Stop breaking your back to do laundry with a washer and dryer platform.
Laundry has never been my favorite task. And when we got our front loading washer it became worse. Bending over so far to search for socks stuck to the inside of the drum is the worst!
So I partnered with Kreg Tools to make an easy DIY washer dryer platform that brings the washer and dryer up 16″. No more bending over for laundry.
And this washer pedestal is super sturdy thanks to the power of the pocket holes. Plus, I couldn’t help myself and added lots of storage to the space underneath.
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Washing Machine Pedestal
Why would you want a laundry pedestal? The drum of the front loader washer is only a few inches off the floor. So you have to bend over and reach very low to get everything from the inside.
But if you raise it up 16″, you now have easy access to everything inside! And it brings the controls for your washing machine right to eye level.
A washing machine pedestal will not work for a top loader or washer with controls on the back. If you have those machines, check out these amazing laundry basket storage shelves instead.
But for a standard front loader washer, a washer and dryer platform may make you fall in love with laundry again 😉
Sturdy 2×4 Base
The base of the washer and dryer platform is made from 2×4 lumber. It makes the base less expensive and super sturdy!
The platform is built just like a wall in your home, but with the 2x4s even closer together. This creates plenty of strength to hold a filled-to-the-top washing machine.
Plus is it shake proof during the spin cycle.
Pocket holes are used to easily assemble the 2×4 base. No framing experience necessary.
Then the 2x4s are hidden behind 1/4″ plywood or MDF (or you could even use beadboard for a cottage look).
And finally the base is completely covered with a simple face frame of 1×3 boards. This completely hides the 2x4s and gives the washer and dryer platform the look of a beautiful cabinet.
Large Drawer and Laundry Basket Storage
If you life your washing machine up off the floor, you can now make use of the space underneath it!
The 16″ tall platform leaves 12″ of usable storage space. I split the space into 3 sections. For added strength in base.
The two outer sections are sized to hold an 18″ wide laundry basket. Keep your sorted laundry out of the walkway and easily ready for washing.
And that leaves room for a large drawer in the center section.
The 10″ wide x 10″ tall x 24″ deep drawer is perfect for storing extra laundry supplies or cleaning supplies. Learn how to build easy DIY drawers here.
I used 1/2″ plywood for the base of the drawer to make it strong enough for storing heavy items (like laundry soap). And all the drawer box pieces can be cut from one 2×4 sheet of plywood.
Washer and Dryer Platform Build Plans
I am sharing the complete build plans for the DIY washer dryer platform for free at Kregtool.com.
Click here for the washing machine pedestal build plans.
And watch the full YouTube video for more tips as you get ready to build!
Happy Building!
Thank you to Kreg Tools for sponsoring this post. I only recommend products that I use and love and all opinions are 100% my own. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Junior
Sunday 28th of May 2023
Thank you for this well-put-together comprehensive plan. When I first started doing woodwork I realized that the wood in the store is not to spec due to tolerances.
Steve
Friday 28th of April 2023
Hi Kat, Thanks for putting out this DIY. Looks like the perfect project, however your cut list of materials is atrocious. I looked on Lowes and Home Depot for items such as "Platform Front/Back , 1 ½” X 3 ½” X 60”" and I get nothing that resembles wood. Additionally there is no such thing as a 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 cut of wood in any type. I think you really have done a disservice in not having more attention to detail in your description of cuts. Accurate sizes and also the type of wood. How is one to decipher "Legs , 1 ½” X 3 ½” X 13”?" What kind of wood is that? Never seen a measurement of wood in any type like this. I could go on but I think you should be able to get the point here. I really would have liked to build this but I am gonna move on to another plan that is more detailed. Thanks again for sharing this and I hope you clean this up for those who look at it in the future. Nice project, great idea, bad instructions
Kevin
Thursday 31st of August 2023
@Steve, Steve, you know nothing. 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 is a 2x4 I don't believe that you are qualified to build anything. Kevin
Emily
Thursday 22nd of June 2023
This is one of the best examples of mansplaining that I've personally witnessed, I yearn to have Steve's confidence in life 😂😂
EDDIE GARCIA
Tuesday 16th of May 2023
Hi, Kati Its unfortunate that Steve missed out on this project, your measurements and instructions were spot on. Everything fit perfectly. The only issue I had was using the accu cut. I have an old circular saw dull blade. My cuts came out a little off, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little wood filler and sanding. I can't seem to find the plans or video on how to put the draw on. Please help. Thank you Eddie Garcia
Kati Farrer
Friday 28th of April 2023
There is a difference between dimensional lumber and nominal lumber. For instance, a "2x4" that you buy from a big box store is actually 1 1/2" by 3 1/2". Your comment leads me to believe you are new to building, Check out this https://housefulofhandmade.com/beginners-guide-to-buying-lumber/ beginners guide to buying lumber that will help you get well on your way to building lots of projects.
Jo
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
How does it not come off the base during spin cycle? Sometimes our washer moves slightly during spinning. Love the cabinet though
Kati Farrer
Monday 24th of April 2023
Honestly, it never occurred to me that this was a concern for people. It's no different than being on the ground, there is a bit of room for slight movement, buts its never even been close to an issue. Most manufactures produce plastic drawers for the machines to fit on, this is considerably stronger than any of those stands.
Taylor
Wednesday 2nd of November 2022
Awesome site, Kati! How much do you estimate the materials cost you to build the pedestal?
Kati Farrer
Friday 4th of November 2022
Thank you Taylor! The complete build plans with a cut and materials list is linked in the post. It will take you to Kreg.com. You can see exactly what materials you'll need and price it accordingly where ever you buy materials.
Mo Kwart
Saturday 17th of September 2022
Found you via the Kreg site. You have a great site. Question about the Washer and Dryer Pedestal. It looks like a wonderful idea. I was wondering if perhaps the structure magnifies the noise from the two machines. We are presently on a tile floor.
Kati Farrer
Monday 19th of September 2022
Welcome! I am very proud of my projects and I am sure you will find lots of other interesting projects. There hasn't been any increase in noise at all. If anything there is a noise reduction. We have it on tile as well.