We just have a 1" panel supporting the end of our counter, and nobody batted an eye at it. It's just screwed into the wall. If you have space for a 2x4, you should be more than fine.

I think all you'll need is a 3/4" filler/panel like your refrigerator panel, not a full 2" stud. It's going to be attached to the refrigerator panel so it should be more than sturdy enough. You might even be able to use just 1/2". Be sure the filler panel is screwed into the refrigerator panel in multiple places and I think you'll be fine!

Good luck!

thanks for replying, artemis78 and buehl.

i should have mentioned that i am counting every spare inch because this is a small kitchen.

when the dishwasher is on the end of a cabinet run, the counter hangs over a little past the support. because the fridge panel prevents an overhang of the counter, i wasn't sure. there must be some physics involved!

thanks again! :)

What is the counter material?

Stone?

Laminate?

Even a 3/4 inch panel has pretty good compressive strength, but it might move enough to cause a problem with a stone counter.

Anchoring into the slab is not hard at all.

hi ironcook -

I don't know the details on how the counter is supported above the DW. I will try to find the kitchen plans and let you know...

brickeyee...

95% chance it will be Zodiaq, quartz composite/5% chance it will be wood. i'd rather not touch the slab; there is earthquake reinforcement, and i'd rather not mess with it. does that matter? thanks for replying.

remodel-mama...

thanks. just hoped maybe you knew off-hand what was behind the trim: a panel or support or something else. didn't mean to be a bother!