Considerations for Your New Washer and Dryer:
Before you start to measure, there are a few things you’ll need to consider for your installation. These include:
- Is your floor level?
- Do you have cold and hot water hook ups?
- Do you have a dryer exhaust?
These are vitally important for a successful installation, so if you can’t answer yes to all of these questions, you’ll need to have some work done before you can install your new appliances.
Measuring for a Washer and Dryer:
Once you’re ready to start measuring, you will need to measure the height from your floor to the underside of any overhead cabinet, countertop or shelf. You can then measure the width of the space, allowing one inch on either side as a gap for proper airflow around your appliance. This means that if you’re placing a washer and dryer in the space, you will need to allow a total of three inches, an inch on the left and right of both appliances and an inch in between.
Next, you need to measure the depth. This is from the back of the wall to the front of your countertop or cabinets. You should allow at least six inches in your final measurement to allow for the vent and the water hook up.
Bear in mind that if you’re planning on purchasing a top load washer, you will need to allow a minimum of 20 inches above the appliance, so the door can be fully opened. If you’re putting front load washers or dryers on a pedestal, you will need to include the height of the pedestal in your final measurements.
You will also need to make allowances in your depth measurement for any floor molding.
Finally, you will need to consider any space needed to open the doors of either of your laundry appliances.
FAQs:
How much space is needed around a washer or dryer?
The recommended space is to leave an inch on either side of the appliance to facilitate proper airflow. So, if you have a gap of 36 inches, the maximum width of your appliance would be 34 inches.
How much space is needed in front of a washer or dryer?
Ideally, you should have a minimum of four feet of space in front of washers and dryers. This allows sufficient space to be able to fully open the doors to load and unload the appliances.
How much space is needed for connections and vents?
Since you don’t want to crush water pipes and vents, you should leave at least four inches of space between the rear wall and the back of the appliance to allow for the connections.
Can you minimize noise by allowing space?
Yes, if you have one inch of space on either side of the appliances and between the washer and dryer, it can help to minimize vibrations and reduce noise.
If you’re considering a new washing machine or dryer, you can explore your options with our online laundry collection or speak to one of our home appliance experts for specialist help and guidance to find the best appliances for your home.