Hi Raj,

You should be able to tile right over your existing drywall with no problem. Once the adhesive dries and the grout has set, it will be imperious to moisture.

For detailed instructions on how to install a ceramic tile backsplash, check out the following article, Ceramic Tile Backsplash Project, and video, Ceramic Tile Backsplash, on our website.

Good luck with your project,

Whether you’re putting in all new appliances or simply replacing a worn-out machine, installing a dishwasher yourself is a DIY project that’s not that difficult and can save you a hefty installation fee.

Preparations for Dishwasher Installation

The first step is making sure the machine will fit in the opening. Most standard dishwashers require a 24” opening. If you’re installing new cabinets, it’s important to consider the width of the dishwasher ahead of time. The height of most machines is adjustable.

Depending on your cabinet configuration, you may need to drill one or more holes to run supply lines, electrical wiring, and the drainpipe through. Hole saws make quick work of drilling larger diameter holes.

Remove the faceplate at the base of the machine to access the supply line inlet and electrical box. It’s a good idea to connect the wiring, drain, and supply lines before pushing the dishwasher into the cabinet, since it makes it easier to access the underside of the machine.

Connecting the Drainpipe

Start by connecting the drainpipe to the discharge pump. Many local building codes require dishwashers to be vented using an air gap to prevent the siphoning of water from the sink drain or disposal. Mount the air gap in one of the sink holes or drill a hole for it in the countertop. Connect the drainpipes to the air gap and secure them with hose or spring clamps.

If an air gap is not required, loop the drain hose up near the top of the base cabinet, and attach it to the wall with a strap to prevent backflow from the sink.

Run the drainpipe to the inlet of the garbage disposal and secure it with a clamp. Many garbage disposals have a plug in the inlet, so be sure to remove it first.

If there isn’t a garbage disposal or an existing drain for the dishwasher, replace the drainpipe under the sink with a dishwasher branch tailpiece.

Connecting the Supply Lines

Most dishwasher supply lines are 3/8” diameter, but check to make sure you’ve got the right parts before starting the job. Begin by turning off the water and installing a dual outlet shut-off valve to connect the dishwasher supply line to the hot water pipe under the sink. One outlet on the valve provides hot water for the sink faucet while the other attaches to the dishwasher supply line. This will allow you to turn the water off to the dishwasher separately from the faucet.

Connect one end of the supply line to the shut-off valve and the other end to the water inlet on the underside of the dishwasher using a right angle elbow.

Where needed, apply Teflon tape to the male threads to prevent leaks. Supply lines should be hand tightened then given a solid quarter turn with a wrench.

Connecting the Electrical Supply

Always be sure to cut off the power to the dishwasher by flipping the circuit breaker before attempting to connect the electrical supply. Run the cable through the back of the electrical box on the dishwasher, and connect the hot (usually black) and neutral (white) wires to the corresponding wires in the box using wire nuts. Be sure to connect the ground wire to the green screw and replace the cover on the box.

Turn the water back on and check for leaks, then turn on the power and run the dishwasher through a full cycle. If everything works properly, slide the machine into the cabinet, being careful not to crimp or pinch the pipes. Plumb and level it by raising and lowering the adjustable feet on either side.

Screw the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop to hold it in place. When attaching the mounting screws to the plywood used to support a stone countertop, be sure the screws do not protrude into the stone.

Attach the faceplate to the base, and your new dishwasher is ready to go!

Helpful Tips

• Examine the dishwasher before bringing it home. Look for scratches or dents and make sure the necessary hardware is included.
• Check the size of all supply lines and connecters before installing a new machine.
• Make sure to close all shut-off valves and turn off the circuit breaker before disconnecting an old dishwasher.
• When disconnecting an existing machine, be prepared with towels and a shallow pan to drain any excess water remaining in the lines.

Hi John,

Yes, you can vent a range hood through the roof using a 6” single wall pipe. You can buy the proper flashing to install it on a flat roof and a roof cap that has screen around it to prevent insects from entering. Be sure to extend the pipe up at least 2’ to 3’ to prevent snow buildup from causing problems.

