are located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and will service the surrounding 70-mile area. Give us a call at (888) 906 3317 for top quality products and services.