I hope you loved this post on how to build a countertop over a washer and dryer. So you’ll want to make sure you choose wood that is seam-free and flat. 99 Unless you own a premium home that … Solid surface is a moderately priced countertop material. If you’ve had experience cutting, sanding, staining, and drilling into drywall, this will definitely be a quick and easy project for you to complete. If you’d like to see the full makeover of this laundry room, click here! In addition to having a space to fold clothes and paint (an unintended bonus), the laundry … Measure for the height of the counter, leaving about an inch between the counter … Add a Decorative Edge. Use a level and stud finder to attach the wall braces. I also wanted to share some other ideas that people have had when installing their own countertops for a washer and dryer. It also provides a very clean, sterile look as well as the bonus of being able to be cleaned really easily. Quartz, or engineered, stone countertops are excellent for working with clothing. Whatever style countertop or budget you have for a laundry room countertop, there are plenty of ways you can make use of additional space for folding clothes and preventing clothes from falling between the cracks of the washer and dryer set. A countertop in the laundry room is a necessity. Laminate is cost effective, easy to maintain, and easy to clean. It’s a great look, but just takes additional effort to seal and protect it. In addition, you’ll also want to consider countertops that can hold 1-2 load of laundry baskets. In addition, it also allows for easier repair work especially if you have a small laundry space. From a cosmetic standpoint, you’ll want to make sure you paint and seal it so that it can be resistant to any water issues you may encounter. With millions of unique furniture, décor, and … Looking for a very different alternative to your regular ol' counter tops? However, as long as you are doing nothing that requires a perfectly smooth surface, ceramic tile can provide an adequate surface. You can choose to put wood glue here to permanently affix the brace onto the other brace. For this reason and for moisture protection, always seal your wood countertops. For the wood pieces that will be nearer towards that washing and drying machine, you'll want to cut the wood at an angle that will allow it to be less visible when standing next to the countertop. Natural or untreated wood can make folding difficult. The Best Countertops for Your Laundry Room; Before and After . Building one yourself involves measuring out the dimensions, purchasing the wood, and putting it all … If you are looking to do a luxurious upgrade to your laundry space, this is definitely an option you can choose. About the Laundry Room Countertop The laundry room’s wooden countertop is made from 3/4″ maple plywood . Having a countertop over your washer and dryercan help to organize your laundry room. The laundry room countertop installation is complete and we (yes, even Sweet Shark) are loving it. But ceramic tile also will easily crack or chip. If you choose particle board, you’ll want to make sure that you have a veneer over it. You’ll be surprised at the number of dust bunnies you have when cleaning up the space. Adding a DIY laundry room countertop is an inexpensive way to change up the look of the entire room. For the budget-sensitive laundry room remodel, laminate countertops are a wise choice. We had issues with kids socks and toys falling in between the cracks because it was the first stop for the entire family after coming in from the garage. If you sand the outside of plywood, note that it is made of veneer on the outside, and if you sand it too much, it may rip off the top layer veneer, leaving you with a grainy surface area for the finish. Add a laminate veneer because it was inexpensive and easy to work with, allowing for less water/heat damage. How Much Counterspace is Too Much? With smooth surfaces and invisible, flat seams, solid surface countertops provide a reliable space for most clothing operations, except ironing. Since wood countertops can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, labor costs are eliminated if you go that route. This is just how we did it. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Learn how to make and install a laundry counter over a washer and dryer. You can use 1 inch x 10 inch x 8 feet plank boards that you put together. Premium, designer-grade laminate has sharper graphics. Your email address will not be published. They were in desperate need of a real countertop, so they would stop piling things on top of the appliances with the risk of them falling between the cracks. One of the appeals of a fully built-out laundry room is countertop space. If you choose a plywood countertop, this is the most affordable option in terms of materials. Ceramic tile is durable, especially with hot irons. Which made the entire thing very sturdy. If you liked this easy tutorial, check out some of these other posts on home DIY projects you might also get inspired by: Your email address will not be published. It is non-porous, which means it can be less prone to germs if wiped down. Again.. there are many other ways to do this. Quartz is one of the highest priced countertop materials, except for outliers like stainless steel and custom concrete. Measure the laundry room. Home Decor. Hot irons may singe the laminate. If it isn’t resistant to water, any moisture from the washer will cause the material to mold. There are two areas of the home that have been getting a lot of … The downside is that it’s heavier than plywood, and you’ll need to ensure that the braces that secure it will account for the weight of the quartz as well as any laundry loads that are placed on top of it. While solid surface's faux stone does not have the depth of quartz countertops, still it is reasonably attractive and home buyers tend to covet solid surfaces. It is important to make efficient use of the available space when designing a small laundry room. Aug 21, 2017 - Explore Karen McLandrich's board "Laundry room countertop" on