How to Design Shelving around a Washer and Dryer

Designing shelving around a washer and dryer can be a fun and functional project. With a little pre-planning and direction, what is often the most disorganized area in the house can become a clean and tidy workstation.

Step 1: Planning

The most important step in designing shelving around a washer and dryer is the planning and layout. Options include inexpensive cabinetry, metal wire shelving, wooden shelving or a combination. Remember that there should be enough room and spacing between the shelving or inside the cabinets that soap powders can easily fit and be removed or poured without much hassle. 

Step 2: Stud Layout

Once the design has been settled on, planning the layout will make the installation easier. Start by finding the studs and marking them lightly with a pencil. To find a stud either use a stud finder, an electronic device that lays against the wall and beeps when it passes over something dense like a stud, or lightly rap against the wall, moving from one end to the other. As you rap you should be able to notice the sound change from a hollow thump to a dull knock. That dull knock is a stud. Studs should be placed every 16 inches or 24 inches on center, although on the rare occasion there may be some additional framing inside the wall.

Step 3: Shelving Layout

Use the level to mark a straight, level line for the brackets to attach along. If cabinets are being used, try to center them on the studs. If cabinets are 16 inches or less in width, try to center the cabinet on one stud to best support the weight; if cabinets are greater than two stud widths, try to ensure that the cabinet can attach to two studs. Make a mark inside the cabinet where the fastening board is for the stud and one on the bottom lip.  Measure from the mark on the bottom lip to the outside edge and then using that measurement, measure from the center of the stud out. Draw a level line up and a level line across to give a perfect corner to start hanging.

Step 4: Hanging the shelving

Using screws, attach brackets and braces to the studs. In the event that a bracket or brace in needed where there is no stud, use a drywall anchor to strengthen the screw, and then hang the shelving. Attach wooden shelving with screws or nails to the braces. Ideally, if wooden shelving is used it should be painted or stained to prevent staining and damage from chemicals. For cabinets, use cabinet screws. These are found in the fastener aisle of your hardware store, and they're specifically designed for cabinetry.Clean up and enjoy the new organization.