DIY Washer Pedestal

Build your own and save hundreds of dollars

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DIY Washer Pedestal

Pedestals for front-loading washing machines and dryers can cost hundreds. Save your money—you can build your own bases from standard lumber in an hour

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Building the base

The key to the project is to make the pedestal sturdy, especially for front-loading washers, since they have a tendency to move around if they're not on a solid, level surface.

To start, measure the length and width of your washer and dryer. That's your minimum size for the pedestals. You can make them longer and wider if you want the extra space to stand on to reach overhead shelving or to set the laundry baskets on. Or you can make one long pedestal to fit under both the washer and the dryer (see illustration).

Build the pedestal out of 2x10 or 2x12 lumber. Feel free to add an attractive finish. Use shims to level the pedestal before you set the appliance on it.

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Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

    • Cordless drill
    • Circular saw
    • Countersink drill bit
    • Level
    • Framing square
    • Safety glasses

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

    • 2 x 10 or 2 x 12
    • 1/2-in. plywood
    • Construction adhesive
    • 1-5/8-in. screws
    • 3-in. screws

Shopping List

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Comments from DIY Community Members

Share what's on your mind and see what other DIYers are thinking about.

1 - 7 of 7 comments
Show per page: 20   All
WDF

September 30, 7:59 PM [GMT -5]

We did this last year and used some additional bracing. Instead of using plywood, we used laminated shelving boards on the top and front for an easy maintenance covering. We saved about $400 by building the baseourselves.

IndianaTom

August 18, 7:48 PM [GMT -5]

Just finished mine. I built 2 separate pedestals.
2X12's with 3/4 plywood top
I used 1/2X6" lag bolts and they are sturdy as can be.
My washer & dryer measured 27X27 so I built the pedestals 30X30
them cut plywood in a "L" shape and placed in 2 corners to make sure the washer/dryer feet cant walk off the edges.

I thought about getting those brackets they sell that keep your stove from tipping to secure the feet down but I already had the plywood

All_Thumbs

May 21, 11:34 PM [GMT -5]

I have contemplated building a platform for my washer & dryer and because they are located in the garage, I want a platform that is 18" high (see previous comment). My potential design incorporates "pony wall" like framing/supports encased with plywood. To keep my platform (one instead of two) from moving around, I will use brackets to secure the platform to the concrete floor. To prevent my machines from dancing atop the platform, I'm thinking of positioning plywood squares atop the platform where each machine leg will sit with a hole in the middle of the square in which the leg will sit, restricting its movement.

All_Thumbs

May 21, 11:19 PM [GMT -5]

If you are installing your clothes dryer in a garage, check your building codes--they may require a minimum elevation of 18" from the garage floor. The way I understand this, the elevation is required because the heating element in an electric dryer and the flame in a gas dryer are ignition sources and by elevating the dryers, it lessens the fire hazard in the event, say, your vehicles leaked gasoline and the gas finds it way under the pedestal. I welcome corrections to this posting from those more knowledgeable.

SEM

October 20, 6:29 PM [GMT -5]

i had a friend build this platform but now my washer/dryer are moving around ontop of it. Can anyone that has built a platform tell me how they keep their washer/dryer from moving around? thx sem

cj2350

January 07, 9:04 PM [GMT -5]

Build the frame with two openings and use pull out baskets, which can be purchased in most home retail stores.

JwBehling

January 01, 5:33 PM [GMT -5]

Nice easy design but would like to build a pedestal with storage drawers. Any advice?

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