skip to main content

Laundry Room Appliances Design Dilemma

Twin builtin stacked washer/dryers

5 years ago

Hello everyone. We're getting close to installing cabinets in a new house build. We have 4 kids and do a ton of laundry, so we worked out with the architect and the GC to have two sets of washer/dryers in a pretty big laundry room. To make the best use of space, they stacked each set and designed cabinetry to surround them so they have a nice builtin look. Since this is a room in a finished basement, they set the twin set of appliances in a 1.5" deep drain pain, with a drain at the bottom that flows to the sump pump in the house, in case a leak happens.

You can see a pic of the design here:

This looks great, but when you measure everything out, there is only about an inch of space between the machines and the cabinet on the sides and the top. Since the stacking kits connect in the sides and the back of the the units, you have to install them (and remove them) as a set. Once they go in, you can't slide them out, because they sit in this recessed drain pan. At least not without lifting the whole stack up a couple of inches, which I don't think you could do without a fork lift.

I am now also concerned on how you'd install them with the water, venting and gas lines in the back. One set would be easy to do. But I don't know how you could do the second set. You'd have to connect everything with the stack about 40 inches in front of the wall, and then slide them in and hope nothing got tangled or crimped.

Now the cabinet depth around those units is about 20" or so the units are around 30" deep, so they do stick out a foot or so. But since the they sit in the pan I still don't understand how you could remove them if one of them died and had to be replaced.

I have seen pics of these types of installs on houzz before, so maybe I am missing something and its not a problem. I am going to talk to the GC about this tomorrow (I just started worrying about this I started looking at the dimensions of the laundry units I was picking out), but thought I'd ask you all first so I would have some advice about if this was a problem or not first.

thanks

mike

Featured Answer

PRO

User

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I’d challenge the concept of the design entirely. A washer with greater than 4 cu ft capacity ought to easily take care of 4 kids. Upstairs, next to the bedrooms. Where they do their own laundry.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
This is a discussion you have WITH your architect. and whomever is doing the cabinetry and design. You do this with specs for all in hand. and involve the builder. A GOOD drain in a pitched tile floor is far better than any pan, any time. I see no point to the pan. I see ZERO purpose to cabinetry above, unless that is hiding a laundry chute. Otherwise it's expensive overkill.

