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Discussion Forum

Base for washer and dryer

JohnHens | Posted in General Discussion on January 25, 2006 02:15am

I have to build a base for a washer and dryer. I thought about making it out of concrete. I also am considering making a frame out of PT lumber and putting cement board on top.

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions?

Thanks

John 

 

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Replies

  1. Junkman001 | Jan 25, 2006 02:31am | #1

    Part of this depends on where this is going to be.  The last first floor laundry room I built (we do barrier free renovations) I made a plywood box (glued & screwed) large enough for both machines.  The customer wanted to be able to easily convert the room back to a bedroom.  The bottom was solid ply so the carpet would not get impressions. Its held up fine for over14 months.

    If you're not directly contacting the foundation it doesn't seem like you need PT.

     

    Mike

    1. JohnHens | Jan 26, 2006 01:44am | #4

      The base will be built on the basemant floor, which is concrete.

      There is a floor drain near, so drainage isn't an issue.

      The foor is cracked and not level, so I am basically trying to have them on a levle surface.

       

      Thanks,

      John 

      1. artworks | Jan 26, 2006 04:45am | #5

        I placed a concrete riser slab for local hospital a number of years ago, 5 1/2" and large enough for couple commercial wash machines. Local premix plant was not going ( late winter, so one nice day, loaded mixer, cement, stone and sand (sand was on my 18ft. trailer over night in heated shop) mixed and wheeled concrete into laundry room, took most of day by myself to place yd. or so, but got job done & made some $. I put some bar in also , just to hold together if it cracked.

         

        IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE COULD DO IT!

        1. DanH | Jan 26, 2006 04:52am | #6

          Why didn't you just mix it in the washer?
          If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

          happy?

        2. Lansdown | Jan 26, 2006 04:56am | #7

          Off topic, but there is a guy looking for work in Winnipeg posted in help wanted. Maybe you know someone up that way and could hook this guy up. Just a thought.

      2. JohnSprung | Jan 27, 2006 03:18am | #8

        Given that it's in the basement, PT lumber is a good idea.  If the machines are front-loading, consider making them high enough to use without crouching.  The space underneath can be used for non-moisture-critical storage. 

         

        -- J.S.

         

  2. Danno | Jan 25, 2006 03:29am | #2

    More than a base, I would think about a pan--like for a shower and even have a drain in the bottom in case the washer ever leaks (maybe with a sensor to shut off a solenoid-type valve in the case of a leak).

  3. DanH | Jan 25, 2006 03:57am | #3

    Depends on where you're putting it, how tall you want it, etc. If the floor is concrete, pour away! Just do the arithmetic first to figure out how many bags of Sacrete you're talking about -- likely you'll want to use some filler for the bulk of the space.

    On a wood floor, you have to be a little more conscious of weight. The floor can generally stand a few inches of concrete, but more can cause sagging beams and, at the very least, result in a base that isn't really stable.

    What may make sense is to build a platform and then pour about 1-1/2 inches of concrete on top (picking a mix that is suited for thin layers).

    If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

    happy?

  4. Danno | Jan 27, 2006 04:29am | #9

    Okay, now that I see you are doing this in a basement, how about PT frame poured full of concrete?--like pouring a sidewalk, only on top of the existing floor and then just leave the PT formwork when you are done.

    1. FHB Editor
      JFink | Aug 15, 2006 09:07pm | #10

      OK - I was cruising through the archives and came across this thread. I swear I've seen pre-formed overflow pans made to go under a washer and dryer...anybody else seen these or am I making it up?Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

      Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

      1. User avater
        jarhead | Aug 15, 2006 09:13pm | #11

        I have one...... Plastic, maybe a couple inches high. Bought at Lowes.

                                             Semper Fi

      2. User avater
        jarhead | Aug 15, 2006 09:16pm | #12

        But I don't think that is what he is looking for....... Seems to me he just wants the washer off the floor on a platform?

                                        Semper Fi

        1. FHB Editor
          JFink | Aug 15, 2006 09:20pm | #13

          Yeah I know - but I'm trying to re-use this thread in our next issue of the magazine. So I wanted to make sure that I'm not recommending something that doesn't exist. The thread will likely discuss both sides of the coin - overflow and raising the units from the ground.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

          Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

          1. User avater
            jarhead | Aug 15, 2006 09:35pm | #14

            Awe homework! Miss those days. I didn't plumb mine, just using it as a safety catch. If I see water in the pan I'll take the appropriate measures. I don't recall the price but they should be more than several dollars. This was a single pan for the washer only. Same for the hot water heater.

                                                 Semper Fi

          2. rjw3 | Aug 15, 2006 10:49pm | #16

            FWIW, I have my dryer elevated about 14" so moving clothes from the top loading washer to the dryer is a bit easier.

             

             

      3. User avater
        IMERC | Aug 15, 2006 09:42pm | #15

        yup... BB's have 'em... 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      4. DougU | Aug 15, 2006 11:50pm | #17

        I've seen the preformed pans that go under the washer but have never seen one for the dryer, spose you'd need it!

        Doug

      5. billd60 | Aug 16, 2006 01:52am | #18

        Check out floodsaver.com for the product your looking for.  I originally saw it advertised in FHB and bought one.  Just installed it, drain and all, and it's great. 

        1. FHB Editor
          JFink | Aug 16, 2006 04:32pm | #19

          Thanks Bill - much appreciated.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

          Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

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