How to Build a Cabinet Around a Washer & Dryer in a Bathroom

A cabinet can make a washer-dryer combo look neater.

Any bathroom can be more clutter-free if you build a cabinet to fit around a washer and a dryer. Creating the cabinet to maintain a neat look in the room should include some storage space for unwashed laundry, clean laundry and laundry supplies. A cabinet can be movable or stationary, but it's important to design ways to clean and mop around the machines periodically.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber boards
• 2-inch-bu-2-inch wood strips
• Circular saw
• Bandsaw or table saw
• 3/4-inch plywood sheets
• Rollers or casters
• Counter top laminate material
• Counter top glue
• Masking tape
• Wall hinges
• Security fasteners

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of the washer-dryer space, allowing 4 extra inches in total width across the front area. Allow for the extra 7 or 8 inches on the back panel of both units to define the total height. Sketch the cabinet on graph paper using one square to represent 4 inches of real space. Design the cabinet to be constructed in a rectangle with a close-down counter top that lifts upward and rests against the wall while you do laundry.

2. Use a circular saw to construct the 2-by-4 framing. Be sure to construct the framing to accommodate the full dimensions for the machines on the interior of the cabinetry. Remember to add the wood framing to the interior dimensions, so the cabinet will not be too small to fit over the machines. Cover the interior of the cabinet with waterproof vinyl sheets. Use a bandsaw to cut counter top laminate material or use sheets of plastic paneling material.

3. Construct the top framework of the cabinet close-down lid using 2-inch-by-2-inch wood strips, since you don't want it to be overly heavy. Use 3/4-inch plywood to cover the lid framing. Buy two hinge systems at your local home improvement store that are designed to open easily for the lid section of the cabinet.

4. Screw 3/4-inch plywood onto the framework of the cabinet's front and sides in sections. Counter-sink the screws to form a smooth surface. Install counter top laminate material over the plywood. Cut the laminate to fit sides and all sections of the top lid that will close over the unit on hinges. Use a bandsaw to cut the laminate. Glue each section of laminate to the plywood carefully before applying another. Apply masking tape to help temporarily hold laminate sections as they dry.

5. Install rollers or casters on the bottom corners of the cabinet's bottom section. Remove the bottom occasionally from the wall area to clean or sweep. Attach security fasteners or strong magnetic systems to the wall to hold the lid out of the way while you are doing laundry.

Tips & Warnings

• Construct separate cabinets for holding a basket of dirty laundry, laundry on hangers, detergents and supplies and an iron with ironing board. You can buy or build a cabinet with double front doors to allow you to easily view what's inside. Place an ironing board on a hanging accessory, similar to what's used in hotels, off to one side. Install a hanging rod in the center. Place laundry and detergents in lower shelves, along with a clothes basket.

• When you construct a cabinet to fit over the washer and dryer, always leave room to empty the dryer's lint filter. A filter filled with lint blocks air circulation and could lead to a fire in the dryer.

References

• Luxury Housing Trends: Hiding a Washer-Dryer
• Fine Homebuilding: Convert Closet to Laundry Room
• ROL.vn: Ideas for Laundry Rooms
• Keystone Building & Design: Cabinet Hiding Washer-Dryer

Resources

• HomeDesignFind.com: Hiding Machines in a Bathroom
• Remodeling for Geeks: Laundry Room Makeover
• Doug Bolter: Laundry Rooms and Closets