Pinterest. Pain points of a laundry room generally include having enough counter space to pretreat laundry stains, clothing falling into the cracks behind and between the washer and dryer, and being able to store detergents in arm’s reach without needing a stool. Ceramic Tile. Quartz makes an ideal countertop surface for a laundry room because it is a hard material that does not … Rarely is solid surface installed by the homeowner, so labor costs must be figured into the total price. Measure the depth of the washer and dryer to determine the depth of the countertop. Even though they are created from engineered stone, they behave much like natural stone—and with the durability of natural stone. Moreover, we also already had a built-in walnut cabinet in the space, and the washer and dryer pedestal would cause it to not fit in the space. Acrylic countertops can be damaged by solvents such as glues, ketones, acetones, and thinners. Cut the wood to the measured length of the back wall, the depth of the washing and drying machine. Before installing the laundry room countertop, you’ll need to determine what type of countertop you need based on the considerations above. This will allow you to match any stainless steel washer and dryer set. To brace the middle of the countertops, we installed smaller wood 1 inch x 2 inch boards across, which were narrower than the braces that were on the wall. If you do not seal the wood, the rough surface will make it hard and challenging to fold clothes. If you have ever sorted and folded clothes on beds, tables, and other makeshift areas, you will know the convenience of a large, smooth surface dedicated to only one thing: clothing. Note: The amount of wood you need will vary depending on the size of your laundry room and how large you want your counter to be. Depending on the type of wood you choose, its looks can range from functional to stunning. Butcher block for a laundry room should be sealed with mineral oil, allowing it to soak into the wood, and then wiping off the excess. The countertop will be supported by strip of wood material against the walls (often referred to as braces or cleats). For my washer and dryer set, there was an option for buying pedestals at $350 for the set at the time, which was pretty much a third of the price of the washer and dryer set itself. Expect your well-maintained laundry room quartz countertop to last for more than 25 years. So this amazing husband finally did some research and found he could do it all himself by using a non-board door slab as his counter, with support boards to boost it up over the washer … You'll need to install the braces on all sides of the wall where the counter will need to be supported. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Laundry Room Makeover w/ Wood Countertops! Bonnlo 304 Stainless Steel Utility Sink with Drainboard Commercial Sink for Laundry Room, Backyard, Garages - Inner Tub Size 18"L x 16" W x 9"D 4.5 out of 5 stars 112 $235.99 $ 235 . Solid surface comes in a wide range of solid colors or stone looks. It should be done frequently during the initial seal, but then maintained once a month. See more ideas about laundry room countertop, laundry room, laundry room diy. In addition, I would recommend seeing if you can make the counter height the height of where the water shutoff valves are. The utility of this space was the utmost importance. We attached the countertop boards to each side piece and all of the braces. Each countertop design will be different according to the space. A full laundry basket averages around 20 pounds a load, so ensuring your braces and anchors support double as much would be prudent. Ceramic tile is one of the cheapest laundry room countertop materials, particularly since do-it-yourselfers can install their own tile countertops. Get Organized and Take Control of Laundry Day. If you have a leak, you’ll want the water shutoff to be accessible. DIY floating laundry room countertop. Laundry Organizing Essentials Every laundry room … Quartz is man-made engineered material that has the elegance of natural stone, but is highly durable and low maintenace. Having an organized laundry room can make laundry day a breeze. Ideally, the area should have plenty of natural or artificial light, counter space to sort and fold clothes, secure storage for laundry products, and adequate space for all laundry … Plastic laminate tops work great in these situations. You’ll again need to seal it. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. When choosing options for countertops for your laundry room, you’ll want to make sure that you consider how much the material will be resistant to heat and water. I am a big believer in spreading your design budget around so you can have it all. Prepare the countertop and prepare it to the desired design. Hot irons may melt solid surface materials. So as you begin to design on the width and length of your braces, cleats, and countertops, here are a few things you should add on your checklist for your laundry space to ensuring that you are optimizing the space for not only a design aspect, but also from a functionality standpoint as well. You do not want to make the countertop too high from the floor if you are wanting to use it as a clothes folding table. Smooth and mostly seamless, laminate countertops work well for sorting and folding clothing. Solid surface materials last long, and scratches can be sanded down numerous times, extending the lifespan of solid surface. