Build a Stylish Washer Dryer Countertop on a Budget with This Weekend DIY Project
Adding functional storage and organization to a laundry room often means sacrificing style for utilitarian metal shelves or wire baskets. But with a simple DIY washer dryer countertop project, you can merge form and function to create a custom laundry solution that looks great while maximizing your space.
Constructing a washer dryer countertop is a beginner-friendly woodworking project that can be completed in a weekend for less than $50. With basic tools, standard lumber, and our step-by-step instructions, you'll gain a built-in laundry workspace that complements your appliances and adds real value to your home.
Planning Your Custom Countertop
The first step to any successful DIY project is proper planning and preparation. Building your own washer dryer countertop requires careful measurement, material selection, and tool gathering to ensure your installation goes smoothly.
Taking Precise Measurements
You'll need to measure the width between your stacked or side-by-side appliances to determine the overall length of your countertop. Allow for a 1-2 inch overhang on the washer and dryer sides if possible. Also note the depth of each appliance to calculate how far your countertop should extend out from the wall. Having these measurements accurately marked will make cutting materials and assembling the frame much easier.
Choosing the Right Materials
For the countertop itself, you can use individual wood boards or a single piece of plywood cut to size. Pine, poplar, maple, and oak all make great countertop wood choices. For the supporting frame, select straight 1x2 lumber boards. Make sure to choose wood that matches the existing trim or will accept your desired stain or paint color.
Gathering Essential Tools and Hardware
You'll need basic woodworking tools like a circular saw, drill, tape measure, level, clamps, and sandpaper. Don't forget essential safety gear like work gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask. For hardware, grab wood screws, drywall anchors, and wood glue. Having all materials and tools prepared ahead of time will make construction fast and trouble-free.
Building a Sturdy Frame
With your measurements, materials, and tools in place, you're ready to start constructing the frame that will become the foundation for your DIY laundry countertop.
Cutting Frame Pieces to Size
Measure and mark your 1x2 boards to the correct lengths according to your countertop dimensions. Cut the boards with a miter saw for perfectly angled corners that seamlessly fit together. This will create a frame that looks polished and professional.
Assembling a Square Frame
Arrange the cut 1x2s into a rectangle and attach at the corners with wood screws. Check for square with a carpenter's level as you work to ensure the frame is completely even. Any uneven spots will transfer to your finished countertop.
Mounting Securely to the Wall Studs
Position your newly built frame between the washer and dryer, allowing equal overhang on both sides. Find and mark the wall stud locations to attach the frame securely. Drill guide holes for your drywall anchors, then drive screws through the back 1x2 of the frame into the anchors.
Installing Your Countertop
Now for the fun part--it's time to add the actual countertop surface to your laundry frame. Carefully cut and finish your boards before attaching them from bottom to top for a flush fit.
Sizing and Staining Boards
Cut your plywood or 1x boards to the width and length measurements of your frame using a circular saw. Sand smooth, then apply your chosen stain or paint finish. Let boards fully dry before installation.
Attaching Boards from Bottom Up
Start by gluing and screwing the rear board to the frame, keeping the top edge flush. Next attach the side boards, verifying they align with the top. Finally, attach the front board last to cover the frame edges for a seamless appearance.
Finishing Touches for a Polished Look
Lightly sand any rough edges, then seal the wood countertop with water-resistant polyurethane. Run a bead of silicone caulk along the seam between the countertop and wall for a tidy finish. Give your DIY laundry countertop 24 hours to fully cure before use.
Customizing and Decorating your Countertop
When installed correctly, your new custom countertop will provide ample space between your washer and dryer to help prevent lost socks and other items from falling out of sight.
Here are some ideas for maximizing your new laundry workspace:
- Add shelves or cabinets below for covered storage of laundry essentials.
- Stick self-adhesive hooks to the side of the countertop for hanging delicates bags.
- Use baskets to corral laundry-related accessories and keep things tidy.
- Decorate with flowers, framed photos, or other laundry room decor.
With your organizational options expanded and a bit of styling, your laundry room will be a functional and pleasant space for tackling this tedious chore.
From taking measurements to assembling materials, sanding boards, and making decorative choices, creating your own DIY washer dryer countertop has so many benefits.
With a weekend of work, you can gain customized laundry storage, prevent appliance items from falling behind, and accomplish a beginner-friendly woodworking project.
Follow our guide to build a functional, sturdy, and stylish countertop that takes your laundry room up a notch. Just think--no more dropped socks or digging behind the dryer! Your laundering woes are solved with a bit of creativity and elbow grease.