ᐅ Is a base or platform needed for a washing machine?

Created on: 29 Aug 2020 13:01
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Pädda
Hello.
We are currently considering whether a base for a washing machine is necessary at all. We are having a washing machine cabinet with a sliding door built using drywall construction. The dryer will be placed on top of the washing machine. You often see washing machines standing on such bases. We could only have a 20cm (8 inches) high base made anyway, because otherwise the dryer would be positioned too high. Now my wife mentioned that a laundry basket can stand in front of the washing machine even when the door is open. Until now, I always thought that the washing machine door could not be opened if a laundry basket was placed in front of it. I had to admit I was wrong about that. What other purposes do these low bases serve if, from our point of view, they are not really needed?
Ibdk1429 Aug 2020 13:34
If the dryer is placed on top of the washing machine, a pedestal is more of a hindrance for operating the dryer. And 20cm (8 inches) is too little space to place a laundry basket in front of the opening – so obviously, you can open the door first and then put the basket in front, but you can’t open it if the basket is already there. And of course, a washing machine can also stand directly on the floor without a pedestal. That’s how most are set up. My appliances are side by side on a cabinet about 60cm (24 inches) high – that works well for me.
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Bardamu
29 Aug 2020 13:38
The basket and the machine are usually designed so that you can fit the basket under the drum even with the door open.
By the way, back pain is often caused by a lack of physical activity and underdeveloped muscles beforehand.
So, it’s a good idea to bend down more often.

Just to clarify, I’m talking about a laundry basket, not a dirty laundry bin.
Tarnari29 Aug 2020 13:49
From the perspective that I hope to spend my retirement in the house, I assume that the day will come when it will definitely be difficult. Movement or not.
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Bardamu
29 Aug 2020 14:07
The question was whether a base or plinth is necessary. In my opinion, it isn't. My grandmother is 86 years old and doesn't have one either.
A good friend built a house with door frames one meter (3.3 feet) wide, anticipating that a wheelchair might need to pass through someday... And he is only 37. So, it can definitely be overdone.
Ibdk1429 Aug 2020 14:17
Oops – my mistake. I just measured again. The door opening is at a height of 30cm (12 inches), and the laundry baskets are 25-28cm (10-11 inches) high. So they fit – even without a base plinth.
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kbt09
29 Aug 2020 14:57
Bardamu schrieb:

The question was whether a base is necessary. In my opinion, it is not.
Necessary in the sense of "it absolutely can’t be done without"... of course not. But you also don’t need a dishwasher or a dryer. Because it would also be possible without them.