Options for putting a countertop on a front-loading washer and dryer?
Question:I have a small kitchen that opens up to a small dining room with a closet for the washer and dryer. I recently put a temporary countertop (cut up an old door) on top of our front loading washer and dryer, and love the function since it practically doubles the counterspace in the kitchen area. We are going to remodel the kitchen within a year, and would love to put a real counter there. But I'm afraid of making it difficult to service the washer/dryer if needed by putting ANY kind of counter that would be nailed or glued down. Right now you can pop the temporary one out fairly easily to service the washer/dryer. Anybody have any experience with this, and/or any tips and suggestions?
Answers:
Why not just build a table over the washer & dryer? The table top would be the countertop.
Heres one for you, it looked absolutely beautiful and you coudn't even tell there was a washer/dryer in the kitchen. Have the contractor or your Mr. Fix it :) Build a cabinet around the washer/dryer to look the a hutch and buffet. With the selves up top and the cabinet on the bottom. You just slide the washer/dryer in and out for servicing. Doors on the bottom will hide the washer/dryer and the top can have glass shelves and or doors (whatever you like) for nick nacks, dishes or whatever. If you have enough space they can also incorporate a deep drawer to hold soap, bleach etc.
Build a frame for the counter top. Use screw fasteners to hold the counter top and put them where you can get to them so it can be removed if the machines must be taken out for servicing. Nice idea.
you connect the counter top to the wall as though it was a bar, not on top of your units. That way if there is any problems, the units simply slide out from underneath. Take 2x4 and attach them to the walls, secureing them into the studs. it the counter top does not run to a wall on both sides, you will need to install legs for the front outer corners. otherwise, secure 2x4's to the side wall as well. You attach you countertop to these support pcs. Also - leave about an inch above theunits for wiggle room. you can also run curtains along the fron to hide them!
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