How to Build a DIY Washer and Dryer Pedestal?
Tired of bending down to load and unload your washer and dryer every single day? A raised washer and dryer stand can make laundry way more comfortable and convenient.
Store-bought pedestals fix the problem but cost up to $400 per unit and still might not fit your machines.
Building your own DIY washer/dryer pedestal saves money, enhances ergonomics by reducing back strain, and adds storage.
In this DIY blog, we have everything you need from materials and measurements to finishing touches so you can raise your machines to a comfortable height and give your laundry room a clean, built-in look.
Key Considerations for a DIY Pedestal
Before starting your washer and dryer pedestal DIY project, there are a few important factors to consider. Choosing the right height, materials, and weight support is essential.
- Height: Most pedestals raise machines 12 to 16 inches. Choose a height that feels comfortable for loading and unloading, usually between hip and waist level. Taller users may prefer a slightly higher platform.
- Weight Capacity: Washers and dryers together can exceed 300-400 lb. Your pedestal must support that weight without flexing. Use strong lumber, tight framing, and secure fasteners.
- Vibration and Movement: Washers move during spin cycles. Without proper bracing, the pedestal can rock or shift. Solid lateral support is essential for stability.
- Drawer or Open Storage: Decide if you want a pull-out drawer or open shelving. This choice affects how you frame the inside. Plan it before you start building.
- Finishing Style: Think about the final look. Paint, plywood, or beadboard can create a clean finish. Match it with your laundry room for a built-in appearance.
Essential Tools and Materials Required
Here’s the complete list of what you’ll need to get started. Quantities will vary depending on your washer/dryer dimensions and desired pedestal height.
| Wood & Panels | Fasteners & Hardware | Tools | Adhesives & Finishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) 4×8 3/4″ sanded plywood | Nails or wood screws | Brad nailer | Liquid Nails glue |
| (4) 2x4x8 boards | “L” brackets | Forstner bit | Wood filler |
| (2) 4×4 1/4″ sanded plywood sheets | Carriage bolts | Sandpaper (220 & 400 grit) | Denatured alcohol |
| (1) 4x4x8 wood post | Lock nuts | Kilz primer | |
| Corner trim | Fender washers | Latex semi-gloss paint | |
| Baseboard trim | (Optional) 5″ deck screws |
Step-By-Step Process of DIY Washer and Dryer Pedestal
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a sturdy, good-looking DIY washer and dryer pedestal that will last for years.
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Measure the width and depth of both machines, then add 1 inch of clearance on each side. This gives you the exact footprint your pedestal needs.
Cut all your 2x4s and plywood to size before you start building. Pre-cutting everything makes assembly much faster. Measure twice, cut once. A quick double-check saves wood, mistakes, and frustration.
Step 2: Frame and Install Posts
Build the main frame. Use your 2x4x8 boards, top and bottom plates, and vertical studs like wall framing. Place your 4x4x8 corner posts at each corner at this stage. The rest of the build depends on them being in place.
Space the studs 12–16 inches apart and secure each joint with framing nails and Liquid Nails adhesive. Make it tight and square.
Step 3: Add Braces for Lateral Stability
Cut 2x4s to fit horizontally between the 4×4 corner posts at the bottom of the frame. These stop the pedestal from rocking during spin cycles.
Secure them with “L” brackets and Liquid Nails, flush with the bottom of the posts.
For extra strength, drive 5″ deck screws through the 4×4 posts into the ends of the 2x4s, use your Forstner bit first to sink the heads clean. This keeps everything locked solid.
Step 4: Secure the Support Legs
With the frame built, now fully secure each 4×4 corner post using carriage bolts, fender washers, and lock nuts.
Drill clean holes first and use the Forstner bit to countersink the bolt heads flush with the wood. Tighten everything down firmly.
These posts carry the full weight of your machines. Check each one with a level before fully locking it in.
Step 5: Attach the Top Surface
Cut your 3/4″ sanded plywood to the full top dimensions of the frame. Apply Liquid Nails along the top edges of the frame, set the plywood on top, and lock it down with screws.
Make sure the surface is completely flat and level. This is what your machines sit on, so any unevenness will cause problems later.
Step 6: Add Front Trim, Side Panels, and Corner Trim
Cut your 4×4 1/4″ sanded plywood sheets to cover the front and sides of the frame. Attach them using the brad nailer and Liquid Nails.
Then nail on your corner trim and baseboard trim to cover all exposed edges. This is the step that makes the pedestal look finished and built-in rather than like raw lumber.
Step 7: Sanding and Priming
Fill any nail holes and gaps with wood filler, then let it dry completely. Sand the entire pedestal with 220 grit, then wipe it down with denatured alcohol to remove all dust and grease.
Apply a coat of Kilz primer to the whole surface. Primer seals the wood and gives the paint something solid to grip.
Step 8: Installation
Move the pedestal into its final position and check that it is level in all directions from front to back and side to side. Shim the base if needed.
Secure it to the wall for added stability. Getting it perfectly level now means your washer and dryer won’t vibrate or walk during use.
Step 9: Paint Time!
Apply two coats of latex semi-gloss paint, letting each coat dry fully before the next. Use a brush for the trim and a roller for flat surfaces to get the smoothest finish.
Once fully dry, slide your machines onto the pedestal, level them individually, and enjoy never having to crouch in the laundry room again.
Other DIY Washer and Dryer Pedestal Styles to Build
Not every DIY pedestal is built the same way, and that’s the beauty of doing it yourself. Below are a few common variations to consider based on your skill level and goals.
- Simple Box Frame: A basic 2×4 frame with a plywood top. The quickest build, great for beginners, and very sturdy.
- Drawer Integration: Add a pull-out drawer for laundry supplies. Requires drawer slides and a face frame, but the extra storage is worth it
- Side-by-Side: Build one long continuous pedestal that runs under both units, the most stable and visually cohesive option.
- Stacked Machines: You only need one narrower pedestal at the bottom under the washer. Simpler, smaller, and faster to build.
- Floating or Recessed Look: Set the trim slightly inside the base footprint to create a shadow line at the bottom, which gives a clean, modern built-in feel.
Whatever approach you choose, the key principles stay the same: build for strength, brace for movement, and finish for looks.
Final Thoughts
Building your own washer and dryer pedestal is one of those DIY projects that looks impressive but is completely doable even if you’re not an experienced woodworker.
With the right materials, a little patience, and these steps to guide you, you’ll end up with a pedestal that’s stronger, better fitting, and a fraction of the cost of anything you’d find in a store.
Once your machines are up and running at the perfect height, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Now grab your measuring tape and get started.
