Laundry
If you prefer top-loading machines, bear in mind that you’ll need sufficient overhead space so the lids can be opened. Wall-hung appliances can only be wall hung if they’re designed for this purpose, and they may also require additional brackets to attach them to the wall. You’ll also need to check that the wall behind your washer or dryer is strong enough to accommodate the appliances.
9. Don’t Forget Power Outlets When planning your laundry area, consider which appliances you’ll use, make sure you have enough power outlets and ensure they’re positioned in the right spots. In addition to power outlets for the washer and dryer, consider ones you might need for countertop appliances or an ironing station.
6. Consider the Location of Your Laundry Carefully When thinking about your laundry layout and positioning, don’t forget to factor in any access requirements. For example, do you want access via an external door so you can easily get to an outdoor clothesline? Will you be storing kitchen appliances in the laundry and need direct access to the kitchen? You should also consider any additional storage requirements. Will the laundry double as a mudroom, for example, and if so, do you need somewhere to store soiled shoes and clothing?
3. Choose Tough Materials With the potential for chemicals and hot irons in a laundry, you’ll want to choose a countertop material that’s resilient and durable. For the countertops in our projects, we don’t use anything but engineered stone. You’ll want to choose hardy materials for the cabinets — they should be extremely hard-wearing and able to withstand moisture and steam. It’s always a good idea to tile the kickers (the base of your cabinets), as tiles cope better with steam and moisture when you’re mopping or steam cleaning the floor.
12. Consider Ventilation When Choosing a Dryer Energy efficiency isn’t the only important consideration when choosing a new dryer — you’ll also want to know if it requires ventilation. Heat-pump dryers are the most efficient style and don’t need venting, making them suitable for apartments or laundry areas in the middle of the home. Condenser dryers are fairly energy-efficient and likewise don’t require venting. However, they do produce a small amount of moisture when running, so they can’t be installed inside a cupboard to create a hidden laundry. Traditional vented dryers are less energy-efficient. They also need to be installed in a well-ventilated laundry or ducted outside. If they aren’t, mold can develop on your laundry room walls.
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