Concealing Laundry Room Pipes: Diy Tricks

Exposed pipework, hoses, and cords can ruin the aesthetic of your laundry room. Luckily, there are several ways to conceal them without breaking the bank. Building shelves around or in front of the pipework is one of the most effective ways to hide them. You can also use wooden pipe covers, add foliage, install sliding doors, or box the pipework in with paint and wood. If you're feeling creative, you can even use wraparound lighting to make your laundry space more appealing. For a more drastic change, consider building a false wall to hide the pipes completely.

Building shelving around or in front of pipework

Building shelving around or in front of your laundry pipework is a great way to hide them without breaking the bank. If you're handy, you can build the shelves yourself, making them floor-to-ceiling with a cavity that leaves enough room for the pipework without taking up extra floor space. This method is not only inexpensive but also easy to execute. Plus, you can use the shelves to display trinkets, photo frames, books, and other items that will draw attention away from the plumbing.

When building the shelves, ensure that you measure the space accurately to allow for the cavity and pipework. You can make the cavity as deep or shallow as needed, as long as it provides sufficient clearance for the pipes. If your pipes are complex, you may want to sketch out a plan or consult a professional before beginning construction.

Another important consideration is the type of shelving you choose. You can opt for open shelves or those with doors. Doors can provide a neater appearance and conceal the pipes and any items stored on the shelves. However, open shelves offer easier access and can give a more spacious feel to the room.

When constructing the shelves, use materials that complement the style and decor of your laundry room. For example, wooden shelves can add a rustic or industrial touch, while metal shelves may suit a more modern aesthetic. Don't forget to consider the weight of the items you plan to place on the shelves and choose a material that can safely support that weight.

In addition to the functional aspects, you can also have fun with the design and decorative elements of the shelves. Paint or stain them to match or accent the room's colour scheme. Add decorative brackets or lighting to enhance the overall look. You can even use the shelves to display plants or other decorative items that will help to distract from the pipework.

Using wood pipe covers

Exposed pipework can ruin the aesthetic of your laundry room, but there are several ways to hide it without breaking the bank. One way to do this is by using wood pipe covers.

First, measure the height, length, and width of your pipes. This will ensure that the wood pipe covers have enough space to conceal the pipes entirely without touching them directly. You can purchase wood pipe covers at your local craft store or online. However, if you're feeling crafty, you can also make the covers yourself.

Once you have the wood pipe covers, you can simply drill them around the pipes to form a box that hides the pipeline. You can then paint the wood with your desired colour or one that matches or complements the overall theme of your laundry room.

Wood pipe covers are a great way to disguise unsightly drainage pipes and give your laundry room a more natural and rustic feel. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can make a big difference in the overall look of the space.

If you want to take it a step further, you can also build shelves around the pipes and then drill the wood pipe covers onto the shelves. This will provide additional storage space for laundry essentials and further conceal the pipes. Just be sure to measure the space and plan the layout before installing the shelves.

Adding foliage

If you're feeling creative, you can hang fake foliage, like leafy vines, along the pipes. This can bring a natural and colourful touch to your laundry room. You could even turn vertical pipes into fake trees, adding branches and leaves near the ceiling.

For pipes that run along the floor, consider placing potted plants in front of them. Just be sure to leave some space between the pipes and the plants in case of any leaks.

Installing sliding doors

Prepare Your Workspace

Ensure you have the necessary space and equipment, and enlist the help of an assistant. Check your new door, track, and fittings. Gather the required tools, including a drill, drill bits, a pencil, a ruler, a screwdriver, a spanner, a spirit level, a step ladder, a tape measure, and screws.

Measure Your Door Frame

Check that your door frame is square and suitable for the doors you plan to install. For internal sliding barn doors, ensure you have adequate wall space alongside the opening so the door can sit flush with the wall when fully open. Measure the centre of the door opening and mark the frame. Refer to an expert for guidance on positioning the sliding door track.

Measure and Mark Track Placement

Measure and mark where the tracks will go. Pre-drill holes and attach the tracks to the door frame on either side of the centre point. For internal sliding barn doors, the doors will hang from this top track.

Attach Rollers to the Door

For internal barn doors, install rollers at the top of the doors. For external aluminium sliding doors, attach rollers to the top and bottom of the sliding panel. Measure and mark where the wheels need to go, screw them in place, and then carefully lift and tilt the door to place the wheels on the track.

Test Your Sliding Door

Check that the doors open and close smoothly. Use a spirit level to ensure they are hanging correctly. If you have double doors, make sure they are hanging at the same height and are in line with each other. Adjust and tighten the rollers as needed.

Install Bump Stops and Hardware

For internal barn doors, install bump stops at the end of each track and at the centre where the doors meet to prevent the doors from rolling too far. Screw these into pre-drilled holes in the track. Finish by adding hardware such as handles. For external doors, install locking handles and consider adding a security screen.

Sliding doors can be a great DIY project, but if you're unsure or need assistance, don't hesitate to consult a professional contractor.

Boxing the pipework in paint and wood

Boxing in your pipework with paint and wood is a simple and inexpensive way to hide unsightly pipes in your laundry room. This method is ideal if you only have a single pipe running up the corner of your laundry room.

To box in your pipework, start by purchasing wooden framing from your local hardware store. Ask them to cut the wood to size so that it fits around your pipe. Once you have the wooden frame, construct it around the pipe, sealing all the edges with caulk and leaving it to dry.

Next, paint the box to match the colour of the wall it's against. You could also add trim to the top and bottom of the box to give it a three-dimensional look and make it a decorative feature of the room.

If you're feeling particularly creative, you could even use a drywall alternative to cover the pipework, which may open up other decorative possibilities.

Remember, if you plan to move any plumbing pipes or add new electrical outlets or switches, you will likely need a permit. It's always best to check with your local permitting department before starting any work.

Frequently asked questions