Flooring Tile - Washer and Dryer 'Stand'

Hi all,

I wanted to ask before I got started on a possible future project. Basically, I've got a decent front-load washer/dryer that cost me an arm and a leg. What I didn't know is that, in the store, they were sitting on top of some special 'drawer' unit that would cost another $150 dollars or something.

So, it means they are very low to the ground.

I'm redoing the laundry room anyway (in the basement, concrete floor with some old ceramic tile currently). What I wanted to do was frame out a 'box' with 2x4s that the washer and dryer would sit on. Probably about 18" tall or so and the size of the washer and dryer. The 'box' wouldn't be an actual box though, I'd anchor it into the studs in the wall/floor; and then I'd use plywood on the top and sides.

Maybe this is a stupid question, because I *think* the answer is 'yes' but...

Can I put ceramic tiles on my 'box'. That was the original plan, to have the same tiles that I put on the floor go up the side of the box and the top of the box, then put the washer and dryer on top. But I was worried the washer and dryer would shake so I figured I'd just ask. I think it'd be fine. But are there any 'gotchas' or concerns you all would have?

Hi!

Your plan sounds fine. I would only suggest you attach a cement board, like Hardiebacker, to the plywood first, then tile away. I would aso use 3/4" exterior grade ply.

Hi!

Your plan sounds fine. I would only suggest you attach a cement board, like Hardiebacker, to the plywood first, then tile away. I would aso use 3/4" exterior grade ply.

Thanks for the post - this makes me feel much better about attempting it :)

that sounds about as expensive as the drawer unit.

that sounds about as expensive as the drawer unit.

Thanks for the post.

I actually wasn't as clear as I could have been in my first post; so I think I'd save a significant amount of money by building the stand (although, it won't provide any storage space).

The floor is in bad shape currently it has many cracked/missing tiles so I'll be redoing the entire space; including under the washer and dryer. So adding this shelf should only require the additional cost of the tiles that will go on the face of it. Well, that and some 2x4s and the plywood/backerboard.

I have an LG front-load washer and dryer. I don't know the exact model off the top of my head, but looking at http://www.nextag.com/lg-washer-pedestal/stores-html it looks like, optimistically, I'd be looking at $150 *each*. So really, I'd need to spend $300 for both.

But, I do want to thank you for your post; as I can honestly say I hadn't thought about it until you made your comment. I didn't buy the drawers with the washer and dryer because I didn't have the money. Later the GF suggested we try and build something for them to sit on and I said, 'Sure, sounds easy'.

One more question....

The laundry room I'm working with has a concrete floor. I figure I'll need to nail a 2x4 into the floor somehow, but before I go and rent some sort of gun or get a special drill bit or something...I thought I'd ask about using glue? I've heard there is special adhesive for concrete?

I'm thinking the nails would be the way to go - but if the glue would work, I'd rather do that. What do you all think?

huh?

Are you talking about nailing the stand? I would nail it into a stud if available and use some PL400 construction adhesive for the lumber on the concrete. If you want to secure further, you could get a masonry bit and predrill a hole into the concrete then use Tapcon screws to secure it.