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Home » How to & Crafts » remodel

New laundry “room” and shelf!

Published: October 8, 2010 | Updated: November 12, 2019 | By Ashlee

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As part of the remodel (see the overview here) we moved around the furnace, water heater, intake vents and ventalation system. It opened up a ton of room for the kitchen. In the end I had the option of a slightly larger kitchen or a laundry closet. Can you guess what I choose? Laundry, duh! What mother of 4 wouldn’t want a washer and dryer more than some counter space??? So this shot is from the kitchen looking against the wall. I would show a picture from even farther away, but I’m not quite ready to reveal the living room or kitchen yet so this is what you get for now! As it is you can see part of the Board and Batten, my new wall colors and the new flooring!!

laundry closet

These doors open completely flat against the walls. See how open it is, great huh? And well lit! It turned out great. As long as I was getting a laundry closet I figured I might as well get a SHELF for my washer and dryer. I’m pretty tall, 5’9″, but bending over for laundry still hurts my back. Even with the pedestals attached to my washer and dryer I wanted them taller. That and I wanted a space for laundry baskets underneath! Of course I couldn’t control the width of the closet so each section is just a few inches too narrow for 2 regular laundry baskets to fit underneath, but I found these large plastic baskets that fit PERFECTLY!

laundry closet shelf

Since all these walls were new they placed the dryer vent on top of the shelf for me so the shelf wouldn’t be compromised. To make it water proof/resistant I first sealed the wooden shelf with flooring primer. Then I attached these self sticking laminate “tiles” and used bathtub edging all along the edges to create a seal. This way if we get a leak it won’t ruin the shelf! That and it looks nicer.

laundry shelf laminate tile top

In the front to cover up the 2×4’s from the shelf I used this trim and painted it with the same ultra white semi gloss I used on the rest of the trim and all the doors! I think it turned out nicely. It really finishes it off well!

laundry shelf

Since we changed to a full house tankless water heater we saved so much space in our utility closet that my laundry closet has extra space. So what should I do with this large space between the washer and dryer? I tend to have more loads than just 4 so I think I’ll just add some tall baskets for towels. I think I might also add a small, short hanging rack for when I have to hang clothes dry.

washer and dryer on laundry shelf

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About Ashlee

With the right tips and tricks, I believe YOU can make, bake, or create anything. This is what I love to do - make some awesome, teach you how, and give you that boost of culinary confidence you need to rock your own kitchen! Read more...

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  1. Chris

    October 9, 2010 at 11:31 am

    What a great idea. We just moved into a new to us home with a laundry room that’s not much more than a glorified closet. I will be saving this one!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 9, 2010 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks! I love how well it turned out! And I even left my washer and dryer on the 8 inch pedestals I had so they are the perfect height for me (5’9″). I love love LOVE it! I’ve already done over 15 loads of laundry this week and my back doesn’t hurt AT ALL! Love it!

  2. lyssa

    October 9, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    What a great transformation! I love how much space you have now. Great idea with the tile 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 9, 2010 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks! Just wait until I get to show off the kitchen! Really it’s amazing how much space we crated simply by moving the furnace and taking out a wall! This closet is really very spacious, if I can’t have a whole room this is the next best thing!

  3. Lisa~

    October 10, 2010 at 9:31 am

    Fantastic! I love having the machine on a shelf. They can be hard to reach into when they are on the ground. If it were me, I’d put drawers between the machines. I have so many little needs…stain removers, clothes pins, dryer sheets, etc. I also might try to figure out a way to store my detergent there. Lots of possibilities! Love it! Lisa~

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 10, 2010 at 1:03 pm

      Yes I totally need to put something between them. I’m currently debating the best use of that space. I love the 4 laundry baskets on the floor, but I have way more loads than that so I’m afraid that space is going to go to more laundry baskets. But do I make shelves and do smaller laundry baskets or do I go with tall laundry baskets… Oh the debate!

  4. Lisa

    October 11, 2010 at 7:34 am

    Very nice! I love that you were able to create a storage space for baskets under the W&D! Great way to hide them and such a convenient place!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 11, 2010 at 8:34 am

      Lovely, huh? When I first brought it up to the contractors they were confused, obviously MEN! So we had to be very clear about the dimensions. Even then they got it wrong the first time around and had to redo it! HA!

  5. Creative Decor by Brooke

    October 11, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    I love this idea. I am getting a new washer and dryer soon and really like this. I will be showing this to the hubby. Thanks for sharing.
    Brooke

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 11, 2010 at 1:28 pm

      It’s been SO wonderful! Not to have to stoop and to use that space so much better! Good luck!

  6. Samantha

    October 12, 2010 at 6:21 am

    What a great laundry area! I only have a glorified laundry closet as well, so seeing how you have made it work so well makes me green with envy! Enjoy!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 12, 2010 at 9:28 am

      Thanks! So far it’s working really well! I think it would work in any closet area, as long as you have front loaders. No WAY could I do this with top loaders~

  7. Kimra

    October 12, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    very cool!

    Kimra

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 19, 2010 at 8:20 pm

      thanks! It’s been REALLY nice so far!