I'd be REALLY certain I wanted this in my basement, a mile from my bedrooms. Really certain : )
Related Discussions
New Washer/Dryer Wiring
Q
Comments (7)
"Your Bathroom has no electrical outlet?" Well, since you've exhumed this thread, would an affirmative answer to that question affect D&K's advice? I find this a murky code issue to interpret and I'd be interested in other opinions from anyone willing to chime in. As a starting point, NEC 210.11 (C) requires certain dedicated branch circuits in dwelling units including: (1) two 20-amp circuits for kitchen appliances, (2) one 20-amp circuit for laundry and (3) 20-amp circuit(s) for bathroom receptacles. Before getting into the exceptions, we begin with the premise that these circuits are dedicated, in the sense that they have no other outlets. But (wouldn't you know it?), there are exceptions and here's the one that appears, at first glance, to be on point and controlling: 210.11(C) Exception. Where the twenty-ampere circuit supplies a single bathroom, outlets within the same bathroom shall be permitted to be supplied in accordance with 210.23(A) OK, so it's sounding like we'd be good to go by adding a receptacle to the otherwise dedicated bathroom circuit for a washing machine, right? So let's read on to clarify the additional reference above: 210.23(A) Exception: The small appliance branch circuits, laundry branch circuits, and bathroom branch circuits required in a dwelling unit(s) by 210.11(C)(1), (2), and (3) shall supply only the receptacle outlets specified in that section. In the OP's case, exactly what does "outlets specified in that section" mean? And doesn't the 210.23A exception seem to be at odds, at least in part, with the 210.11(C) exception? Hmmmm. It seems to me that, for the purposes of code interpretation, the OP's room is both a bathroom AND laundry area. So, just because the areas are co-located in the same room, does that magically permit merging the laundry circuit requirement and the bathroom circuit requirement into a single 20-amp circuit? I have my serious doubts about that. My stab at an interpretation is that you might be able to add additional receptacles for "bathroom use" (e.g., another place to plug in a hair dryer?) just as you can add additional receptacles to the laundry circuit for "laundry type" equipment (e.g., a place to plug in a steam iron?), but it's highly questionable that it meets code to turn two required circuits into one. Taken together, the intent of the mandatory circuits requirements is to ensure independent and adequate capacity for each of two normal household functions. IMHO, using a single circuit would certainly defeat the intent of the code. If it were me, I wouldn't wire a laundry machine receptacle to the required bathroom circuit and I certainly wouldn't bet the ranch on a savvy AHJ approving it. Anyone else have a more authoritative answer?
...See More
Laundry Centers / Stackable Washer-Dryers
Q
Comments (3)
I also have a washer dryer in the kitchen. While I love my compact electrolux the matching dryer takes 240... I looked at the laundry centers long and hard...the thin twin kept being the favorite but for looks, if it will be visible in your kitchen, I'd opt for the new gray Frigidaire ( OK, I'm shallow). You need to consider your load size, when I really looked at the size of the loads that I was running a small washer was just fine. ( I also prefer to throw on a load of day and never have it stack up.) I was able to use two different laundry center units while we were on vacation. One of them was much easier to lean over and pull the laundry out of the washer than the other. I recommend you check reviews, find the model that you are thinking of purchasing in a store and lean over and imagine yourself pulling the laundry out of the washer (noticing in particular where the door of the dryer is in relation to your head, will you constantly hit your head on it?) because that is what you going to do. Most laundry centers do not have reversible doors so you need to pay attention to what your space requirements are for the door opening. Alternatively, you may still be able to buy a used gas dryer of the smaller size. You can buy 120 V dryers. What some people have done is to purchase a 120V washer dryer combo-one machine and a second machine that is a 120 V dryer. The issue with the smaller machines is that in order for the dryer to be effective the wash load has to be split in two so they wash a full load in the washer dryer combo and then dry half of the load in the dryer and dry the other half in the washer dryer combo. You should also be aware that there are high speed spinners on the market so if your washing machine doesn't spin enough water out and drying takes forever, you may want to buy one of these, I think they spin for all of two minutes, remove substantial amounts of water, and cost less than $100.
...See More
best stackable washer and dryer?
Q
Comments (4)
I have the full size Electrolux stacked. I like that with the Electrolux, you can change the door direction on both so they hinge on the same side, whichever side you want.
...See More
How long are the washing/ drying times for Miele washer and dryers
Q
Comments (33)
I just read an article about Consumers Reports testing. In it, Consumers Reports said that they test an 8-pound load using the Normal Cycle(the Energy Saving Cycle) with it's with its most aggressive setting. and without options. For Miele that would be the Normal Cycle using heavy soil. They further stated that you can get a shorter cycle if you are using the Normal soil setting on washers. For Miele, using the heavy soil and for an 8-pound load you might well expect an hour and 5-minute cycle, it will be a lot less on the Normal cycle with normal soil. In real life, if you have heavy soil, there are other cycles that will be better suited for this. When you set up the machine, the first run you make is the calibration cycle in which the machine asses your incoming water temperature and electrical input and from that it will set up the times for cycles, so your cycle times will depend on your own home environment. The other thing to know is that the times displayed at the start will be for the maximum amount of clothes, and for Normal that will be 18 pounds. After a few minutes, the machine will have an idea of the number of clothes in it and will adjust the time down for smaller amounts of clothes. If you are considering a Miele machine I would advise that you log on to the Miele web site and download the operation manuals for each machine before you purchase. This way you can tell the differences between them and what they offer.
...See More
my_four_sons
5 years ago
Yeah, I have four kids and although I’m constantly doing laundry, I’m not sure an extra set of w/d would help. The cost of those built-ins and the extra set of w/d could cover the cost of a laundry service for a couple years.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
I have no idea why a regular family needs 2 sets of laundry .I have international students and 2 of us and do laundry every day with a Bosch front loading set that can handle huge loads with no problem.
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Folks? You clearly haven't been in a YOUNG suburban household. Laundry? You'd think they were being asked to take it to the back forty, and kneel at the stream. Once in a washer? It can take until evening to get it in a dryer. It can take a week to get it out of the laundry and back in a room, at which point nobody can tell clean from dirty as folding has become a major task as well. Any one of these young women, raised with no chores demanded of them.....................could live next door to a laundry SERVICE with fifty machines. Would not matter. They couldn't get it over there. You think i'm making it up......no kids, I am not.

