ClawHammer
New Member
I'm installing a GE Profile dishwasher to replace an old one. The existing cabinet opening is 23-29/32" wide at the finished cabinet face, but slightly wider (a hair over 24") behind that "lip", on the inside of the cabinet. The installation instructions call for a 24" opening.
I can push the dishwasher all the way into place, but not with the side trim pieces (rubber strips) attached. In one video I watched online, the installer had a similar issue and decided leave off the trim pieces, but I'm concerned about doing that in my case because it would leave exposed a little of the cabinets' particle board (behind the finished face wood) when the dishwasher door is open -- not a good idea in such a moist environment, I would think -- and I can see a bit of the sound-dampening batting as well, leaving it looking unfinished.
One potential solution I considered is to pull the new appliance out of the way and use a router to shave off a tiny bit from the face wood around the opening, but even then I don't think I could insert the dishwasher with the side rubber trim pieces attached. Yet... the installation instructions seem to think I should be able to do this with only a 24" opening.
Your thoughts?
Edited to add the two photos, though you'll have to zoom quite a bit to be able to see anything. On the left side of the dishwasher, you can see a narrow strip of the particle board between the dishwasher and the finished face of the cabinets. On the right side, you can see the batting.
I can push the dishwasher all the way into place, but not with the side trim pieces (rubber strips) attached. In one video I watched online, the installer had a similar issue and decided leave off the trim pieces, but I'm concerned about doing that in my case because it would leave exposed a little of the cabinets' particle board (behind the finished face wood) when the dishwasher door is open -- not a good idea in such a moist environment, I would think -- and I can see a bit of the sound-dampening batting as well, leaving it looking unfinished.
One potential solution I considered is to pull the new appliance out of the way and use a router to shave off a tiny bit from the face wood around the opening, but even then I don't think I could insert the dishwasher with the side rubber trim pieces attached. Yet... the installation instructions seem to think I should be able to do this with only a 24" opening.
Your thoughts?
Edited to add the two photos, though you'll have to zoom quite a bit to be able to see anything. On the left side of the dishwasher, you can see a narrow strip of the particle board between the dishwasher and the finished face of the cabinets. On the right side, you can see the batting.
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