How to renovate my laundry?

[manojmahendra]

Hi everyone! I'm new to DIY and I'm looking for some advice as I work on renovating my laundry room. I have a few ideas in mind and would appreciate any guidance.

Project Plan:

1. I want to enclose my washing machine with a wooden panel and a benchtop, and move it closer to the laundry sink.

2. On the other side of the washing machine, I’d like to create a foldable/extendable benchtop.

Questions:

1. What material and thickness would you recommend for the side panel for the washing machine, and what type of benchtop should I use?

2. How much space should I leave around the washing machine and the surrounding panels?

3. Does the side panel need to be screwed into the studs or wall, or can it be freestanding?

4. Should I use a sealer around the edge of the benchtop to ensure it’s concealed against the back wall?

Bonus Project:

As an additional task, I’m considering replacing the laundry sink without changing the existing plumbing. I’m unsure how to detach it from the wall, especially since there appears to be some sealing agent used around the sink. I also realize this might disturb the backsplash, which could need replacing. Any advice on detaching the sink and installing a new one into the benchtop would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[EricL]

Hello @manojmahendra 

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

Yes, you can cover your washing machine with a wood panel. Do you want a door panel in front of it as well? Is there a reason you wish to have a foldable benchtop? Can it not be left permanently put into position? Folding the benchtop becomes a safety hazard and could get someone's finger pinched. I propose using a combination of pine panels and plywood to build your cabinetry. 

Please allow me some time to draw up your laundry, as soon as it is finished, I'll post it here.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[EricL]

Hello @manojmahendra 

Thank for your patience. I've attached a sample image of your proposed laundry below. I've included some wall cabinets for more storage. But these can be removed if you wish to keep it simple. The materials used for your benchtop and the panel at the side of the washing machine is the Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel. The cabinetry is made from Kaboodle cabinets, and the sink is from Estilo.

Removing your laundry tub is possible, it's very likely that the tiles will get damaged in the removal process so it's best to replace them with something else.

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

Eric

[manojmahendra]

Thank you so much for the help @EricL 

The reason that we decided to go with a foldable benchtop design because there’s a wall recess on the other end. This recess provides great storage space, but it also acts as a barrier for the wall cabinets.

I am happy to not to go with foldable if it is a safety hazard

I’m attaching photos of the wall recess and the end of the laundry cabinet that’s connected to the wall for reference.

My question is:

1. How do we safely detach the current laundry tub cabinet from the wall? Any tips or steps for this process would be extremely helpful.

2. Can we use the same benchtop panel which is 26mm thickness as a sidepanel too?

Thanks so much for your help!

[EricL]

Hello @manojmahendra 

I have modified your laundry to take into account the storage cupboard you have in your wall. I've also included a folding bench top which should be safe for your family to operate. I suggest using Carinya 300 x 145mm White Spring Loaded Folding Bracket to allow you to fold the bench top down instead of up. It will also provide a proper gap so that no fingers will be pinched in its operation.

The other item I've included is a corner wall cabinet so that you still have access to your storage cupboard and will also allow you to have wall cabinets installed as well. Please have a good look and tell me what you think.

In regards to the removal of your laundry tub, the silicone seals must be removed first. Any screws holding the cabinet to the wall must be taken off as well. You'll then need to slowly pull the cabinet off the wall, please keep in mind that there is no guarantee that no damage will occur. Please note that you'll need a plumber to disconnect your plumbing and running water.

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.

Eric