Don't even think of beating on me. Just Don't. : ) I can show you dozens of these.
Helen
5 years ago
Like others, I don't understand the functionality of your design plans. Most people are opting to have at least one washer/dryer near the bedrooms so there is no shlepping. Then stacking units are generally done so they can be placed with a relatively small footprint.

What are the specifications? I just had a stacking washer drying installed during my remodel and the units are separate and one then gets the stacking kit if one is not doing it side by side. I opted for one with a pull out shelf between the washer and dryer.

Granted, mine are compact units but I would assume that if a full size unit is stacked, it is not simply placed on top of the other machine.

And I am not an electrician but I had to upgrade my appliances because Code required me to have each major appliance on a separate circuit so I would assume that your washers would each have to each be on their own circuit.

I live in a high rise so any leaks would be catastrophic in terms of damage to lower units. Of course that's also true of leaks in the many private home installations on second floors or even on main floors where leaks would damage flooring and/or cabinets. My Bosch washer/dryers have double water lines and also an alarm system which automatically turns off water if any is sensed outside of the machines - it also does comes with a pan. FWIW, I also installed water alarm systems and pans for my dishwasher and my refrigerator which has an automatic ice maker.

Personally I would rethink your design and place one set of machines near the bedrooms and then the second set downstairs if need be. Do your plans include a laundry chute?
Molly D. Zone4B
5 years ago
I’m no designer but I have one set of these built in side by side under a counter. Not a pass thru laundry, and when the guy comes to work on this, if he’s not the size of a leprechaun, it’s not a pretty scene. We did not think to ask about the water shut off placement because the counter looked so nice -until we finished building and it’s behind the 100 lb machine....

I would be thinking about what you are going to do when it’s you and the four kids and you have a problem....
wdccruise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Given the width of the room, how about the following?
- Place the appliances side by side either W-W-D-D or W-D-W-D depending on how the water, drain, electrical outlets, and vents are arranged;
- Put a removable countertop over the top of all four appliances;
- Install cabinets over the countertop;
- Place the clothes rod at either end of the row of appliances.
One recommended, reasonably-priced appliance pair by Consumer Reports:

LG WM3700HWA washer + LG DLEX3700W dryer
Molly D. Zone4B
5 years ago
Also I would call around to local appliance service dealer and ask them about additional cost to service as they would need more than one guy
enduring
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
What do you need in your laundry space. I like many of the ideas that others have posted. I would suspect you need hanging space. Ironing space. Storage space. dirty laundry hampers. storage for brooms, and vacuum possibly. If you go with a built in, I would do generic sizing for machines, so that you can switch out brands. The best idea I think is to have side by side single set in basement and another set near the bedrooms. The side by side allows the water shut off and drain to be above the counter for easy access. You might have to move out the dryer for vent maintenance, unless you go with a ventless model.

You absolutely need access quickly to water valves and dryer vent, and electrical outlets. I don't see that in your plan.

I have a small built in cabinetry and w/d on my main floor. It is perfect for our family of 2.

When I planned for the main floor built in, I did all the design myself. I have an access to one side to get to the water shut off valve, drain pipe, and dryer vent (for clean out). I can reach into the lower cabinet open area to access the electrical outlets. I have about an inch on either side of the built in, and it is not a problem sliding the set out. I do not have a pan under the set, after a lot of thought. My machine pump clean-out is in the front of the washer, so no need to move the machines. When I was moving the machines in and out during the remodel, it was no big deal to slide the machines out. But that is a rare instance. There are several inches at the top of the machines.

This set up is custom to my Miele set which is of a smaller design. The room was a constraint for size. I am not sure if a Bosch set will fit, but that could be an alternative set for me in the future, if needed.

I always shut my water off when we leave for a few days. I also have a double stacked set in the basement of used machines for my DH farm clothes. I always shut the water off after my weekly farm clothes wash up.
apple_pie_order
5 years ago
The OP is wise to have second thoughts about the design. Since they are almost ready to install cabinets, much of the work may have already been done.