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Particle Board does not hold up well to long-term exposure to moisture. You’ll want to consider these experiences as you think about material that are resistant to water with the material that you choose. Modern Farmhouse End and Side Tables with Storage, DIY Drawer Divider for IKEA Alex Cabinets (That Doesn't Require Woodworking), 19+ Gifts for People Who Work from Home - 2020 Holiday Guide, 101+ Gift Ideas for the Hunter in Your Life, STEM Projects for Kids Using Cricut Machine, How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink to Make Toddler Shirts, 5 Tips for Beautiful Maternity Pictures in Kansas City, Shawnee Mission Park Early Morning Family Session - Calvin Turns One, Framework for Small Businesses & Bloggers. Preparing beforehand will allow you to position the counter on top of the braces. Solid surface scratches relatively easily, but scratches can be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper. Upholstered Countertops. What is the best countertop for a laundry room above a front-load laundry? Quartz countertops are highly durable. This is the tutorial on how to install a countertop above a washer and dryer set with plywood with a laminate veneer. (It can also be painted to make the wood less visible when standing next to it). Excellent flat surface for working with clothes. This project is specific to those who have both front-loading washer and dryer sets. You’ll need to go the extra step of sealing the butcher block to protect the wood. This can be done by ensuring the material you choose for your countertops are water resistant. When installing laundry room countertops, be mindful of a few things: When redesigning your laundry room, be aware of the overall layout. First the laminate counter … If … Laminate countertops are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, from solids to faux stone. Lush, sleek, and displaying unparalleled visual depth, quartz countertops are highly desired by new home buyers. If you’ve done lots of laundry, you know how valuable counter space is. Also, you'll need to do cutouts for either sides of the wall braces. A laundry room should be one of the most functional and workable rooms in your home. In order to get the best wood cut possible, I would recommend watching them cut it and inspect it right away for any issues with the cut. Wood countertops are usually moderately priced. While ceramic tile counters are utilitarian, they have limited aesthetic value for many homeowners. How to Make a Laundry Room Countertop Over Washer and Dryer, « DIY Custom Doors and Fronts Ikea Sektion Cabinets, Modern Farmhouse Wall Sconces – Affordable Farmhouse ». Some laundry rooms have a stackable washer and dryer, while … If you are sealing the countertop and you are choosing to paint it white, make sure that you use a polyurethane that doesn’t cause the white wood to turn yellow (this is the one that I use). You should angle and also paint the brace to make sure that it looks seamless. It’s pretty heavy, so I had a beast of a time getting it to fit on my walls, … 06/11/2018. Solid surface is made from polyester or acrylic. Raw, natural wood that is untreated is not smooth and makes folding operations difficult. Let’s start with the countertop above the washer and dryer, which is made of 2×6’s and … In addition, if you have built-in cabinets like I do, you’ll want to make sure you build it low enough to reach the cabinets. If you want to be able to access the washer and dryer easily or if you have a top load washer, having a hinged countertop will allow you to have the best of both worlds. Laminate on countertops can chip, peel, and flake. The quartz is incredibly durable and low maintenance which makes it an ideal surface material for a countertop in the laundry room. Shelving for storage can be wall-mounted and drying racks can hang down from the ceiling. Though ceramic tile … This material is flat, smooth, and seam-free. We didn’t paint everything, just the visible sections like below: A countertop kitchen island measures at 36″, which you can use that as a starting point to determine how high you want the countertop. You’ll want to determine the measurements of how high you want the countertops to be and where valves are (and whether or not you want to cover them up). Laminate countertops have a limited lifespan, especially with hard use. Unless you own a premium home that demands the highest grade of all materials—namely, quartz countertops—laminate and solid surface will work for a majority of home's laundry room countertops. However, the downside is that if there is ever an issue, you’ll need to pry them up separately rather than having a full counter that you can slide out. … Expect to change out your laminate counters at least once with moderate use. Ensure that there is enough space so that the top of the machine and the countertops do not touch in order to allow the washing machines to be moved in and out (which is great for any potential repair work). In this tutorial, I’m going to walk through all the considerations you’ll want to think about before installing your own, as well as options for materials and designs for your counters. This is the most expensive option for a countertop. I would recommend having about 1″ to 3″ of room on either side of the washing and drying set to account for when you need to move it around for repair work or any other general work. For laundry room countertops, laminate and solid surface materials strike a perfect balance—looks, durability, availability, longevity, and especially, pricing. My solution was to install and brace a countertop above my front-loading washer and dryer. This should be a pretty quick and easy tutorial for those who know how to cut wood, drill holes into the wall by finding studs, and work a miter saw. 1. Another material you can use for your countertop is ceramic tile. The downside is the potential for the top to be scratched. You'll want to measure the back of the wall, the sides, and the height of the washer and dryer set. You’ll want to tell them to make sure to cut it strategically where there are not a lot of imperfections. Wood countertops flat and seam-free. This is great for those who are wanting a more modern-contemporary look to their laundry space. I might actually change it out once I figure out what color I want (potentially this marble veneer). Generally, a 1" to 3" spacing gap is recommended. Some people also choose to do waterfall countertops, which means that the counter pretty much covers the top and sides with the same color. And by all, I mean as … Granite Countertops: A Comparison, Wood Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy, Laminate Countertop