Whether you’re upgrading your existing appliances or planning a new laundry area, the placement of your washer and dryer needs some thought and careful planning. Positioning your new appliances in the wrong spot could create problems for your daily routine, and cause inconvenience and headaches. So, here are some considerations for placing your new laundry set.
Think Space
While your existing washer and dryer may be tucked away in your basement, this may not be the right spot for your new appliances. Many homeowners find lugging loads of dirty laundry from the bedrooms upstairs all the way to the basement to be a real pain. So, it could be worth thinking about other spaces around your home that could provide the ideal location. A favorite spot for a laundry set is just off the kitchen. This can add functionality to your kitchen and prevent it from being cluttered. The kids can drop their knapsacks, jackets, and shoes in a laundry room and prevent those items from making your kitchen look untidy. You will need at least a 5×8 foot area, but larger is often better as you can maximize storage.
Ventilation Requirements
Your new washer and dryer will need to be vented, so the most practical placement is adjacent to an external wall. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent fires, particularly with a dryer. If it is not possible to place your new laundry set against an external wall, you will need to give ventilation some thought.
Is the Location Structurally Sound
While new appliances tend to be more stable than their older counterparts, there is still some vibration to consider. This means that your new placement needs to be structurally sound. If you are unsure whether your new location is suitable for supporting two new appliances, it is a good idea to have it checked by a professional contractor.
Noise
Even the best quality washers and dryers still make some noise, so you need to think about whether the noise produced will disturb you. If your new set is placed near work, sleeping or leisure areas, you will need to think about noise suppression. Ideally, you will be able to close a door on the appliances to keep in the noise when you’re doing laundry. If this is not possible, you may need to think about installing wallboard that can dampen any noise and vibrations.
Choose the Right Flooring
Before you place your new laundry set, you need to look at your floor. The floor not only needs to be level, but you also may want to sort your laundry on the floor. This means a garage with a dirt floor may not be sufficient for your needs. Ideally, your floor should be waterproof in case of any spills and look attractive to complement your new appliances.
Choose the Right Appliances
Finally, you need to ensure that you choose the right washer and dryer for your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that combine performance and value. If you have limited space, you may need to consider whether you need appliances that can be stacked or a front loading washer that can accommodate a dryer above. Bear in mind that front loaders tend to be quieter compared to a top loader, but they still produce a high-frequency noise when entering the final spin cycle. You may also need to consider the cycle time and features.
Every home needs a different layout for laundry appliances, and there are lots of helpful accessories to meet your requirements. If you need to raise the height of your washing machine or want to stack your appliances, there are kits and pedestals to assist you.
If you’re looking for a stack kit or would like to explore your options, consider this online collection of laundry accessories or speak to a home appliance expert for specialized help.