I would put the four appliances in a row so I could get them out for the inevitable servicing, like removing lint from the ductwork once a year. Put some cabinets above with a hanging rod for clean clothes and a smaller rod or towel bar for damp dirty things waiting for the next load.
weedmeister
5 years ago
If this is a new house under design and multi-storied, I would go back to the architect and see about putting one of those pairs upstairs near the bedrooms. Much nicer than hauling all that laundry up and down stairs.

I understand having two machines. Twice done in half the time.

A stacked set like that ( I have an LG pair) is over 6' tall. You won't be able to reach those upper cabinets without a ladder. Yes, I have one.

If this is a basement, I would tile the floor and put in a floor drain to the sump pit. Much simpler. Run the tile up the walls a run or two. No issues with a pan then.

If there is going to be cabinetry, you need to provide access to the water shutoffs through a 'door' of some sort. In my case, the water valves and drain are off to the side. The vent is through the ceiling.

I happened to stack mine on a set of appliance dollies meant for a refrigerator so it is easy to wheel it out from the wall. Relax, after 12 years I've never had an issue with them.
Moxie
5 years ago
Another thing to consider with building cabinets around appliances: Manufacturers change the dimensions of appliances. When replacement is necessary, the new appliance may not fit if there isn't some extra space. When my refrigerator dies, my choices will be to go a lot smaller or call the cabinet maker to rework the custom cabinets over and next to the refrigerator. Similar units are now taller and wider. Grrr.
scottie mom
5 years ago
@enduring Thank you for posting those photos! I think you might have posted one photo last year with a description of the concealed access inside, and I totally stole your idea! My new Miele machines are installed next to a narrow cabinet with access panels inside. It‘s a very clean look and I love the setup :-)

As for the discussion about pans under washing machines, I‘d certainly prefer a visible floor drain (if I needed one.) If there’s a pan with a drain that is only used in case of a flood, what keeps the trap from drying out and allowing sewer gas into the house? Curious if anyone has experience with that.
enduring
5 years ago
Hi Scottie mom, I'm glad the set up worked for you. I'm a Scottie mom too, only mine is human ;)
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
Personally, I would prefer all four be in a row and on storage pedestals to save bending or stretching to load and unload.

Memorial Riad · More Info
NYCish
5 years ago
I’d save the money you’re going to spend on a second WD and instead move the single set to where the bedrooms are. If that’s not an option, spend your savings on a housekeeper to help you keep up with laundry. A second set won’t help you keep up....

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Create a Built-In Home Bar

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Get the nuts-and-bolts info on building a swank home bar into a nook or wall

PETS 16 Stylish Built-In Sleeping Areas for Dogs

Give pets their own safe haven with these built-in dog beds for the kitchen, living areas and laundry room

ORGANIZING Building Built-Ins: They're Really Just A Bunch of Boxes

By The Lettered Cottage

LAUNDRY ROOMS Laundry Makes a Clean Break With Its Own Room

Laundry rooms are often a luxury nowadays, but a washer-dryer nook in a kitchen, office or hallway will help you sort things out

LAUNDRY ROOMS 10 Small-But-Mighty Laundry Stations for an Easier Washday

By Laura Gaskill

See how to get an efficient and attractive washer-dryer setup by tucking it in a closet or a multipurpose room

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS A Warm, Elegant and Highly Functional Master Bath

By Becky Harris

A designer fits dual sinks, a dressing table, a washer-dryer and scads of storage into a couple’s New York bathroom

LAUNDRY ROOMS Trending Now: Ideas From the Most Popular New Laundry Rooms

By Bryan Anthony

Mosaic tile floors, bold wallpaper and built-in benches are some of the features that can make your laundry room shine

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE 7 Eye-Catching Custom Storage Ideas

By Amanda Pollard

Need more space to stash your stuff? Get inspired by these clever ideas for built-in storage

PETS 15 Design-Friendly Places to Hide the Cat Litter Box

Built-in solutions include putting it in a cabinet, under the stairs, behind a wall and inside a window seat

PETS How to Integrate a Dog Den Into Your Home Decor

By Becky Harris

See the ways people are making special spaces for their beloved pups with cozy built-in crates

Sponsored

Wannemacher Interiors

26 Reviews

Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Columbus, OH

More Discussions

paint color for small laundry room

16

Laundry Room Help

8

Bosch ventless dryer questions…

2

Need help, washing machine problem

3

Laundry room ideas

1