We have a front-loading washing machine and, while it washes an immense amount of laundry (yay!), it’s a pain to stoop over to put that laundry in and to take it out and put it in the dryer. I found these plans for a laundry machine pedestal and knew it would work for our new laundry room. I built the pedestal and, while the plans worked fine, there are a few tweaks I wanted to share with you.
First, I measured my laundry room and changed the measurements in the plans so that the pedestal was 56 inches wide (rather than 60″ in the plans). Make sure that you change all the related measurements if you change the width (or any measurement) of the pedestal (in other words, the space between the supports is going to change if you make the pedestal longer or shorter).
I then gathered the supplies. My local hardware store cut the wood for me as listed on the cut list, with my changes, which was incredibly helpful. I found the most level spot I could – not an easy feat in a 1929 home! – and started building.
To build the frame, I started off like this:
But quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be an easy way to attach the supports to the frame. This way gave me more leverage.
Also, the plans call for using 3″ wood screws. I found that deck screws worked much better – they went into the wood much more easily. Except for screwing the top/platform into the frame (see below), you’ll want to use wood screws that have threads that go all the way to the head of the screw. That way, they grab the wood more easily all the way in. For the platform, it’s ok to use wood screws where the threads stop a little bit before the head.
When driving the screws into the 2 x 4s, watch out for knots. Try to avoid them – the screws don’t go into the knots well and you’ll end up pulling out the screws and redrilling.
Screw the top platform to each frame. Make sure you countersink the screws.
Next, the plans call for adding corner angles to the legs. The diagram in the plans shows that they are to be attached on the left side of the leg with 2″ screws.
Instead, two of them need to be attached on the left side, and two on the right.
That way, each leg will be flush with the side to which you are attaching it.
When you attach the legs to the frame, use smaller than 2″ screws. 2″ screws will go through the frame. I used 1 1/4″ screws and they worked perfectly. Use the 2″ screws (or the deck screws, if they aren’t too long) to attach the leg to the frame at an angle or with a pocket hole.
Once you have attached the legs, then you are ready to attach the bottom to the legs. The plans say the top, but it’s really the bottom – you are building this upside down at this point.
I painted the pedestal next. I used Behr Latex Paint with Primer in Ultra White for the platforms, and (affiliate link ->) DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Relic for the sides and legs.
Note: I was provided the Chalky Finish paint by DecoArt, but not specifically for this project. That said, I loved it. It went on easily and I only needed one coat. No primer needed. Fabulous!
After I painted it, I decided to add just a little trim to the top. I didn’t want to trim out each leg – as was included in the plans – because it was a bit too traditional-looking for my style. Instead, I just added one trim piece on the top front edge of the platform using my Ryobi nailer (they didn’t pay me to say that – I just love it!).
You are going to need help to get this in your laundry room. This thing is HEAVY.
Put the machines back on it, level them, and you are ready to wash some clothes!
One other thing the plans didn’t mention is that you might need a longer dryer duct once you put the dryer on the pedestal. I did – I just needed a bit longer reach. Just something to keep in mind when you are buying your supplies for this project. Measure that beforehand so you don’t need to make an extra trip to the hardware store.
Also, I added some small plastic bumpers in between the washer and dryer. That way, if the washer “walks” a bit, and bumps into the dryer, there’s a cushion there.
I added three baskets in the storage area of the pedestal – one for whites, one for darks, and one for towels. Just make sure you measure the baskets at the store to make sure they’ll fit in that space!
And now I have a happy laundry room. It’s so much easier without the stooping!
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments!
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Genius. Whenever I use front-loaders while traveling (we have top-loaders at home), I always think “there’s no way I’d buy these things because they are too hard to work with.” Using the space below for baskets is a great idea.
Thanks! I love the baskets. Before, we had big sorters that took up so much floor space. This is much more efficient.
I am in awe! I can’t believe you built that. What a clever solution, and I love the baskets below. Go, Karen, go!
Thank you! See, when I show up to school pick-up all sweaty and gross, this is why! 🙂
Your detailed instructions make this sound easy … but I would still have to have Hubs help! Great project, Karen!
If I can do it, you can do it! Thank you, Cheryl!
This looks fantastic! You did such a great job on this project. The baskets to sort your laundry are a great idea. Enjoy your new laundry room! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you, Vickie!
I agree with Cheryl, your detail step by step instruction is great, but I to would need the help of my hubby to build this fabulous washer/dryer stand. You did a fanstatic job.
What is to stop the washing machine from “walking” right off this platform? Are washing machines normally bolted to the pedestals that appliance companies make?
I’m not sure about the pedestals from the manufacturers because I’ve never owned one. But, for this pedestal, our washers were leveled and balanced and never walked off the pedestal. I think the front-loaders might “walk” less than the top-loader ones, but I didn’t have a problem with that happening.
Like the simplicity. What was the cost? I am ready to make one!
I believe it cost about $100. On Ana White’s site, where I got the original plans, it lists the cost at between $100-150.
Your photos and steps were helping me visualize a solution to a slightly different problem. I am installing a nice finished floor in the basement laundry area where it used to be only concrete. Of course I realized I needed to take steps to protect the floor in case of a leak from the washer. To do this, our top-loading machines needed a drain pan under them but then there was no way to eliminate the water. So I am building pedestal with 2×4 lumber and no higher. The total; height will be about 3 3/4″ using 1/2′ plywood on the top of the pedestal. Then, I will put a combination washer/dryer tray under the two appliances and have room behind the pedestal for connection to a condensate pump, which will sit at the original floor level. The pump will activate because the top of the pump I have in mind is only 3 1/2″. The outflow hose from the pump will then eject the water right into the gray-water box behind the washer. The floor will be protected and the water ejected when needed. I could even add an alarm. Problem solved!
Genius!! You should write This Old House or Family Handyman and tell them about your project and solution! Genius!