Let’s embark on a journey into the world of built-in washer and dryer cabinets, where we’re not just talking about aesthetics, but about the nuts and bolts of making it work – literally.
Imagine a laundry space where your washer and dryer are seamlessly integrated into sleek cabinets, not just for looks but for functionality too. That’s what we’re diving into today.
We’re starting with the core element: adding supports to hold your washer and dryer securely in place. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring your appliances stay stable and safe while giving your laundry room a major upgrade.
This post, Built-In Washer and Dryer Cabinets: Innovative Design Secrets is all about the practical side of creating a built-in washer and dryer setup that stands the test of time. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on? Let’s do this!
Visit my IKEA Laundry Room Makeover post to see this entire Laundry room remodel.
Kindly be aware: Modifying these cabinets voids the warranty provided by IKEA.
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Benefits of Built-In Washer and Dryer Cabinets
Alright, let’s talk about why built-in washer and dryer cabinets are the ultimate solution for maximizing space, enhancing aesthetics, and ensuring the stability and safety of your appliances for the long haul.
Space-saving solution: Picture this – instead of bulky appliances taking up valuable floor space, your washer and dryer snugly fit into custom cabinets, freeing up precious room for other activities. It’s like a magic trick for maximizing your space.
Enhanced aesthetic appeal: Say goodbye to the eyesore of exposed appliances. With built-in cabinets, your laundry area transforms from blah to beautiful. It’s all about that clean, streamlined look that makes you want to spend more time in the laundry room (well, almost).
Increased functionality with added features: We’re not stopping at just looking good. Nope, these cabinets come with bells and whistles. Think drawers underneath for stashing detergent and other essentials, plus handy pull-out trays that make laundry day a little less painful. It’s all about making life easier, one load at a time.
Components of the Built-In Washer And Dryer Cabinet
IKEA kitchen cabinets used
In our pursuit of budget-friendly yet attractive options for housing our washer and dryer, we turned to IKEA. After exploring various possibilities, we stumbled upon the white SEKTION oven cabinet, which showed promise. This unit, measuring 30″ x 24″ x 90″, boasted adjustable sizing, doors for upper storage, a narrow drawer, and an open space initially intended for a wall oven. Recognizing its potential, we envisioned customizing the space for our laundry appliances, with the slim drawer below serving as a pull-out tray for our laundry baskets during chore time. Thus, our affordable laundry dream design was born!
Added supports for raising the washer and dryer
Recognizing the weight and movement of washers and dryers, we understood the need to reinforce the shelves holding our appliances. To achieve this, we incorporated heavy-duty aluminum brackets on the inside of each cabinet side, where the shelf would be placed. Additionally, two steel tubes were installed—one across the front and the other across the middle—providing extra support. A platform was constructed at the back of the cabinets to accommodate further reinforcement and ensure ample space for washer and dryer hookups.
Drawers under the units and their purposes
Each cabinet tower designated for the washer and dryer featured a slim drawer below the open space for additional functionality. This drawer served as a convenient pull-out tray for resting laundry baskets during loading and unloading, enhancing the efficiency of our laundry routine.
Additional storage above the washer and dryer
To optimize space and organization, we integrated ENKOPING-style doors from IKEA onto the upper cabinets, creating delineated storage for items such as dryer sheets and laundry detergent. Alongside, a third recessed cabinet efficiently housed laundry baskets and household essentials, contributing to a tidy and functional laundry area by our backdoor.
Strategic Cabinet Placement and Custom Platform Support for Washer and Dryer Units
In our laundry room setup, we strategically positioned the cabinets 10 inches away from the wall to allow ample space for the installation of a platform behind the washer and dryer units. This platform serves as a sturdy foundation, supporting the back of the machines while creating an open area above for hoses, vents, and plugs. Due to the depth of the front-loading washer and dryer, this overhang space is crucial for accommodating their dimensions. The platforms themselves are constructed using sturdy boards, with the tops seamlessly integrated with pieces of white cabinet boards to maintain a cohesive appearance throughout the space and allow for easy sliding of the appliances. These platforms, alongside the steel rods integrated into the support system, ensure stability and functionality for our laundry appliances while maintaining a sleek and unified aesthetic in our laundry room. The platform also secures the unit to the wall. Once the supports were in place and the machines were properly hooked up, we positioned the third cabinet to cover the remaining space. Access to the backs of the appliances is available through the backs of the upper portion of the cabinets or by sliding the washer and dryer out from the cabinet.
(Photos below illustrate the space between the wall and the cabinet unit, followed by the platform, and finally, the third cabinet closing it in.)
Adding Extra Supports for Heavy Washer and Dryer
We reviewed the specifications of our washer and dryer to determine our weight requirements. With this information in hand, we conducted research to identify brackets and tubing that met the necessary weight ratings, ensuring they could easily support the weight of the washer and dryer units.
Two brackets are installed under the appliance shelf, with the tubing running across the middle and the front of the shelf, resting securely on the brackets. Here is an image of the setup with pre-drilled holes prior to installation:
Here is the placement of the front tubing under the appliance shelf of the washing machine:
Materials Needed for Adding Extra Shelf Supports
- 2 – 4 foot Heavy-duty Aluminum Brackets
- 4 – 3 foot Square Steel Tubing
- Screws ( 1 3/8″ and 5/8″ ) and washers
- Drill
- Sawzall or hack saw
- Tape measure
- E-Z Hold Clips (optional)
- Safety Goggles
- Sharpie
Step-by-step Instructions for Adding Extra Shelf Support
Step 1 – Measuring and Marking Brackets for Cabinet Installation:
Begin by measuring the bracket’s length by positioning it from the back to the front within the cabinet. Use a sharpie to mark the bracket’s length accurately. Additionally, mark the locations where you’ll need to drill the 5 holes to secure the bracket inside the cabinet. This step ensures proper sizing and placement of the bracket, allowing for secure installation and support for your washer and dryer units.
