Optimizing laundry room makeover and want to stack washer/dryer. Any drawbacks?

Toni C
by Toni C
  9 answers
  • Do you have pics of the space...dimensions? I'm assuming this is an existing laundry? Are you looking at a full size stack or apartment sized? Just remember an emergency drain pan!
  • Toni C Toni C on Mar 27, 2012
    Yes existing...full size stacks. Room dimensions are 8' long x 32" deep x 10 foot height.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Mar 27, 2012
    the only problem I have heard about with some of the stacked units is that they are very tall, so it's hard for us shorter folks to reach the top controls. Just something to keep in mind as you shop around.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Mar 28, 2012
    It really depends on make/model Toni. Not all front loaders are created equal! Many of them are quite large, so like Steve stated, the controls are hard to reach. My recommendation? Go with ASKO or MIELE front loaders that are more compact, but the load size is not sacrificed. Just a better design and efficiency (IMO). Now while you could stack them, for this space I would just build them in. They allow you to run a counter top across them, so they are less obtrusive. Stacking something tall/deep in this size room will only make the room feel smaller yet. Disadvantages? The pluming lines/drains need to be relocated to be below 36". Secondly, cost. The appliances I mentioned are in the high end category. You could research to see if you could find them at the Distributor in OTC (out of the carton) - brand new, but w/o a box so they are unable to sell them normally. You still get full warranty but at a 20-25% savings. I dont know where Windermere FL is, but I know HADCO.net is the distributor down there for Asko.
  • Toni C Toni C on Mar 28, 2012
    Wow lots of info guys! Thanks so much for items I had not even considered. Great resource and I definitely will be doing some more homework.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Mar 28, 2012
    All stacked unit by nature need to be front loaders. This in its own right can provide some pros and cons. One of the more common complaints on front loaders are leaks. But one huge pro is that many front loads are much more efficient in terms of water savings and energy. I have a client who has a pair of LG' stacked, her space is small. I'm with Becky Sue in that the space needs to be looked at as a unit. Personally I like a horizontal space for folding clothes in a laundry. This can be done easily with a pair of side by sides. For some other great laundry room tips check out this article I wrote. http://www.networx.com/article/7-ways-to-make-your-laundry-room-a-full
  • Evelyn R Evelyn R on Mar 29, 2012
    When I was shopping for my new w/d, I know I saw some makes of front loaders where you could put the controls at the bottom of the dryer when they're stacked. Have had mine for 2 yrs now and no problems with leaks (knock on wood) and I love the space saving attributes in my small laundry room.
  • Teri B Teri B on Mar 29, 2012
    I just bought apt size stack-ables.....and LOVE them!! When we bought the Cottage, it had stack-ables, BUT, they were front loading. After 3 months of using them my clothes started to smell moldy. I was told I needed to put a special product in, created just for front loaders....HAHA, ANOTHER product?? So, we bought top loaders, and LOVE LOVE LOVE them!! They might not be "all the fashion", but there is no moldy smell, and no extra product to buy just to have clean clothes!! Isn't soap, bleach, water, and gas enough to pay for? They hold the same amount, and I couldn't be happier. If you don't care if your "all the rage", then I say go for top loaders! Remember........Pergo used to be "all the rage" once too.....I'm just saying!
  • Ana M Ana M on Mar 29, 2012
    If it is on the second floor of you home make sure you think twice about it, because your whole house will shake! We wanted to do it and after a lot os research found out on second floors it is not recommended.