How to install shelves in the laundry?

[Dillon]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on a little renovation job on the laundry. I want to put shelves in next to the washer/dryer tower and also above it. The walls are gyprock and have been tiled around the floor, acting almost like a skirting board. There is a section of the wall that has been tiled all around which is about halfway up the wall. Looking for advice on best path forward, e.g. should I remove the tiles? Someone told me I should keep them as they will help with strength if I drill timber panels into them. What timber should I be using for something like this? Would metal frames be better than timer? How should I approach the construct? e.g. Is it as simple as three large vertical panels to act as walls. One on either side of the wall and one in the middle? The rest would be horizontal panels for the shelves themselves. How would I approach fixing in the shelves? Screws and glue? Brackets? Lower shelves will hold a bit of weight from heavy pots and pans etc

 

 

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[EricL]

Hello @Dillon 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about installing shelves in your laundry.

I propose building a custom shelf cabinet that will slide into the gap between your washing machine and the wall. I don't recommend removing or drilling into the tiles as I suspect that your wall has been waterproofed. Removing the tiles could compromise the waterproofing which means that you'll need to reapply it again.

I suggest building the shelf cabinet out of pine and painting it to further protect it from heat and moisture from the machines. This will also save you the trouble of having to drill into tiles which might break. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us  know.

Eric

[Dillon]

Hi Eric, 

Thank you so much for your advice. Just a few questions. Is there a particular type of pine I should use and can buy from Bunnings? Any chance you could draw me a basic diagram so I can see how you'd approach it? Also, I want a large shelf above the washer dryer tower, so I'm assuming I should use a panel of pine on the left hand side for support? 

[EricL]

Hello @Dillon 

I'm more than happy to draw up a quick diagram for you. Please give me some time to draw it up and I'll post it here as soon as I can. I'll include the materials list in my next post.

Eric

[EricL]

Hello @Dillon 

Thank you for your patience, I've placed some images below with some measurements, you'll need to double check it with the space available to you. I propose looking at the Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel to build your entire cabinet. The top shelf I left unpainted so that you can add a bit of contrast to the set-up. I propose painting it in Cabot's sealer either in satin or gloss. This top section should be perfect for your laundry basket and other large items you have in your washing space.

Please note that the measurements are for reference only, please adjust them to your needs.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dillon]

Hi Eric,

Thank you so much! I wasn't expecting such a polished diagram, really appreciate it. Just have a few more questions. What do you think about another horizontal panel on the left hand side of the washing machine for extra support or is this unnecessary? Should I screw and glue the shelves in place or are just screws fine? Do you think I could get by without the back panel or will that compromise the structure? The reason I ask is because there are pipes and taps for the washing machine that I'll need access to from time to time.

I'm going to pop in this weekend to get everything for this little project.

Regards,

Dillon

[EricL]

Hi @Dillon 

I'm glad you found the design handy. To support the panel that's going on top of the washing machine I suggest using Zenith 38mm Stainless Steel Angle Bracket - 4 Pack so that there will be no need for you to put another panel on the other side. The brackets will clear the tiles as it is at the top of your LG machines. 

I propose screwing the shelves into the cabinet, my best advice is to double check the height of your items before you permanently fix the shelves in place. For the back panel, I suggest cutting the width down to 150mm so that you can still have access to the back of the cabinet. I've placed an image below to give you an idea for installation. By having a back panel, it will prevent the cabinet from shearing.

Measure twice cut once, double check all your measurements before you buy your materials, good luck!

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.