Basement Laundry Room Diy Guide

Building a basement laundry room is a great way to save space and add functionality to your home. Whether you're working with a small or large area, there are many ways to create a stylish and practical laundry room in your basement. From plumbing and lighting considerations to colour schemes and storage solutions, there are several factors to keep in mind when creating your ideal basement laundry room.

Lighting and colour schemes

When designing a basement laundry room, it is important to consider lighting and colour schemes to create a functional and inviting space. Here are some tips and ideas to help you achieve this:

• Lighting: Since basement laundry rooms often have limited natural light, it is crucial to incorporate good lighting. Consider using recessed lights, chandeliers, or other types of lighting fixtures to ensure the space is well-lit. You can also include a design element by choosing unique lighting fixtures that complement your style.
• Colour Schemes: It is recommended to stick to light and neutral colour combinations to make your laundry room appear brighter and more welcoming. Colours such as white, beige, light grey, and soft blue can help create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. These light colours can also make a small space feel larger by reflecting light and creating a sense of openness.
• Accent Colours: While light and neutral colours are ideal for the main palette, you can add a pop of colour through accent walls or accessories. Consider introducing bold colours in smaller doses, such as with a colourful rug, artwork, or decorative items. This adds interest and personality to the room without overwhelming the space.
• Wall Colours: If you want to create a crisp and fresh look, consider painting your walls white. Choose a warm white with subtle yellow undertones to avoid a sterile feel. Alternatively, soft blues and greens can be a great choice for a room devoted to water. These colours can be paired with stainless steel appliances and white walls for a calming and earthy effect.
• Cabinetry Colours: For your cabinetry, consider using colours that complement your wall colour. White cabinets can create a clean and classic look, while navy or royal blue cabinets can add a bold and confident statement. Beige cabinets can provide a cosy and neutral feel, and taupe, a mix of brown and grey, can work well in a modern farmhouse-style laundry room.
• Flooring: Don't forget about the flooring when considering your colour scheme. Floor tiles provide an opportunity to add colour, texture, and pattern to your laundry room. Choose interesting flooring that packs a design punch while being easy to maintain and keep clean.
• Statement Light Fixture: Hang a statement light fixture in your basement laundry room to create a focal point and add extra light to the space. This can be an unexpected design element that combines function and style.

Storage and shelving

When designing a basement laundry room, storage and shelving are key to making the space functional and efficient. Here are some ideas to maximise storage and shelving in your basement laundry room:

Wall-mounted Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves are a great way to save floor space and keep your laundry essentials within easy reach. Opt for open shelves above your washer and dryer to store detergents, stain removers, and dryer sheets. You can also install adjustable shelves that can be moved to accommodate your changing needs. For a more affordable option, consider wire shelving, or go for wall-mounted wood shelves for a more customised look. Corner shelves are also a great way to maximise your available space.

Cabinets

If you prefer a more streamlined look, cabinets are a great option to keep your laundry supplies out of sight. Install standard kitchen cabinets that match your home's decor, or create custom cabinets to fit your specific needs and measurements. This can be especially useful if your laundry space is in your bathroom or kitchen, as the cabinets can help muffle the noise of the machines. You can also add a countertop above your cabinets to provide extra storage and a workspace for folding laundry.

Hanging Storage

In addition to shelving and cabinets, consider utilising hanging storage solutions. If you have wire shelves, you can hook hangers directly onto them. Alternatively, install a tension rod or hanging bar below your wood shelves to create a space for hanging clothes. Freestanding drying racks, hooks, and pegboards are also great options for adding extra storage without taking up too much floor space.

Storage Containers and Bins

Using storage containers and bins is a great way to organise your laundry supplies and maximise your space. Opt for small drawers, baskets, cubbies, or cube storage to store items like powder detergent, laundry pods, and clothespins. Wire baskets offer a uniform look and allow you to see what's inside, while fabric cube storage adds a decorative element to your laundry room. Keep a hamper or handled basket nearby for easy transport of laundry, and use a three-bag laundry hamper to sort lights, darks, and whites.

Small Space Solutions

If you have a small laundry room or your washer and dryer are in a closet, there are still plenty of storage options available. Vertical wire shelving units, laundry pedestals with built-in drawers, and narrow shelving units on wheels are all great choices for maximising space. Wall-mounted hanging racks that fold away when not in use and curtain separators can also help save space. A fold-away ironing board can double as a folding table, and a shelf over your washer and dryer can provide additional counter and folding space.

Plumbing and pipework

Planning and Skills:

Before starting, it's important to assess your plumbing system. If it's all plastic, basic carpentry tools will suffice. However, for copper water supply lines, you'll need a tubing cutter and soldering tools. This project is not recommended for beginners as it involves complex tasks.

