
Adding shelves to your laundry room is a great way to maximise storage space and keep your detergents, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials organised. There are many ways to build shelves in your laundry room, depending on your budget, space, and DIY skills.
If you're handy with tools and want to build shelves from scratch, you can follow online tutorials that teach you how to build simple wood shelves or floating shelves using plywood and pine. You can also repurpose old furniture or items, such as wooden ladders or dollhouses, into unique shelves.
For a more budget-friendly option that doesn't require extensive DIY skills, you can opt for ready-made shelves or storage solutions. Plastic crates, over-the-door racks, and laundry pedestals are all inexpensive options that can provide additional storage without breaking the bank.
Additionally, utilising the space behind doors or above appliances, such as washers and dryers, can create valuable storage without taking up any floor space.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Plywood, pine, drywall screws, cleats, wood screws, filler, sandpaper, drill bit, wood, paint, etc. |
Tools | Drill, brad nailer, pencil, etc. |
Cost | $45 for a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood, $100 for the whole project, etc. |
Time | 2-3 hours |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wood
When choosing the right wood for your laundry room shelves, there are several factors to consider, including the type of wood, the purpose of the shelves, and your budget. Here are some options to consider:
Plywood
Plywood is a popular choice for laundry room shelves due to its affordability, versatility, and durability. It comes in various thicknesses, making it suitable for different projects. Plywood also has a smooth surface that can be easily painted or stained. However, some types of plywood contain formaldehyde, which can be harmful if exposed to high levels over time. When using plywood, ensure that it meets formaldehyde emission standards set by organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Pine
Pine is a softwood that is lightweight, easy to work with, and attractive due to its natural grain. It is also affordable and durable, making it suitable for laundry room shelves. Pine is perfect for creating a rustic or natural look in your space.
Oak
Oak is a hardwood that is strong and has a beautiful grain pattern. It is suitable for shelves as it can support weight and is less likely to scratch or dent than softer woods. Oak shelves can add a decorative touch to your laundry room while providing functionality.
Maple
Maple is another type of hardwood that is known for its durability. It lends itself to a variety of stains, allowing you to customise the colour to match your laundry room. Maple is an excellent choice if you want to create a cohesive look by matching your shelves to the existing wood in the room.
Cherry
Cherry is a strong and lightweight hardwood that is easy to handle and cut. It has a reddish-brown colour with subtle grain patterns that can add elegance to your laundry room. Cherry is also naturally resistant to rotting, warping, and splitting, making it a long-lasting choice for shelves.
Birch
Birch is a widely used wood for cabinets and furniture, and it can be an excellent choice for laundry room shelves if you plan to paint them. It is a decent hardwood that is less likely to scratch or dent than softer woods, but it weighs less than some other hardwoods, making it easier to work with.
When choosing the right wood for your laundry room shelves, consider the weight load you expect the shelves to bear, the overall design and aesthetic you want to achieve, and your budget. Some woods are more expensive than others, so it's important to select the type of wood that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Planning the layout
Measure the Space:
Start by taking accurate measurements of your laundry room. Determine the height, width, and depth of the area where you plan to install the shelves. Consider any obstructions, such as windows, doors, or appliances, and make sure to account for their placement in your measurements.
Determine the Number and Height of Shelves:
Decide on the number of shelves you want and the optimal height for each. Consider the items you'll be storing and leave enough vertical space between shelves to accommodate them. For example, you'll need more space for laundry baskets or detergent bottles than for smaller items like fabric softeners.
Choose the Right Shelf Depth:
The depth of your shelves will depend on the size of your laundry room and how much walking space you need. If your room is narrow, opt for shallower shelves to avoid a cramped feeling. Deeper shelves are ideal if you have the space and want to store larger items or multiple rows of items.
Select Shelf Material and Style:
Choose a material that suits your needs and budget. Wood, plywood, or laminate shelves are common choices for laundry rooms. Consider the weight of the items you'll be storing and select a material that can bear the load. Decide on the style of shelves, such as floating shelves, bracketed shelves, or cabinet shelves, keeping in mind the overall design of your laundry room.
