Discuss Dishwashers and wood countertops on IKEAFANS.com. We're Personalizing the IKEA Experience. Dishwashers and wood countertops - Sinks, Faucets, Knobs and Pulls - also coordinating kitchen elements. See also: Kitchen Appliances and Backsplash |Splashback.
Hello. On the Ikea site they recommend using VARIABEL, a film for use under their wood countertops that should protect against waterdamage from the dishwasher. Did you use this or another product??Cyndi
I just found this post when looking for wooden bench cleaning advice. I have installed a dishwasher underneath the benchtop, but only oiled from the top. The bench has been in for a couple of months - what should I do to minimise any damage/protect the bench from the dishwasher?
As the underside of the bench isn't seen or used, should I be using a different (eg less food-friendly) treatment to give better protection?
I would do something with it. We treated our countertops on all sides anyway (though obviously it's hard to top off (so to speak!) the bottoms after installation. But our sink counter in particular is treated with 4-6 coats of Waterlox Original sealer and finish on all sides, edges, etc. It's food safe after curing but also extremely water resistant. We don't have a dishwasher but if we did, I would do both plastic and sealing. But then, I am a little paranoid .
Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA, and the hills of El Sobrante, CA
My IKEA: USA-Philadelphia:Conshohocken
Doorstyle: The late, great Kvadrat Beech
Re: Dishwashers and wood countertops
Here in the US, IKEA sells a "diffusion barrier" called Fixa, which is a foil strip that sticks to the underside of the countertop over the dishwasher. It will help keep moisture from the dishwasher away from the counter. You should installl the strip before you oil the top on the underrside, as it will adhere better to the unfinished wood.
I've used an elastomer paint-on waterproofing membrane on all my benchtop exposed areas and the backs of the cupboards. You should be able to find a version of it where you are. It's usually used for planter boxes, and concrete sealing. The stuff works very well - I've tested it with 2 coats in a plywood box. left outside for a year, the wood is in original condition.
Thanks for that Blasto, I'll have a look into it. Just to be sure, you think it will be suitable for a wooden benchtop around a sink?
Is it food safe? (Not that I plan using it as a cutting board, but food may sit on it occasionally.
We are the premier IKEA Kitchen Installer in Massachusetts. Our company offers complete in-house design service followed by an impeccable installation.
Custom. IKEA. Doors. The idea for Semihandmade came from a desire to offer the same craftsmanship we produce in our Los Angeles-based Handmade studio to a wider audience, at a lower price.
Our House ‘takes the pain’ out of the design and installation process by providing hassle-free service every step of the way. Serving CT and the greater NYC area.
but if we did, I would do both plastic and sealing. But then, I am a little paranoid 
.
