The Complete DIY Guide to Installing a Dishwasher in Your Kitchen Cabinets

Adding a dishwasher is one of the most convenient upgrades you can make in your kitchen. No more standing over the sink doing dishes by hand! With some basic DIY skills, you can install a dishwasher in your existing kitchen cabinets in a weekend.

You'll learn how to prepare and size the cabinet opening, build a sturdy dishwasher base, connect plumbing and electric, slide the dishwasher into place, secure the mounting, and finish up with trim and seals. With the right tools and materials, you can have a fully integrated dishwasher that looks built-in.

Step 1: Prepare the Dishwasher Cabinet Opening

Choose Dishwasher Size and Location

First, determine where the dishwasher will go and the size you need. Most standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide. Measure the space under your sink or in your kitchen island to ensure there's enough width. Also check that you have at least 34 inches of height clearance from the floor to the underside of the countertop.

Pick a cabinet location that gives you easy access to water supply lines, drainage pipes, and an electrical power source to hook up your dishwasher.

Remove Cabinet Doors, Shelves and Toekicks

Clear out the dishwasher cabinet space by removing any doors, drawers, shelves or other interior fittings. Also take off the toekicks (baseboards) from the dishwasher cabinet and any adjacent cabinets to allow you to access the floor space.

Cut Out the Cabinet Opening

Measure and mark the dishwasher width and height on the sides and back cabinet walls where you'll be cutting the opening. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the opening, taking care to keep the edges straight. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges so there are no sharp corners.

Step 2: Build the Dishwasher Floor Support

The dishwasher needs a sturdy, level base to sit on. Check that your kitchen floor is solid under the cabinet before adding in supports. Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to fit the bottom of the cabinet space.

Construct a raised plywood floor about 3 inches above the bottom kitchen floor for your dishwasher to sit on. Drill holes near the rear of the raised floor for the plumbing and electrical connections you'll need.

Step 3: Install Mounting Brackets and Water Supply

Attach the dishwasher mounting brackets underneath the bottom of the countertop inside the cabinet. Then install the water supply line and drainage hose.

Connect the dishwasher drain hose to the sink drain pipe or garbage disposal. Run the hot water supply line to the dishwasher's inlet valve. Use compression fittings to ensure a watertight connection.

Step 4: Slide Dishwasher into Cabinet Opening

You're ready to put the dishwasher in place. Set the dishwasher on top of the raised floor you built. Thread the drain hose through the cabinet opening to the sink plumbing.

Slowly slide the dishwasher into the prepared opening under the countertop. Take care not to pinch or bind the drain hose as you push the appliance back.

Step 5: Level Dishwasher and Secure Mounting

Make sure the dishwasher is perfectly level by adjusting the leveling legs on the base, if needed. Check side-to-side and front-to-back.

With the dishwasher pulled out just past the opening, secure the mounting brackets underneath the countertop. Then attach the brackets on each side of the dishwasher to lock it into position.

Step 6: Hook Up Electrical and Finishing Touches

First, plug in the electrical power cord to the dishwasher's junction box. Use caulk to seal any gaps around the edges of the cabinet opening for an airtight fit.

For a built-in look, install side trim panels that cover the cabinet cut edges. Run a test cycle to check for leaks before loading up your dishes.

By following this comprehensive installation guide, you can add a convenient dishwasher into your kitchen cabinets with just basic DIY skills. Just take it step-by-step. Prep the opening, build a solid base, mount the brackets, and slide it into place.

Hook up the plumbing, electric and mounting brackets securely using the instructions. Add trim kits and panels to finish for a built-in custom look. Maintaining the dishwasher with rinse aids and regular cleaning will keep your new appliance running smoothly for years of service.