Build your own washer and dryer pedestal bases to bring your laundry up in height. Also includes storage for baskets. You'll love the step by step diagrams and cut list.
Special thanks to Sausha for letting us create this tutorial from her laundry room bases.
Preparation
- 2 – sheet of 3/4″ MDF or Plywood
- 5 – 2×4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 – 4×4 post @ 4 feet long (you can also use 2x4s laminated together – just add another 2×4 to your list)
- 1 – stick of base cap moulding like this @ 6 feet long and 1" brad nails for attaching
- 4 – Angle Brackets (like these)
- 3″ self tapping wood screws
- 2″ self tapping wood screws
- 10 – 2×4 @ 25″ (Joists)
- 4 – 2×4 @ 60″ (Sides of Floor)
- 2 – 3/4″ Plywood or MDF @ 28″ x 60″ (Decking)
- 4 – 4×4 Posts (or 8 2x4s) @ 11″ (Posts)
- Moulding cut to fit
Instructions
Step 1
Floors
You are basically going to build two mini floors for this project. The top floor need to be built as shown above.
The bottom floor you can skip the center joists (minimal weight on bottom shelf)
Use glue and 3″ self tapping screws to build the framing. You can also use pocket holes if you have a Kreg Jig, on the 1-1/2" setting with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Decking
Screw the plywood to the top of the 2x4s with glue.
Step 3
Corner Angles
This step is just because I have an old school washer and dryer that stomps out of the laundry room whenever I overloaded it. But the angles are cheap and will make your life easier. Screw down with 2″ screws.
Step 4
Attach Legs
Attach the legs to the top (the floor with the center supports) and screw down. If you can, add a few screws at an angle in as well.
Step 5
Place the second "floor" on the 4x4s and screw through the 3/4" plywood into the undersides of the 4x4 legs. At least three screws per leg is recommended.
Step 6
Trim
Cut trim to fit and attach around legs to fancy up the base (optional)
Step 7
Additional Bracing
If you find your base needs more support here are a few quick fixes -
- Cover the entire back in 3/4" plywood or MDF scraps from the build, glue and screw every 4" approximately to the 4x4 legs and the 2x4 framing with 3" self tapping screws.
- Attach the 2x4s framing to studs in the walls
Thanks Sausha!
Comments
Leslie C (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 02:06
i love it!!! We just bought
i love it!!!
We just bought new front loaders.
Sadly ours are in the garage and are across from each other!
Could there be a modification to make 2 separate ones?
Sharon L (not verified)
Tue, 04/12/2011 - 15:55
of course! As Ana states,
of course! As Ana states, just measure for YOUR space and YOUR machines..I would love to see separate ones, cool idea!
guest (not verified)
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 12:30
with your washer/dryer across
with your washer/dryer across from each other, maybe, if you have the space, you can make each pedestal a little wider, so each one gives you space for 2 baskets, and you could add some shelves along the sides of each machine for even more storage!
Whitney Smith (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 02:47
Yup yup yup. I loved this
Yup yup yup. I loved this from the first moment I saw it on Sausha's blog. I have big dreams for my laundry room. Why shouldn't it be pretty when I spend hours in there each day!?
nichole (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 02:50
Wow! Okay if her laundry
Wow! Okay if her laundry room really looks like that I am just amazed. Those are my favorite pedestals I have seen yet. Oh, if they come out with pink front loaders I may just have to go into debt. ;-) I love your site. I haven't built anything yet, but hope to soon.
Ann (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 03:08
I've seen the countertop over
I've seen the countertop over the front-loaders in This Old House magazine and it looked fabulous! I'd do it if my laundry area wasn't sequestered to a far corner of my unfinished basement! Someday I dream of a laundry/pantry room on my main floor...
savvylili (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 03:23
That is a great idea! though
That is a great idea! though I think I'd prefer to use the space for rarely used blankets, sheets, etc.
Heather (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 03:48
Oh my......I've in love. I
Oh my......I've in love. I can't wait until we get to move our current laundry location to the new laundry room we plan on building. This is a must do. Maybe I can even convince that hubs that I "need" new front loaders. Sooooo cool!!
Lori (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 04:02
Do you worry about the weight
Do you worry about the weight and movement of the washer / dryer? I'm sure my husband would balk at my making this due to that worry.
guest (not verified)
Sun, 09/11/2011 - 12:33
with the upper platform floor
with the upper platform floor built with the exact same construction as a house, I would think the weight would be the same as if they were on the floor. Does your washer "walk" when it spins? If it does, it's out of balance, and you can fix that with the feet. If your floor is uneven, here's your chance to give your washer a level floor to rest on!