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Washer Dryer Stand

1K views 10 replies 10 participants last post by  ChefHDAN 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey folks, I'm trying to do a simple project here but I'm in a dilemma. I think I'd be fine either way, but I'd like some input. The washer and dryer stand I'm making is going to be simple 2×4 construction with a piece of 3/4" plywood on top. I have attached an image here as I have it designed so far. My plan WAS to make a frame on the bottom like I have on the top so that the legs would be stabilized from the side too. I hope that makes sense. Now I'm thinking it would be overkill to put that bottom frame on there. I also plan to put leveling feet on this stand with a carriage bolt and a t nut. Thoughts???

Table Furniture Rectangle Tableware Desk
 

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#2 ·
My reason for making one was to have a level surface for the machines. I made just a basic frame of 2×4's and plywood. No drawers. I leveled the frame with shims, added small pieces on the inside to maintain level, and put on the plywood. It's not much to look at, but nobody really looks at it.
 
#3 ·
While your design will probably work fine, I don't like the fact that the three stretchers running front to back have no support other than whatever fasteners you plan to run into them. The two end ones could easily be supported by the legs just by shortening the long stretchers accordingly. You could add a third piece of 2×4 to the middle two to give them support without the need for any fancy joinery. I would do what I believe hairy said and enclose the faces of the stand with plywood. It needn't be really thick stuff and it will stiffen the stand to make it like a rock.
 
#4 ·
Your design is overbuilt but as it is a washer and drier you do want strength. If you put 3/4 plywood on the top and say 1/2 on all four sides this things becomes a tank. And perhaps this is a rush job so simple and strong win the day.

But consider this: Take more time to build this so that the bottom wasted space becomes something you can use, or whoever does the laundry. Average container for detergent is under 14" making a lift of 16" total not bad if they are front loading machines. You could just put doors on it and get alot of space or go all out and make nice drawers. A face frame for the bottom would give access to levelers if you wanted and could be changed if it settles over time.

Just a suggestion, many here have offered suggestions that I said, why did I not think of that. Or worse why did I not do it that way to begin with. Yeah I am a member of that club.
 
#6 ·
However you do it, make sure the machines are secured to the plywood top so they don"t "walk" away. A small retaining strip on 4 sides will do and use the leveling screws on the machines for leveling. Don t put them on the base.

- MrRon
+1
Now, that right there, is the kind of valuable information that makes asking questions on this forum always worthwhile. I won't ask you how you know, Mr Ron, but that's some sage advice.
 
#7 ·
I built one of these, but just for the dryer. The washer is a top loader so I did not want to raise it up. I made mine with three 2×6's, open front, and built a drawer to fit under this, that slides out the front. We keep some laundry supplies in that drawer.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
#10 ·
Just thought I'd give you all an update. It's been a couple of weeks. I built it just as you see in the drawing. Put 3/8" plywood on top of that frame. I had to use it as it was because I was short on time and this was really a temporary fix. (Probably for a couple of months.) Anywho…. No strap down, no reinforcement, and it's working fine. Yes, the washer kicks up a hell of a fight during the spin cycle, but the feet have not moved at all. The washer is fairly snug to the wall and the dryer next to it, so there's really not a lot of room for it to walk away. Anyways, thanks for all the ideas. I'll post something here if disaster strikes, but this was a good lesson for me to look at how I tend to over engineer things and sometimes it's ok to let it go. :)
 
#11 ·
If it does walk off the platform you can bet the hoses will break/burst, at an average of 5 gallons per minute, you'll have 100 gallons of water in your swimming pool / basement within 20 minutes. I wouldn't leave it to Murphy, but then I've got 3 teenagers and I always find the washer in a different spot because they don't think to balance the load…
 
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