Laundry makeover with large bamboo benchtop

[Jesse1]

Installing a benchtop to fit above the washing machine can offer double the bench space.

• The project
• Before and after
• How to install a laundry chute
• More laundry projects

The project

We painted our blueish grey laminate cupboard doors a year ago as a quick freshen up in the laundry. Recently we inadvertently poured diluted pool acid into the laundry sink which damaged the stainless steel surface so it was an excuse to do a revamp of the space.

We purchased a clearance bamboo benchtop and installed a flat pack laundry chute. Really happy with the result and I now have twice the bench space as before.

All products were purchased from Bunnings, our “go to” store for everything renovation or gardening. We had some bits and pieces from other jobs at home, but I think that we spent approximately $1,000 not including the plumber and electrician.

Before and after

How to install a laundry chute

Learn how to install a chute in your laundry to help you tidy up dirty washing and keep it out of sight by following this step-by-step guide: How to install a laundry chute.

More laundry projects

For more inspiring laundry renovations, check out our Top 10 most popular laundry renovation projects.

[nicfit99]

Did you put this over existing bench top, looking at doing this in my bathroom?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @nicfit99. It's sensational to have you join us and many thanks for your question about this amazing project.

From the images, it doesn't appear that the new benchtop was placed over the old. However, let me mention @Jesse1 so they are alerted to your question and hopefully they can fill us in on the approach they took.

Mitchell

[Remarka6le]

Loooooove a Laundry with Bench Space 🤲, also amazing considering Laundry spaces are some of the most cost effective builds you can do in your home yet add some big numbers to the value of your home. 

[daisym]

Hi @Jesse1 

Can you remember approx how much your benchtop was and how long it might be 

Thank you 

[EricL]

Hi @daisym

Let me tag @Jesse1 to make them aware of your question. The standard measurements for Kaboodle Bamboo benchtops are 2400 x 600 x 35 and the island tops are 2400 x 900 x 35. Sometimes some stores have benchtops that have either been damaged or returned by customers for one reason or another. I suggest calling the local stores around your area to see if any of them have any benchtops on special.

The timber alternatives are:

• Specrite 2100 x 600mm 26mm Timber Panel Spotted Gum FJ Laminated

• Specrite 2400 x 900mm 40mm Timber Panel Pine FJ Laminated

• 2200 x 600 x 26mm Acacia Solid Oiled Hardwood Project Panel

• 2200 x 600 x 26mm Beech Laminated Panel.   

Please keep in mind that some of these timber panels are not as long as standard benchtops. But you can stain or paint them to your desired finish.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[daisym]

Hi 

Thank you for your help @EricL 

Unfortunately the Specrite are a little to short in the measurement that we require,  we need a benchtop more like 3m 

[EricL]

Hi @daisym

You can join benchtops together if you are short on length. The trick is to have a fine-tooth saw blade on your circular saw. This will produce a very fine cut and will allow you to butt-join benchtops together using a Kaboodle Benchtop Joiner - 6 Pack. I've drawn a sample below of how they are joined together. Silicone is usually placed in the middle to protect the join from moisture damage.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jesse1]

@daisym 

Sorry for the delay in replying - grandchildren visiting do organised chaos. 

The benchtop was reduced because it was a size that wasn’t being ordered again. It was $200 and was 2400x 600x50mm. Worked perfectly for our laundry and allowed us to extend the bench space. Check out the Bunnings specials - sometimes they have end of range of special orders which were never collected. Good luck. 

[DIYDanni]

Hi @Jesse1 did you have to stain or the bamboo benchtop? I bought one too and am unsure about it. Thanks!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @DIYDanni,

Your benchtop should have come with installation and preparation instructions. The first thing to do with a timber benchtop, even before it's installed, is to seal it with a suitable sealant following the manufacturer's application instructions. Don't forget to seal the whole benchtop, including around any cutouts for your sink, the underside and the back edge. You don't need to stain it, but it's essential to seal the benchtop, especially if it's to be used in a wet area.

Another good reason to seal it would be to prevent any cleaning fluid spills from staining the surface. I installed a timber benchtop in my laundry, and within a week, a bottle of laundry liquid leaked onto it. The liquid reacted somehow with the timber and sent it black. It took considerable sanding to get the stain out as it had penetrated deeply.

I can't wait to see your new benchtop in place.

Mitchell

[Jesse1]

@DIYDanni,

Sorry that I’m away from home at the moment so can’t remember what the sealer was exactly that we used. It was definitely Cabot’s, was clear and a matte finish. Not a stain and has to be reapplied each year.