Does the hassle of lugging laundry here and there annoy you? If yes, you can maximize limited space for laundry appliances while maintaining their functionality. Install stackable kits in a confined space and save your valuable square footage. No worries if you don’t know how to stack these appliances.
This comprehensive guide will help you install a stackable washer and dryer by providing step-by-step instructions and expert insights. Whether you have a small apartment, a compact laundry closet, or a narrow basement, you can optimize every inch of your space with these techniques. Transform your compact laundry area into a functional and comfortable haven.
What Are the Requirements for Stacking a Washer And Dryer in a Confined Area?
Before stacking laundry appliances, ensure you have the tools necessary for a successful installation. By knowing what you need beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to tackle this task efficiently. Following are the five essential tools or prerequisites to perform this procedure:
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Certified Stacking Kit
- Another person who can assist with lifting the machines
- Spanner Wrench
Appliance Stacking Kits
Stacking kits are accessories used to safely secure laundry appliances vertically. Its main components include stacking brackets and screws. If you are thinking of putting a washer and dryer on top of each other without stacking kits, don’t do it.
Otherwise, you will end up damaging yourself. Stacking kits are different for different models of appliances. This implies that you have to search for a stacking kit that is compatible with the models and structure of your washer and dryer. You can easily find these kits at home appliance stores.
Homemade Appliance Stacking System
Commercial appliance stacking kits in the market are generally less expensive. They are readily available solutions, but they will cost you more charges afterward. Moreover, in many cases, it can have deteriorating effects on your appliances.
Therefore, it is better to choose homemade stacking kits for this purpose. This is because these kits neither affect your machine’s warranty nor charge you extra pennies in the long run. Consequently, it all depends upon the model of your machines.
What Are the Steps to Install a Washer And Dryer Stack in a Compact Space?
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you in the process of safely and efficiently stacking your laundry appliances:
Obtain a stacking kit
As mentioned earlier, you have to purchase a stacking kit compatible with your laundry appliances. Just make sure that it won’t void their warranty in the future. Furthermore, it should ensure a safe machine stacking experience at home.
You can check out stacking kits on online stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. These stores have stacking kits for almost all models of brands like Whirlpool, LG, GE, Samsung, Bocsh, etc. Otherwise, check the manufacturer’s store, and you can also get a stacking kit from there.
Prepare your measurements
Now, for a successful installation, take the measurements of the space in which you want to stack laundry appliances. You can use a measuring tape for this purpose. Make sure to measure the space’s height, width, and depth.
After doing this, also take these measurements for the washer and dryer. Make sure that the width and depth of your dryer are less than that of the washer. Compare the measurements (width and depth) of space and appliances.
Now, add the heights of appliances together and then compare it with the height of the space. For a smooth installation, leave space for the power cords and drain hoses of the washer and dryer. Therefore, the width of the stacking space should be at least 2-3 inches greater than the width of the dryer and washer.
Position the washer
First of all, position the washer in the selected space. Take the help of a person who can assist with moving the machine. Make sure to place the washer a little out of the space so you can easily reach its back.
Now, put a level on the top side of the washer. The top side will be perfectly leveled if the bubble is in the middle of the two lines. Otherwise, you have to change the height of the washer till the bubble is in the middle.
Place the dryer
Since you have to put the dryer on top of the washer, it is better to disassemble its feet, if any. Now, position the dryer on top of the washer. You should take help in lifting this appliance for safe positioning. Make sure you have leveled it properly on the washer when you are heading backward after its positioning.
Fasten the appliances together
Now, to successfully attach both the appliances, use the stacking kit tools. Read the stacking kit manual that will have a step-by-step guide to fasten the machines. You have to carefully attach the brackets and bolts to both washer and dryer. To fix the brackets firmly in their place, use a wrench.
Attach all cords, vents, and hoses
After you have done installing, put the hoses of the washer and vent pipe of the dryer back into their place. It is better to follow the guide provided by the manufacturer. Put the power cords of both appliances in the outlet and ensure that wires are safely attached to them. Before starting to use the appliance, push the appliances inside the space. However, make sure you leave a space of at least 2 inches from their backside.
Expert’s Advice
- ALWAYS PLACE THE DRYER ON THE TOP OF THE WASHER, NOT VICE VERSA. This is because the water in the washer adds extra weight and pressure to it. If the dryer is placed under the washer, the weight of the washer can damage the top side of the dryer.
- The washer needs a continuous supply of water when it functions. Therefore, ensure that wherever you are installing the stacked washer and dryer, there is a water source nearby. This source could be a tap or an available line.
- After installation, don’t forget to perform a load test on the washer. If the washer starts shaking, it is not leveled properly. Therefore, it is essential to do this test before running the appliance.
Fresh Space, Fresh Start!
It is good to know that this guide helps you in stacking your laundry appliances. Creating room by stacking machines or appliances can help in making household chores convenient. This technique assists you and opens several possibilities to do laundry comfortably.
However, if you still feel that it is difficult for you to do this procedure, you can get professional assistance. If you have any professional tricks or queries regarding this guide, you can comment below. Moreover, you can also help others create extra space in their house by sharing this post.
