5 Laundry Pedestal Ideas That Actually Work: Small-space smart upgrades to lift your washer, add storage, and tame vibration—straight from my job sites.

Years ago, I built a gorgeous laundry pedestal that made my washer moonwalk across the room—because I trusted my eyeballs instead of measurements. Now I always visualize the footprint with scale before I cut a single plank, and I even use visualize the footprint to catch clearances early. Small spaces really do spark big creativity; in this guide, I’m sharing five ideas I’ve refined on real projects.

1) Drawer Pedestals That Swallow the Clutter

I love raising machines 12–16 inches and hiding detergents, dryer sheets, and lint tools in full-extension drawers. The bonus is ergonomic: you stop bending like a pretzel to swap loads. The catch? Drawers demand serious structure—think 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed boxes, and anti-vibration pads—and perfect leveling, or your cycles get noisy fast.

save pin

2) Open Cubbies with Baskets

For tight budgets, open cubbies with matching baskets look airy and stay flexible—swap baskets as your needs change. I add slatted bottoms for airflow and a small toe-kick light so midnight laundry doesn’t feel like spelunking. Dust can be a nuisance, so choose baskets with lids or washable liners; it’s the low-maintenance hack I wish more clients tried.

save pin

3) Steel-Frame Pedestals with Pull-Out Hampers

When vibration is the villain, a welded steel frame laughs in its face. I tuck a pull-out hamper beneath and include front cross-bracing so the frame resists racking over time. To get clearances right, I sketch scale-accurate layouts, especially for door swings and hose access; metal fabrication isn’t cheap, so mistakes are unforgiving. A good rust-inhibiting primer and rubber isolation feet make it quiet and long-lived.

save pin

4) Flip-Up Bench Pedestal

If your laundry nook doubles as a mudroom, a flip-up bench pedestal is the unicorn—seat by day, access to valves and traps by night. I use piano hinges or gas struts rated for the lid weight and set a soft-close to protect fingers. The only headache is clearance behind the machines; plan hinge travel and lid thickness or you’ll invent new curse words on install day.

save pin

5) Modular Box Pedestals on Locking Casters

Renters, this one’s for you: two stout boxes with interlocking tops raise the machines and slide out for service. Locking casters plus anti-vibration mats handle movement, while screw-together panels let you take the pedestal when you move. I sometimes map zones with AI-driven space planning to juggle vent runs, door swings, and hamper access—it’s shockingly helpful when walls aren’t square.

save pin

FAQ

1) How tall should a laundry pedestal be?

Most of my builds land between 12–16 inches, which improves ergonomics without making the washer hard to load. Check your machine’s door swing and hose lengths before committing.

2) Can I put a pedestal under a top-load washer?

Yes, but be careful: raising a top-loader can make the lid hit cabinets and may change how you reach the drum. Measure lid clearance and consider a slightly lower pedestal, around 10–12 inches.

3) What materials are best for DIY pedestals?

For wood, use 3/4" plywood and a beefy frame (2x4 or 2x3) with construction adhesive and screws. If vibration is severe, a steel frame with rubber isolation feet is a safer bet.

4) How do I reduce vibration on a pedestal?

Level the machines front-to-back and side-to-side, add dense rubber pads, and brace the pedestal diagonally. Keep the pedestal footprint wide and avoid tall, skinny designs that amplify wobble.

5) Do manufacturers allow custom pedestals?

Many don’t forbid them, but they require proper leveling and support. For example, Whirlpool Front Load Washer Installation Instructions (W11397941A) specify the appliance must be level and fully supported—always follow your brand’s manual.

6) How much weight should a pedestal support?

Plan for the washer/dryer dry weight plus dynamic load during spin—often 250–350 lb for a single front-loader. I design with at least a 2x safety factor and use continuous load paths down to the floor.

7) Is storage under the washer safe?

Yes, if you build a rigid platform and keep plumbing access clear. Use drawers or bins that don’t interfere with hoses, and avoid tall items that could vibrate into moving parts.

8) What’s the most budget-friendly pedestal idea?

Open cubbies with baskets win on price and flexibility. Use construction-grade plywood, pocket screws, and a painted finish; it’s simple, sturdy, and easy to upgrade later.

save pin