How to renovate a European-style laundry

Adam_W

Difficulty: Expert

A well-designed laundry can be an asset for your home and a pleasure to use. A laundry renovation might seem like a major project, but is simply a series of small, achievable projects such as installing cabinets, adding a benchtop and tiling a splashback.

European (or Euro) laundries are typically smaller than standalone laundry rooms and concealed in a hallway or as part of a kitchen or bathroom. They are common in apartments and typically feature save-saving front-loading washing machines.

Video Tutorial

Steps

Step 1

Plan your renovation.

It’s important to carefully plan your renovation project. Your laundry will be out of operation for a few days at least so prepare accordingly.

Measure your space and create a sketch showing its dimensions. To keep the project simple and cost-effective, try to work with the existing location of services: water, waste, power points and lights. Make a note of the position of these services with your measurements.

Inspiration can be found on Bunnings Workshop from popular community member projects as well as other sources like magazines. Bunnings Warehouse stores have kitchen design centres and most kitchen products are suitable for laundry use. In-store you can get help with your design. Suppliers like Kaboodle also offer online planning tools.

Ensure you have all materials and tools ready before you start your project. Some cabinet and door colours or benchtops may need to be ordered, so account for this delay. For our project, we used Kaboodle cabinets, doors and panels in Buttermilk colour and Modern style with a Hevea wood benchtop.

Also remember if your home is built before 1990 then existing walls and ceiling panels might have asbestos and require professional removal. For more information, visit asbestossafety-homeowners.com.au.

1.1 Before laundry.jpeg 1.2 Design inspration from Bunnings.jpeg

Step 2

Strip out existing laundry.

Starting with a clean slate in an unhindered work-zone is how you keep your project running smoothly. It is also wise to keep the area clear and clean as you work. And remember to wear suitable personal protective equipment for your safety at all times.

Know where your water and electrical switchboard is located so you can shut off if needed. Most reasonably modern laundries will have isolation taps at the wall so you shouldn’t need to shut the whole home’s water off.

Do not attempt to remove or relocate any plumbing or electrical fittings. This can be extremely dangerous and is illegal.

As you empty cupboards, put all of your laundry supplies into plastic crates or boxes to keep things tidy.

If using a trolley to move your washing machine and dryer, put a towel or blanket over the trolley to avoid damage to the machines.

When possible unscrew or otherwise dismantle old cabinets and shelving. This reduces the risk of damaging wall boards or flooring and creates less mess.

Once the area is totally clear, you can re-measure the space and get very accurate measurements.

2.1 Strip out.jpeg

Step 3

Prepare and repair.

Now that the former laundry components have been removed, you are likely to have areas requiring some surface preparation and repair.

For small nails or screw holes, use a razor blade scrapper or a utility knife to tidy the hole up and fill with a sandable plaster repair product using a flexible filling blade. For larger holes, you can buy plaster repair kits. For very large holes, a plaster repair mini panel, jointing tape and setting plaster may be needed. Areas that will be behind new tiles only need to be filled and brought to level, they do not need a fine finishing coat.

Once plaster repairs are dry they can be sanded to the required finish.

Clean, sand and paint any walls as needed.

3.1 Prepare and repair.jpeg

Step 4

Assemble cabinetry.

Pre-assembling all of your cabinets will speed the installation process. It’s a perfect job while you are waiting for plaster repairs to dry.

Every module will come with clear assembly instructions. Follow these closely.

Joins of cabinet panels should be glued together for extra strength.

Ensure your driver-drill is set to “screw” mode and run at a lower speed. Do not over-drive screws.

To make cut-outs for plumbing, use a piece of cardboard from the cabinet packing to make a template and take measurements from the plumbing in-situ.

When cutting cabinetry to accommodate plumbing, use a hole-saw fitted to your drill that is larger than the size required to allow for you to move the cabinet around as you install.

Cut a 60mm hole to rear top side of your base cabinet where washing machine hoses will come through.

When you position base cabinets, adjust the legs to get the levels correct. If installing multiple base cabinets, use a long level across the cabinets to ensure they are the same height.

Make sure all base cabinets are securely screwed to wall-studs.

If needed, add support rails for the benchtop setting their level from the installed base cabinets.

If using side panels, secure them from inside the base-cabinet.

4.1 Assembling cabinets.jpeg

Step 5

Cut and fit your benchtop.

Your countertop is the main feature of your new laundry, and it’s the single most expensive part, so take the time to get this stage right.

Measure side-to-side at both front and back for your benchtop as walls aren’t always straight. Adjust your cut accordingly.

Support your benchtop on two work platforms and make the cut in the gap between them to avoid the bench top being damaged when the unwanted section drops off.

The cleanest saw cut is on the underside so work with your benchtop upside down. Put a drop-sheet between it and your work platforms to avoid scratching.

When cutting out for your sink use a jigsaw, starting the cut though a drilled hole.

If required, oil or paint your benchtop before fitting.

Drop your benchtop into place and secure with the included small angle brackets.

5.1 Cutting your countertop.jpeg

Step 6

Tile the splashback.

A tiled splash-back adds character and can protect your walls from water damage. Tiling a small area like a laundry is simple, even if you’ve never done it before.

Protect your benchtop and walls with drop-sheets before you start tiling.

If you want an even-sized cut tile at each side, mark the centre and start tiling outwards from there. Fit all full tiles first and then cut and fit tiles with your tile cutter for ends.

Use your notched adhesive spreader to apply tile adhesive onto the wall. Use tile spacers underneath the bottom row and between all tiles. Remove all of the tile spacers before grouting.

Use your sponge grout float to ensure grout is pushed firmly into all gaps. As grout starts to dry wipe off excess with a damp grouting sponge.

6.1 Tiling.jpeg

Step 7

Install cabinetry.

This stage is fast and easy if you’ve pre-assembled your cabinet and shelf units.

Take the level for your wall cabinets and shelves from the top of your tiles.

Ensure cabinets and shelves are securely fixed through to wall studs.

Fit side panels (if used) before installing cabinet doors.

7.1 Installing wall cabinets.jpeg

Step 8

Install sink and seal.

Add a bead of silicone to your sink lip and push it firmly into place, leave something heavy (like a bucket of water) standing in it overnight.

Mask the edges of the gap between your tiles and benchtop and tiles and wall with painter’s masking tape.

Run a bead of silicone along the gap. Lightly mist methylated spirits with your trigger sprayer and then shape with a caulking tool.

Remove the masking tape.

8.1 Silicone sealing.jpeg

Step 9

Finishing touches.

Reconnect the waste outlet from the sink, install the tap, and install and connect the washing machine. A plumber might be required for this step. It is certainly recommended that you at least have a plumber inspect all connections before use.

Cut-out the base cabinet shelf to accommodate plumbing before installing.

Measure, cut and install the kick board for the base cabinets. Fit handles and hinges to doors and hinges to cabinets.

Add doors to cabinets and adjust alignment as required.

If present, remove protective film from doors and side panels.

Complete a final clean and enjoy your new laundry.

9.1 Finishing cabinets.jpeg 9.2 Finished.jpeg