  8. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

    October 13, 2010 at 8:18 am

    This was a great idea. How nice to have them so tall for you. I can’t go up with mine as I have a window behind them. This worked out great.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 13, 2010 at 8:17 pm

      I don’t have to worry about window’s that’s for sure. That half of the basement is underground! But I wouldn’t mind more light around. But would I trade more light for a short washer? Probably not with my back issues! for now this rocks! But maybe after a few years in darkness I’ll feel differently!

  9. Condo Blues

    October 13, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    When I bought my front loader washer & dryer I didn’t get the base because of price. I never thought of building one myself! *forehead slap*

    Do you find that your tankless water heater & dishwasher are friends? My HE dishwasher hates my regular hot water heater. It needs the hot water heater to be turned up way past 120 degrees 🙁

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 13, 2010 at 8:20 pm

      I feel that way about most crafts/projects I find on line, “why didn’t I think of that!”

      We used to live in Japan so I’m used to a tankless water heater (although we didn’t have a dishwasher over there so I guess I am new to that scenario!) So far it works great! I haven’t noticed any problems. We got a water softener at the same time though so if any issues come up it will be hard to know which of the new water appliances it’s coming from!

  10. Van

    October 13, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    Gorgeous remodel! It’s so damn organized and clean! I covet.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 13, 2010 at 9:43 pm

      I wish my mom could read that one! I’m actually a very visual person, which means I usually leave stuff out where I can see it, which tends to clutter easily! This is just right after we hooked them up and put them in. I haven’t even brought down the soap yet! I’ll add an updated picture after I decide what to do with the center section and we’ll see if it’s still clean!!! HA! Me clean! HA!

  11. shana beth edington

    October 13, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    I would love to do this, those things are just so darn heavy!!!! How did you get them on the platform?

    Reply
    • Ashlee Prisbrey

      October 13, 2010 at 9:49 pm

      We used these Forearm lifting straps! They work great. I think they are even an AS seen on TV item. I don’t remember when my husband got them, but a few years ago and we use them a lot. It was pretty easy actually!

  12. VickiT

    October 14, 2010 at 6:13 am

    That looks wonderful. I am SO jealous because the area for our washer and dryer has just enough room for the pair and no room between. I would love the space you have because I’ve wanted to buy the storage centers that go between them for all the stuff needed to do laundry.
    I hope these links will work. I don’t have time to search out the exact one I was looking for but here are two that I could locate. This will give you some ideas though.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 14, 2010 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks! That’s very thoughtful of you. I’ve moved the washer and dryer closer to the center so I can put stuff on the sides of each too, like my drying rack, my broom, ironing board, etc… So once I finalize how far apart they’ll be I’ll be able to measure how much space is left and determine exactly what I can fit/put there! I’ll save these for then!

  13. Leanne

    October 14, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    That looks so great. I’m hosting We’re Organized Wednesday until Saturday and would love for you to join the party. There’s a great giveaway too.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 15, 2010 at 9:39 am

      Thanks for the invite, I linked up! I’m glad you liked my remodel!

  14. Jessica

    October 15, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    wow! You did an amazing job!!! I am completely envious! Someday I will have a washer and dryer next to each other, not across from each other. Enjoy your new laundry room!

    stopping by from tatertotsandjello

    2many2pick1.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 16, 2010 at 12:03 am

      The side by side is nice! Although I keep moving them closer and closer together! Pretty soon I’ll have them touching with the sides filled up with stuff!

  15. jen @ tatertots and jello

    October 15, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Love it! Great way to utilize space. And I love how tall they are now. It probably feels much better on your back!

    It was fun chatting with you last night! I shared your project on my tatertots facebook and linked to you 🙂

    xox
    Jen

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 16, 2010 at 12:04 am

      It was so fun to run into you again so soon too! I LOVE how tall they are! Thanks for the linkup!

  16. Leanne

    October 17, 2010 at 12:19 am

    Thanks for linking to We’re Organized Wednesday. I’m featuring your laundry SHELF tomorrow. I only have a laundry closet too, but I think it keeps me better organized.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 17, 2010 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks so much for the feature! It really was a wonderful addition! It uses all the space better AND saves my back from bending over~

  17. JenMarie

    October 17, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    Absolutely FABULOUS!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 18, 2010 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you! I’m so in love with it! Isn’t it great when a project works out well!

  18. Stephanie

    October 18, 2010 at 5:06 am

    WOW! I love it! I have had my doubts about the front loading washers, because of all the horror stories of the toddlers being able to open the front and get stuck inside, while it turns on…I’m sure you see where this is going…but THIS is a great idea!! It makes it higher off the ground and much harder for a 1 to 2-year-old to open the door (or even reach it)!! I LOVE IT! Plus, I am 5’9″ too and suffer from 2 Lumbar fractures when I was 17 – so EVERYTHING hurts my back. This is a great idea – thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 18, 2010 at 12:45 pm

      These are GREAT. I already had mine on the store bought pedestals so my kids couldn’t get in, but this extra height certainly takes any fear away! And my back feels GREAT! you should totally look into it if you ever get front loaders.

  19. shelley

    October 18, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    i’m short, but still think it would be awesome to have a washer and dryer higher up for less bending! and great storage for the ‘baskets’, too 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      October 19, 2010 at 12:15 am

      I not only have the shelf, but the washer and dryer are each on Bosch dryer pedestals too. I’d be able to keep the shelf and still loss 8 inches by getting rid of the pedestals, so you don’t have to be 5’9″ for this to work.

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