Are Pedestals For Washers And Dryers Worth It?

Older adults, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues may find washing clothes a chore. The simple task of taking clothes out of the machine after a cycle and putting in a new batch of laundry can put quite a lot of strain on the back. In that case, a laundry platform is a perfect fit for the situation.

Laundry pedestals, also known as laundry risers, are platforms for raising washing machines above the floor. Some variants even have built-in storage spaces where you can hoard away the detergents, fabric cleaners, baskets, etc.

Pedestals for washers and dryers are a worthwhile investment for any household! The pedestals make it easier to do laundry every day and can be used under top-loading and front-loading machines to make them even more convenient. They are also great if your machines are off-balance, or on an unlevel surface.

Related Guide: Why Are Laundry Pedestals So Expensive?

A laundry platform is an accessory that goes under your washing machine or dryer, raising it by over 30 cm for comfort and convenience. You will find that many homes have washer dryer pedestals from wood. In fact, people who dabble in woodwork usually like to construct their own pedestals.

However, it is essential to note here that wood pedestals can rot if exposed to water frequently. It might not be a smart idea to use wood pedestals. Instead, you can buy from a range of titanium and steel pedestals that not only raise your washing machine off the floor but look good doing it!

Bonus tip: If you feel your washing machine is draining too fast, click here to learn the possible causes and fixes.

Additionally, if you aren’t going the DIY route, you can buy them online and in-store as well. In fact, manufacturers like Samsung and Whirlpool have now released their own line of pedestals that are compatible with their washer and dryer rangers by size and height.

The short answer: YES! For anyone who lives with chronic back pain and faces constant fatigue when doing household chores, these laundry platforms can be a godsend.

But that’s not all. The built-in storage compartment can help organize tour laundry supplies and even keep the dirty laundry away from sight until it’s time to wash it. It’s essentially a slide-out drawer underneath your washing machine, built into a sturdy metal base.

This can go a long way in helping you declutter your laundry space and organize your washing better. Pedestals can be quite expensive, so if you are on a tight budget and do not do laundry regularly, a pedestal may not be a wise investment. Pedestals can start from $60 and go all the way up to $350, depending on the model.

If you have back pains and do not want to spend all that money on a pedestal, you can use alternate ways to elevate your machine. You can just use cinder blocks to raise your machine, though this will compromise on the look.

These days, many washing machine brands like LG and Kenmore, have introduced pedestal washers. These washers not only raise your washer dryer machines but also have small 1cu washing machines built into them.

If you have a large family, these new pedestal washers can act as a supplement to your washer and help you wash more clothes in one cycle. Some pedestal washers can even function as standalone washers, separate from your regular washer.

Also, these supplemental washers /pedestals can come in handy in case your front-load washing machine breaks down.

LG calls theirs the sidekick washers as they can be attached magnetically to the bigger washer/dryer. Instead of waiting for a load, just toss in the clothes into this smaller washer and do the laundry. These are great for delicately washing intimates or other garments that should be washed by hand.

Get these machines if you want a pedestal and the power to do more laundry in-one.

It is pretty easy to install a platform on your washer. Once you’ve made sure the platform is compatible with your washer, follow this guide:

Step 1: Disconnect the power source and the water supply from the spigot on the wall. Disconnect the water pipes from the washer. Keep a bucket under the pipes to catch any residual water left in them. Learn how to connect faucet supply lines here.

Step 2: Pull the washer out from its position and lay a flat piece of cardboard next to the washer. Have someone assist you and lay the washing machine on its side over the cardboard.

Step 3: Loosen the nuts that secure the feet to the bottom of the washer. Keep them in a safe place for screwing on later.

Step 4: Pull the drawer out of the pedestal; you may need to loosen the drawer from its track to release it.

Step 5: Place the washer onto the pedestal; make sure that the drawer faces the front of the washer. Screw the nuts from the holes in the bottom of the pedestal and the feet of the washer. Tighten the screws with a wrench.

Step 6: Screw the pedestal feet to the bottom of the pedestal from all four corners and tighten them.

Step 7: Call in assistance to help you place the washer back to its upright position. Install the water connection back to the washer.

Step 8: Install the drawer back into the pedestal. Use the wrench to adjust the front legs of the pedestal. Plug in the power supply back on.

Step 1: Measure your washer and dryer for the height, width, and depth of the machines.

Step 2: You might want to consider an additional few inches 3-5″ to the width and depth to allow extra room for wiring and hosing. Determine how high you want your pedestal.

Step 3: Measure the length of the lumber you will need for the frame and joists.

Step 4: Cut the lengths of the lumber with a saw.

Step 5: Layout the frame by placing the two lumber pieces together, mark where you want to drill.

Step 6: Pre-drill each hole with a countersink drill bit.

Step 7: Make a frame by attaching the four pieces, using screws in the holes.

Step 8: Mark where the angle brackets will be placed.

Step 9: Pre-drill the screws for securing the angle brackets.

Step 10: Set the brackets in place and secure them using screws.

Step 11: Mark where the joists will go on the front and back sides and then pre-drill through there using screws

Step 12: Measure out and cut the plywood for the top according to the frame measurements. If you want overhang, extend the measurements a little longer.

Step 13: Place the plywood over the frame and screw it in place; use adhesive to make sure it sits nicely on the frame.

Step 14: You can sand the pedestal and now paint on it or decorate it however you want.

Related Questions

What Is The Point Of A Laundry Pedestal?

Washer and dryer pedestals serve to elevate your machine, increasing the accessibility and reducing the need to bend over. Some pedestals function as additional storage spaces, and some brands have fully functioning washers in the form of pedestals, which can serve as a supplement to your main washer.

Can I Put A Samsung Washer On An LG Pedestal?

The LG pedestal is not compatible with Samsung machines, and vice versa. They are the same size, but the washer feet for the LG are in a different place than where the Samsung feet are. Similarly, pedestals for different brands will have different specifications and measurements, making them incompatible with other washers.

Do All Washers And Dryers Need Pedestals?

It is not necessary to have a pedestal. However, it will make laundry time easier by strain on your back. Pedestals also make it a lot easier to move clothes from the washer to the dryer without having to stand in awkward positions.