ᐅ Mounting a countertop "freestanding" above a washing machine?
Created on: 29 Apr 2011 23:00
J
jansens_3643J
jansens_364329 Apr 2011 23:00Hello,
I am currently planning and seem to be stuck.
It will be a single-row kitchen where both sides of the countertop are freestanding, meaning it is not enclosed by a wall or a tall cabinet. On the left side, we plan to leave an opening for our washing machine (not built-in). Now I am wondering how to properly support and install the countertop there. Putting two legs in that spot looks very odd. Simply using an end panel probably won’t provide enough stability...
Can anyone help? With so many plans in my head, there seems to be no room left for simple, obvious solutions.
Thank you,
jansens
I am currently planning and seem to be stuck.
It will be a single-row kitchen where both sides of the countertop are freestanding, meaning it is not enclosed by a wall or a tall cabinet. On the left side, we plan to leave an opening for our washing machine (not built-in). Now I am wondering how to properly support and install the countertop there. Putting two legs in that spot looks very odd. Simply using an end panel probably won’t provide enough stability...
Can anyone help? With so many plans in my head, there seems to be no room left for simple, obvious solutions.
Thank you,
jansens
F
fotokatze30 Apr 2011 15:44Hello Jansens!
That sounds a bit unusual!
If I understand correctly, you have a freestanding washing machine model on one side as a kind of end cap.
What is next to it? A wall? Or a corridor?
I would use a deeper countertop (65 to 70 cm (25.5 to 27.5 inches)) and mount a small wooden beam (e.g., 8x8 cm (3x3 inches)) on the wall at the back, then screw the countertop underneath onto that. Still, the countertop needs to be supported at the front or side. If there is also a wall on the side, just screw another beam or strip there and rest the countertop on it. Otherwise, the only option would be to lower the feet of the washing machine enough to slide it under the countertop, then raise the feet again so the machine supports the countertop.
fotokatze
That sounds a bit unusual!
If I understand correctly, you have a freestanding washing machine model on one side as a kind of end cap.
What is next to it? A wall? Or a corridor?
I would use a deeper countertop (65 to 70 cm (25.5 to 27.5 inches)) and mount a small wooden beam (e.g., 8x8 cm (3x3 inches)) on the wall at the back, then screw the countertop underneath onto that. Still, the countertop needs to be supported at the front or side. If there is also a wall on the side, just screw another beam or strip there and rest the countertop on it. Otherwise, the only option would be to lower the feet of the washing machine enough to slide it under the countertop, then raise the feet again so the machine supports the countertop.
fotokatze
Uh... When integrating washing machines into a kitchen unit, you typically remove the top panel by unscrewing about two screws.
This then gives you a good view inside the machine. (DISCONNECT POWER, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING!)
At this point, you should attach a suitable or custom-made metal plate, which can be purchased for at least 50 euros (if it’s not a cheap model), or you can make one yourself. (on your own risk!)
This plate protects both the countertop and the appliance—that is its purpose. Usually, you can order this plate to fit precisely, but you can also improvise. (However, please do this professionally and properly, which I believe most people do not manage well enough, since you need to pre-drill and have a matching plate, etc.)
If you skip this, moisture from the countertop can drip into the appliance below, causing the electronics to fail. This can even lead to fires, among other issues. (This under-mount plate is also important as fire protection for the countertop.)
Do not leave the plastic plate of the washing machine under a mounted countertop! Doing so will ruin the entire kitchen.
The height of the washing machine can be adjusted using the feet, provided that the countertop is not unusually high, as I have often seen. (Never extend the washing machine feet too far. They can loosen, causing the machine to move uncontrollably, so always use locknuts! (two nuts tightened against each other to prevent any movement at the connection)) Good brands usually (though not always) include a flat wrench for this, because space under the machine is very limited. You can’t just slip in an open-ended wrench easily, haha.
This then gives you a good view inside the machine. (DISCONNECT POWER, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING!)
At this point, you should attach a suitable or custom-made metal plate, which can be purchased for at least 50 euros (if it’s not a cheap model), or you can make one yourself. (on your own risk!)
This plate protects both the countertop and the appliance—that is its purpose. