This laundry room idea works for laminate table tops or butcher block countertops.
We needed a laundry room countertop measuring 67” x 34” to be placed over our front-loading washer and dryer. Normal butcher block countertops are approximately 26 inches deep. That will leave a gaping hole at the back for items to disappear behind the machines.
Besides that, we also needed additional shelving and storage space with room to hang garments.
We decided to use IKEA kitchen cabinets for our laundry room makeover.
Here’s a look at the room before our DIY project.
Related: Laundry room cabinets with massive amount of storage
How to hack an IKEA Countertop over washer and dryer
Materials needed for laundry room makeover:
- Laminate countertop – IKEA
- 10”x72” white laminate shelf – cut to fit length
- 1”x2” pine board – cut to fit length
- Aluminum bracket for blinds
- EKBY Bjarnum Brackets – IKEA
- EKBY Jarpen 46 7/8”x11” – IKEA
- LILLTRASK counter top 98” – IKEA
- FIXA countertop support – IKEA
Base Cabinet – IKEA
- HAGGEBY Door 12×30 (2)
- SEKTION kitchen cabinet (base) 12x24x30
- UTRUSTA cabinet pull-out 12” (002.724.73 – may be discontinued, see photo)
- ORRNAS Handle
- VARIERA recycling bin
- VARIERA lid
Wall Cabinet – IKEA
- HAGGEBY Door 12×30 (2)
- SEKTION wall cabinet 24×14 3/4×30
- 2 x UTRUSTA hinge
- UTRUSTA shelf
- UTRUSTA hinge damper
- ORRNAS Handle
Miscellaneous
- BJARNUM Folding Hook – Ikea
- Flexible Foam (4 yards) – Joanne Fabrics
- Clothing rod – left over from a closet
- Metal plates
Using the wall space above the machines
First, we installed a wall cabinet in the top right side with the EKBY shelf to the left to create an even shelf across the top. We have a built-in cabinet in a nook on the left so we had to make sure there was enough space for the cabinet door to swing open and clearance to hang clothes on the clothing rod.
Filling the gap between washer and dryer
We had just over 12 inches of space between the washer and dryer for a cabinet. Dog food storage was essential so we opted for a cabinet that had a pull-out for easy access.
The standard base cabinet wasn’t tall enough to be flush with the washer and dryer so we cut a few spare pieces of laminate board to increase the height. Using the spacer from the wall cabinet and an extra HAGGEBY door, we were able to create a small panel to match the door below.
Related: Hack a rolling laundry cart from crates
Building the IKEA table top over washer and dryer
We chose a plain white IKEA laminate worktop for the price. Plywood may be worth a try too. Other kitchen countertops like a butcher block with wood veneer will also work. However, butcher blocks are heavier than laminate so you will need heavy duty wall brackets or a wall cleat to keep it up.
Back to our main issue: the narrow depth of the countertop.
Since it doesn’t span the entire depth of the washer and dryer, we decided to create another shelf to cover the gap, with it placed slightly elevated from the countertop.
First we cut the laminate countertop to the right size for the shelf. We used a circular saw with a blade with plenty of teeth (lots of research online) using blue painter’s tape to prevent chipping.
Next, we screwed metal plates to the underside of the countertop so that about an inch overlapped. We then attached the 1×2 pine board (painted gray) to the overlapping metal plate. This gave us one support for the 10” elevated laminate shelf. An aluminum rod for blinds worked well for the second support secured to the back wall.
We wrapped the top of the machines with flexible foam to prevent movement and unnecessary noise. The countertop is supported by the middle base cabinet and FIXA supports on the left and right wall.
Since there is some weight to the table top and shelf we opted not to secure it to either support. The 10” laminate shelf floats on the two supports for easy access behind the Washer Dryer and hoses, if necessary.
Table top supports on left and right side of wall
The pull-out cabinet serves as the middle support
I was able to use a file to cut out the frame of the access panel in the laminate shelf for a flush mount.
The countertop slides in snugly and is sturdy. The IKEA table top over the washer and dryer gives us counter space we never had before.
And finally, a reminder of how it was before.
And after our laundry space makeover.
To tie it all up, we add in all the essential laundry room accessories — laundry baskets and bins on the top shelf. We installed a clothes rail from the side wall to the side of the IKEA wall cabinet. Installed the BJARNUM folding hooks (folds out of the way when not in use). Filled the cupboard with laundry detergent.
We love it. Our laundry room has never been as efficient.
And if we need to access the hoses or the back of the machine, we just lift the laminate shelf and table top. So good to have it removable, just in case!
~ by Jennifer Campos