Reworking Plumbing:

The first step is to shut off the main water valve and drain the water by opening the laundry tub valves. Cut out the old water supply lines and disconnect the trap. Cut the drain and vent pipes using a hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Install a transition coupling to connect the new pipes to the existing ones.

Rerouting Supply Lines:

Plan the route for the supply pipes and drill holes through the studs. Use copper lines and fittings for the sink and washing machine. Mount a copper strap below the sink drain and solder the copper pipes to it for support. Remember to solder the vertical copper tubing to the laundry valve before installing it in the box to avoid melting the plastic with the torch.

Installing the Sink Cabinets:

Fit the sink base over the stub-outs and install the angle stop valves. Cut the copper pipes beyond the cabinet back and the PVC drainpipe. Install a trap adapter and connect the sink to the drain with a plastic trap assembly. Hand-tighten the slip-joint nuts and then give them an additional quarter turn with large slip-joint pliers.

Reconnecting the Washer and Dryer:

Connect the washing machine to the shutoff valves using "no-burst" hoses to prevent leaks. Set the drain hose into the drain opening in the washer box and secure it with the provided gasket or clamp. You can also use a self-tapping sheet metal screw and a zip tie or wire to keep the hose in place.

Additional Tips:

• Use a powerful drill to create holes for pipes if you need to drill through studs.
• Protect plastic or copper pipes within 1-1/4 inches of a stud with metal nailing plates.
• Use a rubber sleeve on the transition coupling to provide clearance for the vent line connection.
• Ensure proper ventilation by using a self-closing exhaust vent to keep outdoor air from entering when the dryer is off.
• For extra support when hanging clothes to dry, install a rod that screws into the wall instead of using a tension rod.

Appliances and work surfaces

When it comes to appliances and work surfaces, there are several things to consider when building a basement laundry room.

Firstly, decide whether you want to stack your washer and dryer or place them side by side. Stacking them will save floor space, but if you choose front-loading machines, you can also place a counter on top for folding and treating stains. Alternatively, you could opt for a pedestal that sits underneath your machines, providing extra storage and raising them to a more comfortable height. If you go for a side-by-side setup, make sure there is enough space between them to easily transfer wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.

The type of washer you choose is also an important consideration. Front-loading washers tend to clean better and be more efficient than top-loading washers, with faster spin cycles that wring out more water and reduce drying time and energy consumption. They also offer more design flexibility, as you can stack them with a dryer, top them with a counter, or raise them on a pedestal. However, they can cost $150 to $300 more than top-loading washers. If you go for a top-loading washer, you may want to consider adding a pedestal to avoid having to bend over to reach inside the machine.

In terms of work surfaces, it is recommended to have a counter or a freestanding table adjacent to your appliances for sorting, treating, and folding laundry. If you have a stackable setup, a counter on top can save space. You could also install a custom counter or a prefab rubber tray that resists staining and has a built-in backsplash and pockets for laundry supplies.

Another option for a work surface is to install a sink and countertop, which involves reworking the plumbing and adding new cabinets. This can be a challenging project, especially if you have copper water supply lines, as it will require a tubing cutter and soldering tools. You may also need to reroute plumbing if you want to move your sink and washing machine to a different wall.

Finally, when choosing appliances, it is worth considering energy-efficient options to save on energy bills. Look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that a washer is 30% more efficient and uses 50% less water than standard models. Additionally, stainless-steel washer tubs and dryer drums are longer-lasting and less likely to chip, crack, or scratch your clothes.

Flooring and finishes

Flooring

When it comes to flooring for your basement laundry room, opt for durable and moisture-resistant options. Glue-down linoleum, cork, and vinyl floors are excellent choices as they can handle moisture and are low-maintenance. Tile floors are another attractive and functional option for basement laundry rooms. They add character and charm while being waterproof and suitable for installation over a range of surfaces. Ensure that any existing cracks in the cement floor are repaired before installing tiles.

Finishes

For the finishes in your basement laundry room, consider a combination of aesthetics and practicality. Wallpaper can instantly brighten up the space, especially if there are no windows. Chinoiserie-style wallpaper or bold geometric patterns can add a unique touch. Painting the walls is also an option, with warm colours or shades with yellow undertones in a satin or gloss finish being ideal for reflecting light and making the room appear brighter.

To enhance the functionality of the space, consider adding a drying rod or rack for hang-drying clothes. A natural wood countertop above the washer and dryer provides a perfect space for organising and folding laundry while adding a touch of warmth to the room. Open shelves and cabinets offer convenient storage solutions for frequently used items and seasonal items.

Don't forget to incorporate task lighting, such as LED under-cabinet strips, to illuminate your work area when treating stains or ironing.

Frequently asked questions