Plan for Customizations:
Think about any customizations or additional features you want to incorporate. For example, you might want to add a backsplash behind the shelves to prevent items from falling behind the washer and dryer. You could also include a hanging rod or clothes hanger holder underneath the shelves for air-drying clothes.
Draw a Scale Diagram:
Create a scale diagram of your laundry room, including the measurements from step 1. Mark the locations of any windows, doors, or appliances. Use this diagram to sketch out the placement of your shelves, ensuring they fit within the available space. This visual representation will help you refine your layout and make any necessary adjustments.
Consider Accessibility:
Ensure that the shelves are easily accessible and that you can comfortably reach the items stored on them. If you plan to have multiple rows of shelves, place the most frequently used items on the middle or eye-level shelves for convenience.
Think About Lighting:
Evaluate the lighting in your laundry room and consider adding additional lighting fixtures if needed. Shelves can cast shadows, so plan the placement of lights to ensure that the shelf areas are well-lit, making it easier to find and retrieve items.
Safety Considerations:
Keep safety in mind when planning the layout. Ensure that shelves are securely attached to the wall and that heavy items are stored on lower shelves to prevent accidents. If you have young children or pets, avoid placing hazardous items on lower shelves and consider adding safety locks or latches to cabinet doors.
Create a Functional Flow:
Arrange the shelves in a way that promotes a smooth workflow. For example, place laundry detergents and supplies near the washer and dryer for easy access during laundry days. If you have an ironing board, allocate a dedicated space nearby for convenience.
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Using the right tools
Planning and Measuring:
- Pencil and Paper: Start by measuring the space you have available in your laundry room. Determine the desired length, depth, and height of your shelves. It's important to consider the size of the items you'll be storing and allow for enough clearance when opening doors or accessing other areas.
- Level: A level will help ensure your shelves are straight and level. This is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.
Cutting and Shaping:
- Miter Saw: A miter saw is ideal for making straight and angled cuts on your shelf boards and support pieces. You can adjust the angle to create angled ends like in the example project.
- Sandpaper: Sandpaper will help you smooth out any rough edges and give your shelves a finished look. You can use it by hand or with an electric sander for larger projects.
Drilling and Fastening:
- Power Drill: A power drill is essential for making pilot holes and driving screws. It's recommended to use a drill bit that matches the size of your screws to create pilot holes and prevent the wood from splitting.
- Impact Driver: While not strictly necessary, an impact driver can make driving screws much easier and faster. It delivers more torque than a standard drill, ensuring your screws are securely fastened.
- Deck Screws: Deck screws are ideal for this type of project as they are designed for outdoor use and have a special star head that resists stripping.
- Wall Anchors: If you're drilling into concrete or drywall, you'll need the appropriate wall anchors. For concrete, use a masonry bit and concrete anchors. For drywall, use drywall anchors or plastic anchors with corresponding masonry bits.
Finishing Touches:
- Wood Stain: Applying a wood stain can enhance the natural beauty of your shelves. Look for an all-in-one stain and sealer to simplify the process.
- Paintbrush or Roller: If you prefer a painted finish, choose a dense foam roller or brush for a smooth application. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the shelves.
Remember to wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, when using power tools and always work in a well-ventilated area when staining or painting.
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Adding a backsplash
Planning and Preparation:
Before starting the installation, it's important to determine the type of backsplash you want. Common options include tile backsplashes, peel-and-stick backsplashes, or a simple wood backsplash as mentioned in the previous steps. Choose the material and style that best suits your laundry room design and your budget.
Once you've decided on the type of backsplash, gather the necessary materials and tools. For a tile backsplash, you'll need tiles, grout, a trowel, a sponge, and possibly a tile cutter. For a peel-and-stick backsplash, you'll need the tile sheets and a utility knife. A wood backsplash will require plywood or lumber of your choice, a saw, and finishing materials.
Installation Process:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure that the wall behind the shelves is smooth, clean, and free of dust, dirt, or grease. Use a mild cleaner or TSP (trisodium phosphate) to wipe down the wall and let it dry completely.
