A well-equipped bathroom with a few smart and efficient appliances makes life easier, but it's also expensive. Modern washers and dryers can handle a large load in a single load, and having a washing machine in the home will significantly reduce your expenses and make your life easier. But few people have a podium for their washing machine. Why do you need one, and can you build one yourself?
Let's look for answers to these questions.
Washing Machine Podiums – Do I Need Them?
Podium for a washing machine A stand is a small pedestal that fits underneath your washing machine, usually made of brick or wood. The purpose of such a stand is not only to make washing easier and more enjoyable, but also to help extend the life of your machine and save you money. If you already use one washing machine At home, you know that vibrations can be a bit noisy.
Washing machines with high RPMs are especially troublesome. A good-quality washing machine will do one of three things, depending on the material and technology used.
A washing machine podium can:
- absorb vibrations, reducing machine movement;
- convert vibrations into heat to limit noise;
- eliminates the need to constantly bend over when loading and unloading laundry;
- If you make a podium with a drawer, there will be additional space for storing useful little things.
Most washing machine stands use elastomeric damping materials to perform all three functions, creating the most effective way to reduce noise and protect your machine from damage. This adds additional storage space to your laundry room and makes loading and unloading laundry easier.
The big question is, do you need a washing machine stand?
For now, only you can answer this question. We can help! Here are a few circumstances in which installing a stand in your home might be useful:
Families living in single-level apartments
If you live in a small apartment, you know that sound easily travels from one room to another. If noise is a major issue with your washing machine, a washing machine podium can significantly reduce the sound level in the bathroom, limiting the volume throughout your home.
Families with small children
There simply aren't enough hours in the day; many of us are busy doing laundry long after the kids go to bed. The term "sleeping like a baby" is one of the most inaccurate terms in the world – children can wake up at the slightest sound, so it's important to keep the laundry room quiet if you're doing laundry late at night.
Families with laundry on the second floor
If you do laundry in the upstairs bathroom, you may find that vibrations can travel through the floorboards and become a problem when you come downstairs to unwind after a busy day. Installing a washing machine stand can reduce vibration, creating a more pleasant environment.
As you read through this article, you should ensure that the pedestals you build are completely level and securely fastened to prevent the washing machines from sliding off the platform.
Some hobbyists have installed caps and anti-slip mats for additional traction. It's also important to plan for drainage issues, perhaps by installing a drain pan.
The first method for creating a podium for a washing machine with your own hands from wood:
- take two bars (their length should be the size of your washing machine, approximately 630 mm);
- we place them parallel to each other at a distance equal to the width of your washing machine;
- We place boards on these bars and secure them with self-tapping screws;
- leave a free space in front the width of the board;
- We turn the board over onto its edge and attach it to this space (it will serve as a stopper to prevent the machine from slipping off).
Note! Larch is water-resistant. Choose boards made from it.
The second way to create a podium for a washing machine with your own hands from bricks:
- we lay out two walls of bricks in one row;
- the gap between the walls also corresponds to the width of the machine, as in the previous version;
- We put concrete tiles on the walls, for example, and fasten everything with cement;
- We put a metal corner in front (it will protect the machine from falling);
- Brick walls can be tiled for beauty or a box can be provided.
Note: under the podium you can not only hide the drain pipe, but also organize storage space.
Washing machine stands aren't necessary in every home, but in some, they can mean the difference between a working washing machine and one that doesn't. If you notice your washing machine is damaged by excessive vibration or dust, it's worth giving this a try—you might be surprised how much of a difference it can make.
