Putting a washing machine on top of a kitchen worktop

bodlondon

Hi - we have quite a small utility room and are thinking about putting the washing machine on top of the worksurface rather than underneath it. I can't find any information about doing this on the net - is there anything i need to be aware of? Do i need any special kit to make sure it doesn't fall off?
thanks
bod

Teacher2301

Don't think so - may have a problem with the water pressure - check first with landlord/ management agency I guess but most flats have generall good water pressure - I have seen this been done before and no-one has had to fix anything special - try it and see.

bodlondon

thanks for that - we actually live in a house so I'm assuming that water pressure won't be a problem.
I'm a bit nervous about doing it in case the worksurface collapses and it breaks the washing machine or the tiled floor underneath!

Teacher2301

Ok- how well fixed is the surface to the wall(s)? If the fixing is a small metal bracket with two metal screws then probably it's not strong enough so may need beefing up a bit.

What type of walls do you have, plaster board, brick, breeze block etc? You could fit some stronger fixings in and support the surface. Let me know and I may be able to help.

blushingbride_3

i'm no expert but i dont see how a worktop can hold such a weight. depends how it is fixed but i would have thought you risk damaging worktop, floor and supporting wall.
not worth the risk if you ask me

also remember a washing machine vibrates alot when spinning so you are up against that as well as the weight

bodlondon

We are in the middle of renovations so we've got an opportunity to specify what we want but i had originally imagined that we would have plaster board walls but we can specify something different if that would help. We can also reinforce the worktop but I'm not sure what we should use?
thanks again for your help - i really appreciate it

ic

What are you planning to put under the worktop? If cupboards, it'd be much simpler and safer to put those above the washing machine. Having the washing machine at height will make future maintenance difficult.

olias

I'm sorry, but most of the above advice is wrong.

There is no problem putting a washing machine at worktop height. We have a dryer on the worktop above our washing machine, and I have a friend who has the machine itself on the worktop.

If you are renovating, just make sure of the following. If it is an internal stud wall, get them to put sufficient 'noggins' (wooden cross pieces) between the studs at the right height so the battens to hold the worktop can be screwed into these. If an external wall, then no problem as the battens can just be screwed through the plasterboard into the brick or blockwork. Just make sure when fitting out, that you account for a higher water inlet and outlet.

the only possible downsides are: you will struggle to see into the powder drawer (not a prob if you use tablets that go in the drum), and if the washer leaks at any stage then you have the potential to cause nore damage as the water will run down through whatever is beneath (cupboards etc) rather than just onto the floor

Olias

CKdesigner

Hi, Quite simply - don't do it!

In theory what Olias has said is right but in practice this would be a very bad move. If you ask any washing machine manufacturers technical department they would advise to always position a washer on a concrete floor and try and avoid even a suspended floor, so don't even think about putting it on a shelf. Domestic washing machines weigh between 80 to 120 kg and as soon as this vibrates as they all do this causes 'fatique' to its surroundings. These vibrations can even disintegrate the concrete weight systems within.

If you want to raise the machine so you don't need to bend down as much then some manufacturers can supply a sturdy metal frame that bolts to the machine which will raise it by 300 - 400 mm.

As 'ic' said - what are you planning on putting underneath - surely this can go above the machine if it is below worktop?

Good luck.

Kaz2904

I personally would put the washing machine down on the ground and whatever else it is above on the work top (That is if you actually need worktop). I have my tumble drier sitting directly on top of my washing machine. You can buy a kit but they showed me what is was in the shop and told me to save my money.
The thing with washing machines is that they spin and they can dance if they get carried away. Imagine the chaos if your machine dances off the worktop and smashes itself, the floor, anything around. There will most likely be a flood too.

latecomer

Sounds like a disaster in the making. Keep it on the floor if at all possible for all the reasons already mentioned.