- Measuring and Marking: Measure the area where you want the backsplash to be installed. Use a level to ensure straight and even lines. Mark the area with a pencil, making sure to account for any outlets or switches that may need to be cut out.
- Tile Cutting (if necessary): If you're using tiles that require cutting, use a tile cutter or a wet saw to cut them to the desired size and shape. Practice tile cutting beforehand if you're a beginner.
- Adhesive Application: Apply the appropriate adhesive to the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the adhesive evenly with a trowel for tile backsplashes. For peel-and-stick backsplashes, simply peel off the backing and stick the tiles to the wall.
- Tile Installation: Starting from the corner or the lowest point, begin installing the tiles. Press them firmly into the adhesive, ensuring good contact. Use spacers if necessary to maintain consistent gaps between tiles. For peel-and-stick tiles, overlap the tiles as indicated by the manufacturer's instructions.
- Grouting (for tile backsplashes): Once the tiles are in place, apply grout using a grout float. Spread the grout diagonally across the tiles, forcing it into the gaps. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently.
- Sealing: After the grout has dried, apply a sealer to protect the backsplash and make it easier to clean. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
- Finishing Touches: Reinstall any outlet covers and switch plates. If you've installed a wood backsplash, you can add a clear coat or paint to enhance its appearance and protect the surface.
Design and Customization:
Backsplashes offer a great opportunity to introduce colour, texture, and visual interest to your laundry room. Here are some ideas to customize your backsplash:
- Tile Choices: Experiment with different tile materials, colours, and patterns. Mosaic tiles, subway tiles, and penny tiles are popular choices for laundry rooms.
- Contrasting Colours: Consider using contrasting colours for the backsplash and the shelves. For example, white shelves with dark grey tiles create a stylish and elegant look.
- Accentuate with Accessories: Enhance the backsplash by adding complementary accessories, such as brass or chrome faucets, cabinet pulls, or light fixtures.
- Personal Touch: Incorporate personal touches or decorative elements that reflect your style. For example, you could display artwork or hang a colourful tapestry above the shelves.
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Painting or staining the shelves
Painting or staining your shelves is a great way to add a personal touch to your laundry room and protect the wood from moisture and wear and tear. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
Preparation:
Before you start painting or staining, it's essential to prepare your shelves properly. Use a wood filler to fill in any holes or imperfections, and then sand the shelves with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Remove any dust with a damp cloth. If your shelves are already painted and you want to change the colour or finish, you may need to strip the existing paint using a paint stripper or sander.
Choosing the Right Paint or Stain:
The type of paint or stain you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve and the level of protection you need. For a simple, cost-effective option, you can use a standard interior paint in a colour that complements your laundry room. If you want a more natural look, you can use a wood stain, which will enhance the grain of the wood. You can also find combined stain and sealant products that will save you time and provide extra protection.
Application:
When you're ready to start painting or staining, make sure you have plenty of ventilation in the room. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the product evenly to the shelves, following the direction of the wood grain. Allow the first coat to dry completely, and then apply a second coat if needed. If you're using a stain, you may want to apply a clear sealant on top to provide extra protection.
Drying and Finishing:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times, and make sure the shelves are completely dry before using them. If you want to add a decorative touch, you can add trim or edging to the shelves with wood glue and small finish nails. You can also add protective bumpers to the corners of the shelves to prevent damage to walls or appliances.
Maintenance:
To keep your shelves looking their best, wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth. For painted shelves, touch up any chips or scratches with a small paintbrush and matching paint. For stained shelves, you may need to reapply the stain and sealant periodically, especially if they're exposed to moisture or heavy use.
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Frequently asked questions
AC plywood is a good option for laundry room shelves as one side has a smooth, sanded finish, while the other is rough, making it suitable for shelving projects that require affordability, aesthetics, and strength.
Use a level to ensure your shelves are straight and not crooked.
Opting for floating shelves can make your laundry room look more spacious.
Shelf depth depends on the size of your space and how big or small you want the shelves. However, the bottom shelf should have enough height space to accommodate laundry supplies.
You can install shelves and a clothes rod, create an ironing center, or use laundry room carts and cubbies for storage.