Review: Pros and Cons, Laminate Sheet Backsplash: What to Know Before You Buy, The Ultimate Laundry Room Remodeling Guide, Solid Surface Countertop Basics to Know Before You Buy. Please tag me at #sengersonhome on any social feed! You can just slide in the countertop and use L-brackets to secure the braces. Account for 1" to 3" for the spacing between the washer and dryer and counter. I was on a mission to solve all of these problems because with six people in our family, you can imagine the number of laundry loads I would have to do. A countertop across the washer and dryer provides space for folding clothes, a place for placing detergent and other cleaning products, and - as is the … Comes in a wide range of solid colors or stone looks, Can be easily damaged by glues, irons, scratches. If you have ever wanted more space in your laundry room, you are not alone. Learn how your comment data is processed. If your space also functions as a mudroom like mine, chances are if you have kids or spouses, there are probably countless times where rain jackets and damp towels are placed right above the laundry washer and dryer sets. Do not store heavy items like large containers of laundry detergent or irons in cabinets above tile countertops. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Specific to my project, I wanted to make it functional to fold clothes and pretreat any stains while also making it look clean. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Countertop Materials, Solid Surface Countertops vs. Quartz Countertops, Corian vs. Silestone: What to Know Before You Buy, Quartz vs. Draw a level line on the wall to indicate the underside of the countertop that will be installed. You have searched for laundry room counter and this page displays the closest product matches we have for laundry room counter to buy online. The butcher block is a very trendy look that is also heavy and expensive. This meant that this space needed to be functional so that I could minimize the frustration of this chore as well as spend less time having to move things around. Here is how I made my own for under $40. After having this countertop for a year, I can honestly say that this installation that prevents me fishing out socks with a wire hanger has been so worth it! The built-ins were hard to match because it was a dark walnut color, my paint color was white, the trim paint color was tan khaki, and the set was white. His wife had been repeatedly urging him to do something about the state of the washer and dryer in their laundry room. Required fields are marked *. You would be able to access the washer when you need to put in a load, yet have room to fold laundry by having the additional real estate to do so. Sengerson Home | Home Decor and DIY Projects to Beautify Your Home. This will serve as joint inserts for the middle support braces. If you have big box stores like Home Depot or Lowes cut your wood, make sure you look at the wood for any imperfections, knots, and checks in the wood. If you completed this project, I would love to see your final product. This might not be an option for you depending on what material you choose, but not securing the countertop will allow you to remove the top so that if something falls into the cracks through the accessible water shutoff, you can remove the top and fish it from above. It gives the rustic, farmhouse style look that is trending. As long as they are kept sealed and dry, wood countertops will last for decades. Generally, an average load of laundry is about 18 pounds, so you’ll want to pick a countertop material that will be able to withstand that weight. Laundry Room Countertop Tips Make the countertop big and useful Install as long a countertop as you can fit in and afford. Since the countertop doesn’t span the entire depth of the washer/dryer, we decided to create another shelf that was slightly elevated. You’ll want to make sure you account for these edge case scenarios so that you don’t experience any molding or rotting. This is perfect for those who have a front-load set and just need some counter space. It was hard for me to choose a color for the countertop veneer, but I just went with what my husband found at the local store. Well-maintained ceramic tile countertops can last for decades. Lowe’s carries a variety of laundry room organization products that are both functional and stylish, so you can create a space that works for you and looks beautiful. For laundry room countertops, laminate and solid surface materials strike a perfect balance—looks, durability, availability, longevity, and especially, pricing. Many homeowners may find ceramic tile countertops' numerous seams and grouting annoying when dealing with clothing. Make sure that you have a cut out in order to reach this space. I’ll be leaning over this top pretty often to access the upper cabinet over … Of course, I had to poop this room up like I poop up every other room… You may need 1-2 days to prepare it especially if you are using polyurethane to allow the wood to cure. DIY laundry countertop. Laminate can be one of the least expensive countertop material. Wood is durable, though it can burn if a hot iron is placed on it. But which countertop material is best for your laundry room? This will give you the room that you need to work here without any hassle. You can fold things on these flat surfaces … All factors about quartz countertops make them perfect for laundry rooms except for one thing—price. If it does not withstand heat, then the dryer will cause the wood to warm. Never cut directly on the laminate. Quartz makes an ideal countertop surface for a laundry room because it is a hard material that does not require any application of polishes or sealers, it’s highly durable, low maintenance, and easy to use. You can also add a stainless steel veneer above plywood or particle board. I’m listing what I used to build our 66.5″ long counter, you … For example, in my family, somehow we always get towels that are damp and are placed on top of this counter. Leave about 6 inches for the water-hose connections and the dryer vent. Colors may fade.