Obviously if you are going for two sets of washer/dryers then you do a lot of laundry. So you probably are needing more area in general.

Maybe you want to put some kind of baskets under your shelf that are designated to each person so they can take their clean laundry. That way you wouldn't have a need for so much folding space and the area would always look more organized. I'm just wondering how much you want showing if you have to pass thru to get to the bathroom.

I've discovered that it's far better to fold right out of the dryer (or off the line) put it in the basket and bring it to its destination and I generally use separate baskets if it's a mixture, for instance towels, jeans, underwear, etc. Or I sort it at the dryer, and put it in the basket in reverse order so I can take out the towels and put in the linen closet and then put the clothes in the bedroom. I save a lot of time by folding out of the dryer than to grab it, clump it into a basket, risk more wrinkles anyway, then haul it, dump the basket out, flop my butt down, fold it, sort it, stuff it BACK into the basket and then take it to its destination. Fewer wrinkles, less time wasted and I actually get my clothes folded that need folding. (I can't believe my mother taught me to FOLD underwear!!)

So, my point is that room for a basket or two and sufficient surface area for your needs. I use relatively little because I have my dryer on a pedestal, use the hamper door for a folding spot then sort the items on top of the dryer and the top of the washer if it's a mixed load or they go directly into a basket to bring to its destination if it's all one type (towels for instance). I also have a short rod up for things that need to go onto hangers. I don't have a lot of that anymore like I used to. So most of the time, my folding area is simply the appliance tops.

You'll need to consider how much of what types things you need. You could have a fold down rod to use for things on hangers while you're pulling it out of the dryer and fold it up out of the way when you're done. Possibly even a small fold up shelf to sort things if you need more space.

I'd opt for the choice of stacking and have a wider hall area for baskets, etc. A shallow depth folding area sufficient for me. I don't use more than one deep on items on the washer and dryer top so although I used to use the entire dryer top when I didn't have the pedestal, then I wouldn't need the washer top. If you follow what I'm saying! I think the larger hall space would help eliminate a claustrophobic feeling too.

Also, don't forget space needs for opening the doors and still having room to work, and for that matter, room for people to get by while you or they are working there.

I seriously think that if you want to watch tv or listen to the radio while you're folding, it'd be better to put a tv or radio next to the washer/dryer. I can't overstress the time savings by not duplicating efforts by not folding/hanging right out of the dryer or washer for that matter.

My 2¢ worth and worth a couple pennies less. :) Good luck with your design. Let us know what you decide.

Thanks for your thoughtful responses.

I do do a lot of laundry. a lot. And yes, I've got to graduate to the kids putting away their own laundry. It's just something I try to get done in the mornings when they're at school, and I don't like it sitting around -- which is why doing darks and lights at the same time in separate machines would just make my few hours of no-kid time so much more productive.

That said. Since I don't like to stockpile clean laundry anyway, come to think of it, a flexible system for folding rather than a killer dedicated folding area may make more sense. I've drawn up two sets of 27"X32" deep stacks and a laundry cabinet in google sketch up (a great free program, if you've never tried it), and it does give more breathing room to put them on one one wall. Claustrophobia from tight hallways and from being buried in mountains of dirty laundry are both big concerns! :)

I'm thinking maybe a flip up folding surface on the other wall or maybe have something custom made that has a pull out extension to make a 6' folding counter (with the money I'd save from not buying a folding counter!). I've always thought a laundromat cart would be a great addition, too (but where to park it???)