When it comes to choosing a dishwasher that is well-rounded, efficient, and in tune with the rest of the kitchen, it’s important to consider the installation too.
A lot of property owners don’t want to set up a dishwasher that looks out of place. Even if it works, it will not turn out the way you want it to.
This is why it’s important to think about what’s going on when the dishwasher is too short for the counter.
If a dishwasher is too short for the counter, you will have two options. You can place shims to increase the appliance’s height or install 2×4 planks on top of each other underneath the dishwasher.
Whenever you think about doing this, it’s important to measure everything.
You will want to ensure the right setup is in place and it does not wobble. This is why most prefer to go with shims as they are sturdy. However, when the gap is too much, you will need to use 2×4 planks.
This guide will look at the steps you need to consider if a dishwasher is too short for the counter.
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Steps To Follow If Dishwasher Is Too Short For Counter
1. Measure The Gap
When the dishwasher is too short, you are going to need to fill the gap.
In some cases, the gap is going to be a few inches.
You will always want to measure this gap to make sure you have an accurate reading of the situation at hand. The last thing you are going to want is to measure the gap and then realize it is too large for the solution you are using.
It is best to take multiple measurements to get an accurate reading.
This information is then going to let you figure out what to do next when it comes to getting the results that you covet.

2. Place Shims Under The Appliance
The first solution will be to use shims.
These are small pieces that can be placed underneath the appliance to increase its height. You can set up the shims in a way where they will not harm the dishwasher’s performance and also increase its height.
These are details you will want to think about as you go through what works and what does not.
If you don’t place shims under the appliance, you are not going to get the necessary height to cover the inches that you are missing.
For a larger gap, you will want to take a look at the next step.
3. Use 2×4 Planks For Larger Gaps
This is a detail you are going to want to think about.
Look at using 2×4 planks for larger gaps.
The premise here is to place the planks in a way where they are going to sit in a spot that is hidden but is going to increase the appliance’s height.
You will want to place the planks on top of each other and make sure they are sturdy when they are in place.
This is good because the planks are wide enough to distribute the dishwasher’s weight.

4. Test For Sturdiness
The last thing you are going to want to do is test for sturdiness.
This means looking to see if the dishwasher is going to lean forward or will top over as soon as you open the door.
You will want to test this right now or you could end up with a working appliance that tips over in the middle of a cycle.
This is why you will want to apply force to the dishwasher to see if it budges. Do not take a chance with this.
When you are setting up the shims or planks, always make sure they are placed in a way where things are centered.
Final Thoughts
Look into these details when it is time to deal with a dishwasher that is too short.
If a dishwasher is too short, you will want to look at using shims or 2×4 planks to do the job. To fix the issue, measure the gap, place shims underneath to increase the height or use 2×4 planks when the gap is considerably noticeable.
With the help of these materials, you are going to get the results you want and it will work out properly.
The height will increase and the dishwasher will not look out of place once it is set up.
For most property owners, this is all you are going to have to do to get the results that you are hoping for.
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