I have a very narrow, small laundry room and large washer and dryer...

Question

I need to somehow find a way to store supplies . should I cover the appliances with a long board or put in shelves that are sturdy and easy to install?

Redcatcec · Answer

Hi Ann,

Without a picture it is a little hard to imagine what the space looks like exactly, so I am gathering from your information that the units are side by side, rather than stackable ones. You could use a long board, but like you I would be in favor of sturdy shelves. Handling a board could become quite cumbersome after awhile, plus moving and removing supplies from it gets old too. Well placed shelves are a good thing to have and offer the choice of what to put where and keeping track of inventory.

Good luck

Mindshift · Answer

Start by measuring the width of wall space you have. You can buy brackets and shelving boards at lumber and hardware stores. Some stores will cut a board for you, so if you need two 5-ft shelves you could buy a single 10ft board and have it cut in half. You can also buy already finished boards in precut sizes. Shop and see what is available.

Find a stud in the wall and attach one bracket to it; screws need to be 2' long to go through drywall and into the stud. Studs are spaced 16' on center, so there should be another one 16' from the first one. Some variation in stud location can occur, but it's rare to find a longer space between studs. Set brackets for a 36' shelf at 32' apart (twice 16' stud spacing). A 48' shelf should have three brackets supporting it. A 60' shelf should be centered over the three brackets. There is at least one hole where a screw can go through the bracket and into the bottom of the shelf to hold it.

https://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/010254/010254012247_09227824.jpg

Jody Herman · Answer

Use a dvd cabinet after removing the doors, or any kind of bathroom rack like one that is designed to be straddled over back of toilet so you can place trash can below.

Shore grandmom · Answer

Is the washer a front load? If it is, my husband made a big box with low edges out of 3/4 inch plywood and azek trim pieces. It works great and holds a lot of stuff. It covers both the washer and dryer.