DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING MEASUREMENTS
When it comes to your dishwasher, it’s important to have an appliance that fits right into your chosen installation space. Incorrect dishwasher rough opening measurements can leave you with an appliance that’s too big or too small to function properly alongside the layout of your home.
Accurate dishwasher measurements are especially important for older or customized homes with uncommon dimensions, so it’s recommended to know the exact amount of space you have to work with during installation. Learn about standard dishwasher openings so you come home with the right fit.
WHAT IS A STANDARD DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING?
Most openings are 24'' wide, 34–36'' high and 24'' deep, which fits standard dishwasher dimensions of approximately the same size.
If your desired dishwasher and current opening dimensions aren’t matching up, consider the following:
Dishwasher widths and heights should be slightly smaller than opening dimensions but are often rounded up when listed in product specifications.
Dishwasher depths are usually listed with the depth of the door included, which will make the complete depth slightly larger than the opening depth.
- Most dishwashers come with adjustable feet if you need to add height.
Dishwashers designed for small or large spaces are usually the same height and depth as a standard dishwasher with a smaller or larger width.
ROUGH OPENING FOR OVERSIZED DISHWASHERS
Oversized dishwashers are useful for washing large batches of dishes at once. Most oversized dishwashers are 30–42 inches wide. The height and depth of oversized models are the same as standard dishwasher rough opening measurements: 34–36 inches and 24 inches respectively.
HOW DO I MEASURE A DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING?
Accurate dishwasher rough opening measurements help ensure a smooth installation. Follow this step-by-step guide for tips on properly measuring a dishwasher rough opening so you can get the right fit for your unique space.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
To get started measuring the rough opening for your dishwasher, there are just a few simple tools you need to ensure the most accurate measurements for a seamless installation.
TOOLS NEEDED
Measuring tape
Level
STEP 1. MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE DISHWASHER OPENING
Use a measuring tape to measure from cabinet to cabinet. It’s better to leave a little breathing room on each side than have it be a tight fit.
STEP 2. MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THE DISHWASHER
Measure from the floor to the lowest point of the countertop.
STEP 3. MEASURE DISHWASHER OPENING DEPTH
Measure from the back of the opening to the front of the cabinets.
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HOW MUCH SPACE SHOULD BE BETWEEN CABINETS AND DISHWASHERS?
Another important measurement to consider when installing your dishwasher is how much space to leave between the dishwasher and a cabinet. Leave 2 inches of space between the dishwasher and cabinet to ensure both the cabinet door and the dishwasher door can swing open without catching on each other.
HOW MUCH ROOM DOES A DISHWASHER DOOR NEED TO OPEN?
Keep in mind the dishwasher door will extend past the cabinets. Make sure there is at least 27 inches of open space in front of the dishwasher for loading and unloading.
CORNER LOCATIONS NEED MORE CLEARANCE
Corner locations need at least 2 inches of space between the side of the dishwasher door (when open) and the wall or cabinet.
HOW DO YOU FRAME A DISHWASHER OPENING?
Once a measured space is available, install the dishwasher according to your owner's manual. If the unit comes with them, add trim pieces to frame the sides. Once all of the components have been connected, the dishwasher should be situated into the space using countertop brackets.
YOUR HOME’S FLOORING MAY AFFECT OPENING DIMENSIONS
Keep in mind that kitchen flooring may not have been installed under the dishwasher and could add more height to your opening. On the other hand, if your kitchen has two layers of flooring, you may have less height than a standard dishwasher opening.
THE MOTOR SHOULD NEVER TOUCH THE FLOOR
Check for any obstructions that would cause the dishwasher motor to touch the floor of the opening, such as carpeting or loose, uneven tile. Find out where the motor is located in this guide to dishwasher parts.
MAKE SURE THE DISHWASHER IS LEVEL EVEN IF THE FLOOR ISN’T
Water may not drain properly if the dishwasher isn’t level. If the floor at the front of the opening is not level with the floor at the back of the opening, you can adjust the front legs or place shims underneath them.
DISCOVER MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Rely on the cleaning power of a Maytag® dishwasher to cut through food and keep dishes clean. Browse the full collection of dishwashers by Maytag brand and learn more about how they can keep up with each load of dishes.
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