Fit a decor door to an integrated dishwasher

Fit a matching cabinet door panel to an integrated dishwasher so it blends into your kitchen units.

DDD-01Check the panel and gather your toolsCheck the decor panel is the exact size and thickness stated in your dishwasher's fitting instructions - usually 16-19mm cabinet door material, height and width to the millimetre. Lay out a cordless screwdriver, spirit level, tape measure, pencil and the fixing bracket kit that came with the dishwasher. Wrong panel size is the most common reason this job goes wrong, so measure before you start.

1 each · Decor door panel

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1 each · Cordless screwdriver

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1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Tape measure

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DDD-02Isolate the dishwasher before you startUnplug the dishwasher from the socket, or switch off at an accessible isolator if it's wired direct. Turn off the water at the appliance's isolation valve, usually under the sink where the dishwasher's supply pipe connects. This stops any risk of shock or a leak while you're working on the door mechanism.

DDD-03Pull the dishwasher forward for accessSlide the dishwasher out of its housing far enough to work on the door easily, but don't disconnect the pipes and cable unless you need to. Rest the door on a folded towel so the front doesn't get scratched while you fit the bracket kit.

DDD-04Remove any existing plinth or old door frontIf you're replacing an old decor panel, unscrew it from its brackets and set the screws aside - the new panel may reuse them. Unclip the plinth or kick panel below the dishwasher if one is fitted, so you have clear access to the bottom bracket.

DDD-05Fit the adjustable brackets to the dishwasher doorScrew the top and bottom fixing brackets to the dishwasher's own metal door front, following the hole positions in the manufacturer's instructions - these vary between makes. Leave the screws slightly loose at this stage so you can still slide and adjust the brackets once the panel is on.

8 each · Self-tapping screws (supplied with bracket kit)

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DDD-06Attach the decor panel to the bracketsHold the panel against the door front, centred and square, and mark the screw positions through the bracket holes with a pencil. Fix the panel to the brackets with the short screws supplied, keeping them snug but not fully tight yet so you can still square the panel up.

8 each · Panel fixing screws (short, supplied)

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DDD-07Adjust the bracket tension and door heightMost bracket kits have adjustment screws that control how tightly the door closes and sits flush. Turn these gradually and test the door swing after each adjustment - it should close softly under its own weight, not slam or spring back open.

DDD-08Line the panel up with neighbouring cabinet doorsClose the dishwasher and check the panel sits flush with the units either side, with an even gap of around 2-3mm top and bottom. Loosen the fixing screws slightly if you need to nudge the panel left, right, up or down, then retighten fully once it lines up.

DDD-09Check the door doesn't catch the worktopOpen the door fully and check it clears the worktop overhang and any handles on neighbouring doors. If it catches, you may need to lower the dishwasher slightly on its adjustable feet - most have a levelling screw at the front, accessible from behind the plinth.

DDD-10Refit the plinth or kick panelClip or screw the plinth back into place below the dishwasher, trimming it to fit around the new panel if needed. Check it sits level with the plinth along the rest of the run.

2 each · Plinth clips

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DDD-11Slide the dishwasher back and reconnectPush the dishwasher back into its housing, taking care not to kink the water pipe or cable. Reconnect the water at the isolation valve and plug the appliance back in, or switch the isolator back on.

DDD-12Test and tidy upRun a short test cycle to check the door seals properly and there are no leaks around the base. Open and close the door a few times to check the action stays smooth, then clear away packaging and offcuts.

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