Several of the sinks designed by artist Steve Weinstock for the Celestial Series from Alchemy Glass & Light feature reclaimed glass shards arranged in a mosaic pattern and embedded in ¾” thick glass. The collection features 18 different patterns available in 15” or 18” diameters. Each sink is an original and unique work of art. Visit Alchemy to find a showroom near you.

Solid surface countertops are a popular choice with homeowners since they are durable and scratches can easily be sanded out. Another advantage of this type of material is that seams are glued together in such as way as to make them practically invisible.

Since these countertops were ordered with a thick edge, the top of the cabinets had to be built up with strips of plywood before the countertops could be installed.

The countertop material was delivered a bit wider and longer than needed, allowing it to be scribed and trimmed to a perfect fit on site.

Next, cutouts for the range and other appliances are made and sanded smooth.

Long sections of countertop are glued together with a special adhesive and clamped in place until dry.

Once the glue had set, the clamps were removed, and the seam sanded smooth.

When everything was ready, the countertops were glued to the cabinets with adhesive.

Before

After

You don’t have to hire a contractor and spend a fortune remodeling your kitchen. With a little creativity and by doing much of the work yourself, you can end up with the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Ordering Cabinet Doors

While the tile floor and cabinets in this kitchen were in good shape, the doors, drawer fronts, and countertops had seen better days. After measuring the cabinet openings, unfinished raised panel doors and drawer fronts were ordered through the local home center from Quality Doors.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the order form carefully, remembering to take into account the overlay around the doors and the number of doors per opening.

Prep Work

After the old doors, drawers, and countertops had been removed, any necessary modifications were made to the cabinets. These included installing a narrow cabinet next to the door and trimming the hanging cabinet to accommodate a microwave over the stove.

A two-part auto body filler was used to patch holes in the cabinets since it sets up quickly and doesn’t shrink. Start by mixing a small amount of catalyst with the filler.

Then use a putty knife to push the filler into the holes, removing any excess before it sets up.

Once it has hardened, sand the filler flush with the wood.

Painting

To prepare the cabinets for painting, a liquid deglosser was applied to allow the new paint to bond with the old. When using deglosser, body filler, or any flammable or hazardous material, be sure to read and follow all safety instructions.

The cabinets were primed with a yellow tinted primer. This was followed by black latex enamel on the exterior and yellow paint in the interior. Sheets of plastic were used to create a temporary spray booth in the storage shed to paint the doors.

Inside, a foam roller was used to give the cabinets a uniform texture.

Countertops

The countertops from VT Industries were made with Wilsonart Bella Capri plastic laminate. They featured a Barcelona double-waterfall molded edge that gives them the look of natural granite at a much lower cost.

A Culinaire™ stainless steel sink and faucet from American Standard were installed before the countertop was put in place to minimize the time spent working in cramped quarters. After a bead of caulking had been applied to the rim around the sink, it was attached to the countertop with fastening clips. The faucet and sink strainers went in as well, leaving only the supply lines and drain pipe to be hooked up.

When everything was ready, tinted sealant was applied to the mitered ends of the countertop. The two pieces were carefully aligned and joined together with miter bolts in precut slots before being screwed to the cabinets.

Amenities

Once the countertop was in place, a Compact Evolution Series™ food waste disposer from InSinkErator was installed. An optional air assisted SinkTop Switch™ makes using it a breeze.

A combination microwave/convection oven/vent hood from GE was installed over the stove. The unit mounts on a metal plate that is attached to the wall. Once in place, it is secured to the hanging cabinet.

Hanging Cabinet Doors

The cabinet doors featured adjustable European style hinges that were tapped in place with a rubber mallet. Expanding plastic anchors secure the hinge to the door without driving any screws.

To hang the doors, a strip of wood was clamped to the face frame of the cabinet for the doors to rest on, which allowed for perfect alignment. A cordless drill/driver made quick work of drilling the pilot holes and driving the hinge screws into the cabinet frame.

The doors were then fine-tuned by turning the adjusting screws on the hinges.

After the doors and drawer fronts had been attached, the cabinets were distressed to give them an antique look by lightly sanding along the edges until the yellow primer peeked through.

The final touch was installing the Amerock weathered nickel drawer pulls and door knobs.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.