Saving 4 Six

You are here: Home / DIY / DIY Dishwasher Facelift
This blog contains affiliate links.

· 42 Comments

DIY Dishwasher Facelift

DIY

 The only dishwasher I had growing up was the manual kind!!  I never knew what I was missing until I married my dishwasher owning/loving man that insisted we get one.  Good call, babe.  We’ve had one now for about hmmm, 18 years and I’m not sure I could want to live without one.
Dishwashers, in many homes, have become a common fixture.  Replacing a dishwasher can however cost a pretty penny.  Purchasing used appliances can be a money saving alternative.  We have purchased several used appliances recently and have had good success with the way they do their job.
Their appearances however, have not been the best.


Our $65 second hand dishwasher works well but didn’t look very good, so we used a scrap piece of bead board to spruce it up and make it look new again.  Here’s how you can do the same.

For this particular style of dishwasher you will need two pieces of bead board.

So, first things first, measure your dishwasher door and base and cut bead board to fit those places.

Next, apply double-sided (we used carpet tape) tape to the back center of the  bead board.  This will hold the bead board in place while the construction adhesive dries.


A nice even coat of construction adhesive will go on next.

Then firmly push the piece of bead board onto the dishwasher and rub the front of the bead board.

For the  construction adhesive to seal, remove the bead board from the dishwasher.  This will allow the proper adhesion.

Now, peel off the paper from the carpet tape and reapply your bead board to the dishwasher door.



Press and rub until you can feel the double-sided tape adhering to the door.





Do the above steps to the lower panel as well.

You may want to apply duct tape for a few hours to secure the corners and edges.  Don’t leave the tape on too long…you don’t want any duct tape marks on your bead board.



 After the construction adhesive has dried, remove the duct tape and apply a thin layer of silicone caulk around the top of the bead board.  This just seals up the top and gives it a finished look.

There you have it.  An inexpensive, well functioning, and now visually pleasing dishwasher for a small fraction of the cost of the new.



If your dishwasher has the panel that just slides in and out, you can replace it easily with a piece of bead board, cut to size, or use a piece of thin plywood painted any color you want.  Stainless steel painting systems are even available if you’re into that look!





Replacing the front panel of either style of dishwasher is a great, cost effective way to spruce up an old dishwasher!

Blessings,
Pin
Share
Tweet

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Can also recommend a body shop/high school to paint them; also works for fridge/stoves. What about using stainless steel panel? or those metal tin ceiling tiles/

    Reply

    • I had a dent in my black dishwasher panel. When I updated to stainless, I applied the vinal ceiling/ backsplash tiles from Lowe’s. Absolutely georgeous!

      Reply

  2. I have been thinking about doing this with my rough looking old dishwasher, but it’s starting to sound & work like it’s on it’s out. If I get a used one, I may try this – heck, even if it’s a new one (on clearance or damaged) that doesn’t match what I want exactly.

    Reply

  3. Ahhhhh! I have been trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my dishwasher for months now! It is the last appliance that hasn’t been replaced and it was a hand me down too but still works great. Can’t wait to try this myself! Pinning this until I get tot it!

    Reply

  4. Wow! I love this! I’m pinning this for future reference– it’s great for renters, especially.. although I’m not sure renters could glue it to the dishwasher, they might be able to figure something else out to attach it. Great idea! Found you via The Shabby Nest link up 🙂

    -Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
    http://www.revolutionariesblog.com

    Reply

  19. omgosh, this is brilliant! I SO have to do this to my ugly dishwasher!! I think I even have some bead board. thank you!

    would love you to add my party to your list of linkies, Inspire Me Fridays…then come link up this fabulous idea!

    Reply

  22. Awesome idea. Makes me want to do all of my appliances for the “old time” look. Love the style it adds.

    Reply

  33. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating itt but, I’d like to send you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in
    hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to sedeing iit
    improve over time.

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *