Laundry Rooms: Moving Outdoors

Building an outdoor laundry room is a great way to save space and add value to your home. It can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and the right resources, it is definitely achievable.

One of the most important considerations when building an outdoor laundry room is the location. It is best to situate it near existing plumbing to minimise costs and make it more convenient for the plumber to tap into the existing pipes and drains. Another factor to keep in mind is ventilation. Clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors, so it is advisable to position the washer and dryer against an exterior wall.

In addition to plumbing and ventilation, there are other key elements to take into account when constructing an outdoor laundry room. These include choosing the right flooring that can withstand a wet and dusty environment, installing proper lighting to create a safe workspace, and adding leak protection to prevent water damage.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice when needed, you can successfully build an outdoor laundry room that meets your needs and enhances the functionality and value of your home.

Choosing the right location

Proximity to Existing Plumbing

It is advisable to situate your outdoor laundry room near your home's existing plumbing system. Adjacency to a bathroom or kitchen is ideal, making it easier for a plumber to connect to existing pipes and drains. This proximity will also help you avoid the higher costs and complexities of running new water supply lines, vents, and drainpipes over long distances.

Doorway Clearance

When selecting the location for your outdoor laundry room, ensure that there is adequate doorway clearance. Most washers and dryers require approximately 30 inches of space to fit through the door. If the chosen location has a narrower doorway, you may need to consider enlarging the opening or selecting a different spot.

Ventilation and Exterior Wall Access

Clothes dryers require proper ventilation and should be positioned near an exterior wall. Keep the vent pipe as short and straight as possible for optimal dryer performance and energy efficiency. Metal venting is highly recommended for its durability, ease of cleaning, and fire resistance.

Accessibility and Proximity to Living Areas

Consider building your outdoor laundry room on the first floor, near the family room or kitchen. This location offers accessibility and allows you to keep an eye on the kids or multitask with other chores. If you prioritise being part of the family action, the first floor is the best choice.

Peace and Quiet

If you value peace and quiet while doing laundry, you may want to choose a location that is away from the main living areas or consider soundproofing options. Building your laundry room on the second floor or in a separate area of the house can help minimise noise disruption.

Cost Considerations

If cost is a concern, it is more affordable to add an outdoor laundry room to the first floor than the second. Additionally, staying close to existing plumbing lines will help keep costs down. Building an outdoor laundry room away from the house, requiring new plumbing and electrical work, will drive up expenses.

Plumbing and electrical work

Plumbing:

• Ensure your laundry room has an adequate water supply and drainage system.
• Consider installing a dedicated instant water heater for efficiency, especially if you plan to combine it with bathroom renovations.
• For the washing machine, attach a 1- to 1-1/2-inch flexible hose to the drain outlet. The other end of the hose should fit over the edge of an exposed vertical drain pipe called the standpipe, which must have a minimum diameter to prevent water spillage.
• The standpipe connects to a P-trap, with the weir of the trap maintained at a specific height above the floor.
• Vent the trap using a pipe that rises vertically and then angles to connect to the building's venting network, or install an air admittance valve (AAV) if permitted by local codes.
• Position the standpipe opening between 18 and 30 inches above the trap, ensuring it rises higher than the flood rim of the washing machine.
• Supply lines for hot and cold water are typically 1/2-inch in diameter and made of copper, PEX, or PVC. Flexible hoses made of braided steel or rubber connect the washer to the supply lines.
• Consider installing a floor drain in case of overflows, ensuring it has the minimum required diameter and a removable strainer. The floor should slope towards the drain.
• If desired, connect the washing machine to the floor drain, but only if the drain has a vented trap and empties into the sewer, not a sump pit.

Electrical Work:

• All electrical receptacles in the laundry room must have GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection to prevent electrocution.
• Provide at least one 120-volt, 20-amp receptacle for the washing machine, connected to the lighting circuit.
• If you have an electric dryer, install a four-prong 240-volt, 30-amp dryer receptacle.
• Ensure that electrical installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is observed by all states.
• Avoid using extension cords for washers and dryers. Place receptacle outlets within 6 feet of the intended appliance location.
• For additional safety, consider installing both GFCI and AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protection for receptacles in the laundry area.

Doorway clearance

• Measure the dimensions of the laundry appliances, such as washers and dryers, that will need to pass through the doorway during delivery or future replacements. Most machines require a doorway width of about 30 inches.
• Ensure that the laundry room door is wide enough to accommodate the appliances. A minimum width of 32 inches is recommended, with wider doors being even better.
• Consider installing a pocket door, which takes up no floor or wall space when open, providing more clearance for appliances and foot traffic.
• If your laundry room is in a basement or upstairs, make sure that the doorways and stairwells leading to the room are wide enough to fit the appliances. A minimum clearance of 45 inches is needed to make a 90-degree turn.
• In addition to the doorway, allow for adequate space inside the laundry room to manoeuvre the appliances. This includes enough room to open appliance doors, access hoses and vents, and perform maintenance.
• If your laundry room has a stacked washer and dryer, consider the vertical clearance required. Allow for a minimum vertical clearance of 60 to 76 inches and a horizontal clearance of 24 to 30 inches.
• When designing the layout of your laundry room, keep the appliances within close proximity to each other and the utility hookups. This will minimise the amount of space needed for hoses and vents, optimising the available clearance.

Flooring

When building an outdoor laundry room, it is important to consider a flooring option that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable. Here are some flooring options to consider for your outdoor laundry room:

Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl flooring is a great option for laundry rooms as it is moisture-proof and comes in 12-foot-wide rolls, eliminating the need for seaming if your laundry room is 12 feet or less in width. It is also highly affordable, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $20.00 per square foot. However, it can be difficult to install yourself.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)

Luxury vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank, offers the look of genuine hardwood flooring or natural stone tiles. It is a popular choice for do-it-yourself projects as it is easy to install. Luxury vinyl is also 100% waterproof, making it a great option for areas prone to moisture, such as laundry rooms. Prices for luxury vinyl flooring can range from $1.50 to $20 per square foot.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are classic choices for laundry room flooring due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and waterproof properties when installed correctly. They offer a wide range of styles and are solvent-proof, meaning bleach or petroleum-based products won't affect them. However, tile flooring can be hard to stand on for extended periods, and it may feel cold underfoot. To mitigate these issues, consider installing radiant heating or adding fabric or gel mats. Tile flooring typically costs between $3 and $30 per square foot.

Concrete

If you already have a concrete floor in your outdoor laundry room, you can improve its appearance by acid-etching, painting, or staining it. Concrete is generally waterproof and very durable. However, it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, and it can be hard on your feet if you stand for long periods. To make it more comfortable, consider adding an outdoor area rug. Concrete flooring is a cost-effective option, typically ranging from $2 to $8 per square foot.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has been a popular choice for do-it-yourself installations due to its affordability and ease of installation. It is also water-resistant, but it is important to note that even a small amount of water can cause the base fiberboard core to swell or delaminate. Therefore, it is crucial to tightly seam the flooring and use a pan under the washing machine as a precaution. Laminate flooring costs between $1.70 and $17 per square foot.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring brings the beauty of real wood into your laundry room while being more dimensionally stable and less affected by moisture than solid hardwood. However, the top hardwood layer is delicate and can be damaged by some chemicals. It is also more expensive, with prices ranging from $4 to $8 per square foot.

When choosing flooring for your outdoor laundry room, consider your budget, the level of moisture in the area, and the amount of foot traffic the floor will need to withstand. Additionally, always ensure that your flooring choice is tightly sealed to prevent water damage.

Lighting

Natural Lighting:

Start by maximising natural lighting in your outdoor laundry room. Large windows are ideal for letting in ample natural light, but if adding windows is not feasible, consider installing skylights or light tubes to bring in daylight. Natural lighting not only makes the space feel brighter and more inviting but also helps you accurately identify stains and discolourations on clothes.

Ceiling Lights:

Ceiling lights are a great way to illuminate your outdoor laundry room. You can choose from various options, such as recessed troffer lights, can lights, or LED flush mount fixtures. These lights help replicate natural lighting and create a spacious feel in the room. Look for lights with a daylight colour temperature of around 5500K, which will provide a crisp and clear view of colours.

LED and Fluorescent Lights:

When selecting light bulbs, consider using LEDs or fluorescents, which have a lower heat output and can make the room more comfortable. Additionally, look for bulbs with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) value, ideally close to 100, to ensure colours appear vibrant and saturated.

Layered Lighting:

Implement layered lighting in your outdoor laundry room, just as you would in any other part of your home. Combine ambient lighting, such as ceiling lights, with accent lighting and task lighting. If space is limited, focus on ambient and task lighting. Use under-cabinet lights or table lamps to illuminate specific areas like sorting tables or mending stations.

Adjustable and Dimmable Lights:

Consider installing adjustable and dimmable lights in your outdoor laundry room. This feature will allow you to customise the lighting based on the time of day or the task at hand. For example, you might want brighter lights for stain removal and softer, dimmer lights for folding clothes.

Waterproof Lights:

Since your laundry room is outdoors, it's essential to choose light fixtures that are designed to withstand the elements. Look for waterproof or water-resistant lighting options to ensure the fixtures are protected from moisture and humidity.

Style and Design:

Don't forget to consider the style and design of your light fixtures. You can choose from a variety of options, such as modern LED lights, rustic farmhouse lights, or industrial-style fixtures. Match the style of the lighting to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor laundry room and home.

Frequently asked questions