Washers and dryers come in a variety of styles and sizes. And so do laundry rooms, having a different design and layout in every home, apartment, or condo. So, while you might be coveting a brand-spanking-new washer and dryer for your home, do you know if your laundry area is the right size to house them?
Learning how to measure for a new washer and dryer can help you buy the right size appliances and assist in a smooth delivery and installation. So, check out how to measure your laundry appliances and the designated space below!
At a Glance:
How to Measure for a New Washer and Dryer
Other Laundry Room Measurements FAQ
How to Measure for a New Washer and Dryer
Before purchasing a new washer and dryer, and even before grabbing your handy tape measure, there are a few things to consider. For your new washer and dryer location, check for a few of the following:
- Is the floor level?
- Is there a dryer exhaust?
- Are there hot and cold water hook-ups?
Once you have answered these questions, you can get to measuring! As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once” — except buying in this case. The last thing you want is to purchase laundry appliances too large to fit through the door, hall, or in the designated laundry room. If you prefer a more visual how-to, watch our How to Measure for a New Washer & Dryer! But if you like written instructions, take a look at our how-to and tips below!
How to Measure for a New Washer and Dryer:
- First, we will measure the height from the floor to the bottom of any overhead countertop, shelf, or cabinet.
- Next is width, and we’ll measure the space from side to side, adding 1-inch to each side of the laundry appliance for proper airflow. It should be a total of three inches, an inch on the outer side of both the washer and dryer and an inch in-between.
- Now we’ll measure depth and add a minimum of six inches to the final measurement for the vent and water hook-up.
- Finally, once you have all your height, width, and depth measurements, subtract the additional three inches of space you’ve added to determine the maximum space available for the washer and dryer.
Additional tips:
- Height
- If you are buying a top-load washer, you’ll need adjust your measurement to include at least 20 inches above the appliance to allow it to open fully.
- For a front-load washers and dryers on a pedestal, keep in mind to include the height of the pedestal (typically 14 inches) for that particular laundry unit in your final measurements.
- Depth
- If there is any floor molding, don’t forget to add to your measurements.
- Also, be sure to include space to open the doors of your laundry appliances.
Other Laundry Room Measurements FAQ
Q: How much space do you need to leave around the washer/dryer?
A: The recommended amount of space to leave is roughly 48 inches.
Q: How much space do you need in front of the washer/dryer?
A: Make room for at least four feet of space for unloading/loading the units.
Q: How much space for vents and connections?
A: Leave a minimum of four inches behind the appliances for the connections.
Q: How much space do you need to leave to minimize noise?
A: Allow for one inch of space on each side and between the washer and dryer to reduce noise.
Washer and Dryer Sizes
Washer and Dryer Pair
All washer and dryer pairs vary in size, but the standard dimensions for pairs placed side by side are about 27 inches in width and around 35–43 inches in height. So, your designated laundry room needs at least a 54-inch space at the very minimum.
Stackable Washer Dryer
If your laundry area has more height than width, stackable washer and dryer pairs would be the best choice to consider. The average size stacked washer dryer models have a width of 24–27 inches and a height of 70–76 inches. With that in mind, don’t forget to factor in your laundry room’s ceiling height to make sure you have room to accommodate the washer and dryer. It’s also important to know that you should specifically purchase a stackable unit rather than attempt to stack solo appliances since it can be unsafe.
Front Load Washer and Dryer on a Pedestal
Whether you are shopping for a new or replacement washer or dryer separately or need a laundry pair, equip your front load models with a pedestal to help reduce the amount of bending in unloading and loading your laundry. Just be sure to include the pedestal in your measurement for your new models since it adds about 12–14 inches in height.
Shop Washers and Dryers at Don’s Appliance
Don’s Appliances has supported our customers and Pennsylvania communities for 50 years with our appliances and housewares expertise and competitive prices! Browse some of our laundry appliances online after measuring your laundry room’s dimensions. Or stop by in person if you have questions at one of our soon-to-be eleven appliance showrooms throughout Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Canonsburg, North Huntingdon, and Morgantown, West Virginia!