Step 2 – Measuring and Marking Tubing for Cabinet Installation:
Take all four tubes and lay them across the cabinet to ensure they fit properly. Use a sharpie to mark the desired length on each tube, ensuring they align correctly with the cabinet’s dimensions. Additionally, mark the spots on the tubes where you will need to drill holes for installation into the cabinet. This step ensures accurate sizing and placement of the tubes, facilitating a secure and stable support structure for your washer and dryer units.
Step 3 – Preparing Brackets and Tubing for Installation:
Begin by making the necessary cuts to size for both the brackets and tubing according to your measurements. Once cut, pre-drill holes in both the brackets and tubing to facilitate easier installation and to prevent splitting or cracking of the materials during assembly. This step ensures precise alignment and stability when attaching the supports to the cabinet structure. Take care to align the holes accurately to ensure a secure and durable support system for your washer and dryer units.
Reminder: Before screwing the brackets and rods in place, take into account the length of the screws and the thickness of the cabinet to ensure you choose the correct size.
Step 4 – Installing the support brackets:
Begin by placing the tubing on the brackets, ensuring a secure fit, and then use the EZ clamps to support the tubing in place. Next, position the heavy-duty aluminum brackets on the inside of each side of the cabinet where the shelf will support the appliances. Utilize a drill to firmly secure the brackets in place, ensuring they are level and evenly spaced to provide sufficient support for the appliances.
The drawer slides seamlessly under the brackets and tubing.
Step 5 – Securing the washer and dryer on the raised platform:
Drill screws from under the shelf into both the front and middle tubes in two places each. These tubes play a crucial role in distributing the weight of the washer and dryer evenly. After securely placing the tubes, lift the appliances onto the supported shelf, ensuring they are level and stable. Double-check all connections and brackets to confirm that everything is securely fastened.
With these steps completed, your washer and dryer will be safely supported, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and functionality of your built-in cabinet setup worry-free.
Maximizing Functionality with Drawers and Storage
Utilizing the pull-out tray for easy loading and unloading: The pull-out tray beneath the washer and dryer isn’t just for show—it’s a game-changer for your laundry routine. Use it as a stable surface for loading and unloading laundry baskets with ease. No more awkward balancing acts or spilled detergent bottles. Keep the tray clear and ready for action whenever laundry day rolls around.
Organizing items in the drawers under the washer and dryer: Don’t underestimate the power of those drawers under the washer and dryer. They’re like hidden treasure chests for your laundry essentials. Invest in dividers or organizers to keep detergent, dryer sheets, and other supplies neatly sorted. Stack items smartly to maximize every inch of space and keep clutter at bay.
Creative ways to optimize the storage space above the units: The storage space above the washer and dryer holds additional laundry and cleaning supplies, making it a valuable resource for maintaining a well-organized laundry area. Consider installing shelves or bins to corral smaller items like fabric softeners, stain removers, and lint rollers. You can also utilize this space to store household cleaning supplies such as multi-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, and brushes. By maximizing the storage potential above the units, you can streamline your laundry routine and keep essential items easily accessible when needed.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the cabinets and appliances: Make it a habit to clean your cabinets and appliances regularly to keep them looking their best. Wipe down the surfaces with a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Pay special attention to handles, knobs, and hinges. Check for any spills or leaks around the appliances and clean them up promptly to prevent damage.
Checking for any signs of wear and tear on the added supports: Keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear on the added supports for your washer and dryer. Inspect the brackets, steel tubes, and platform regularly for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. Tighten any loose screws or bolts and replace any damaged components as needed. Ensuring the stability and strength of the supports is essential for the safety of your appliances.
Keeping the area around the washer and dryer clutter-free: Clutter around your washer and dryer can not only be unsightly but also pose a safety hazard. Keep the area around the appliances clear of clutter, laundry baskets, and other items. This helps prevent tripping hazards and allows for proper ventilation around the appliances. Designate a specific spot for laundry baskets and other accessories to keep the area neat and organized.
By following these maintenance and care tips, you can keep your built-in washer and dryer cabinets in top condition for years to come, ensuring they continue to serve you efficiently and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Built-in Washer And Dryer Cabinet
We allocated just over $2,000 for the laundry room cabinets, which encompassed the purchase of 3 tall cabinets, 4 drawers/drawer fronts, 6 doors, shelves, hinges, and side panels.
In a small laundry room, consider utilizing open cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall cabinets to maximize vertical storage space. Opt for functional solutions like pull-out trays and easy access shelving to make the most of every inch.
During our laundry room renovation, we strategically placed electrical outlets and water hookups on the back wall behind the washer and dryer units. We did not fully secure the backs of the upper cabinets, this will allow quick access for repairs and everyday use while maintaining a clean and organized look in the space.
Opting for a front-load washer and dryer set in a dedicated laundry room proved to be a great option for our home. With enough space to accommodate major appliances and functional storage cabinets, we transformed the entire room into a bright and functional space.
From the initial round of designs to the installation of white cabinets and shelves, every decision was made with care to create a clean and organized laundry area. With easy access to hook ups and clever storage options, including a tall cabinet for extra space, we turned an outdated kitchen into a utilitarian oasis. The new lighting fixtures and Espresso butcherblock countertops added to the clean color palette, making it a focal point in our home. Whether it’s the side units or the top of the machines, every inch was utilized efficiently, proving that even in a tight space, smart design choices can make a world of difference.
Happy laundering friends!
