A stackable technique is one that can be stacked on top of another. This is especially true for users of washing machines and dryers: the space in the room increases significantly if you put one device on top of another. Moreover, you can even place the structure inside the cabinet, but first, you need to choose it correctly.
On the floor, the machines occupy approximately 1 m², but the cabinet must be selected with large dimensions so that there is enough space at the back and side for connecting plumbing and electricity. If there is too little space, then there is little ventilation space, in which case the devices will heat up faster and, as a result, fail.
Choose sliding wardrobes or cabinets without doors for stackable appliances.
What size should the closet be?
The cabinet should not be close to the body and the panel of the device, since in this case it will be inconvenient to open the doors and load the laundry. The walls should be located at a sufficient distance from each other.
On average, machines occupy an area of 1 m², which means that the cabinet must be at least 2.25 m² in order to be able to connect water, electricity, ventilation to appliances.
Before choosing a cabinet for stackable appliances, measure the length, width, and height of your appliances with a meter or tape measure. So, you can determine how much space in space they occupy. Size information can also be found in the instructions.
There are a few more aspects to consider when buying or building a cabinet:
- Area for wiring and ventilation. This is really important to keep devices from overheating and failing;
- Additional shelves for linen, household chemicals and tools. You need to think in advance whether you need them in the cabinet design or not.
A functional closet will allow you to save even more space in the room. This is especially true for small spaces.
Which closet is right for you
To select a cabinet for a stackable washer and dryer, set aside about 50 cm from each side of the device. This is the minimum value at which you will be comfortable using the appliances, and there will be no problems associated with wiring and ventilation. Additional space for the rear of the devices is needed not only for technical wiring, but it also has practical implications. For example, when you need to disassemble one of the machines, you do not have to take it completely out of the cabinet, since there is room for rotation and free access.
It is recommended to set aside a slightly greater distance from the left side of the body than from the right. In this case, the doors of the devices will open without obstruction.
Also, if you decide to add shelves to the overall design, leave room for them. It is advisable to first find out exactly how much space for household chemicals and linen needs to be allocated. For example, take the largest item, a powder container or a can of laundry freshener, measure its height and add about 5 – 10 cm to get the optimal height of the shelf.
Cabinet door types
Also, when choosing furniture suitable for a stackable washer and dryer, pay attention to the type of door. Not everyone takes this seriously, although a door can either take up space or save it. In addition, some types of doors are much more convenient to use with laundry appliances, as they will not interfere with each other’s opening.
The ideal cabinet doors for stackable washer and dryer are hinged or sliding. They not only do not interfere with the doors to open and close freely, but also do not take up additional space. So, for example, when you unload the device after washing, the cabinet door will not interfere with your movement around the room.
Each type has advantages and disadvantages that you need to familiarize yourself with before installation.
Swing doors
The most practical and functional option if the stackable washer and dryer is located in a room with a small area. The fact is that this type of door will not take up free space, so it will be possible to allocate more space for devices and shelves for household chemicals.
Another advantage of such a system is the ability to hang the necessary items behind the door. Although it takes up some space, it can sometimes be very useful to make all the elements of the room functional and comfortable.
Sliding doors
An equally practical option is sliding doors. They don’t take up any space in the room at all. In fact, they are a retractable partition. In addition, another advantage of this design is the absence of visual noise, since the doors do not have accent elements on themselves. However, you will not be able to hang the necessary items from the back.
Folding doors
Worst case for stackable washer and dryer. They are definitely not worth buying under any pretext. Firstly, this design is too bulky for the place where the washing takes place. Secondly, it will not be possible to hang additional materials on the reverse side. That is why it is better to stop at other types.
Open facade
A simple and practical option is not to install the door at all. This, on the one hand, will create the integrity of the interior, and on the other hand, will not interfere with the use of devices for their intended purpose.
What else you need to pay attention to
As a rule, the space in which the stackable washer and dryer is located is very limited. Therefore, you need to take into account other points that will help optimize the space and make it as convenient and practical as possible.
The area of the place in which the devices are located
In the intensive washing mode, the washing machine picks up speed and the drum rotates at high speed. That is why the device can sway from side to side. If there is not enough space, the body of the device will constantly hit with nearby objects, which will lead to breakage of one of them. To prevent this situation, you need to leave a little more space around the car. And this applies not only to remoteness from other objects, but also from walls.
Space above the dryer
It is imperative that air circulates freely in the back and top of the devices so that they do not overheat and fail prematurely. Since the dryer is usually placed on top of the washing machine, there is not much space left on top. Consider in advance how to solve this problem.
For example, you can place a ventilation hatch right next to the unit to create more air circulation.
Gaps on cabinet doors
If the cabinet door fits snugly against the appliance and the walls, then the air will not circulate in the space as it is necessary for proper operation. That is why pay attention to the fact that the door has a gap on the top and sides. In this case, the machines will not overheat.
It is also advisable to choose a material that is not too dense for the door and cabinet structure, so as not to provoke an increase in temperature.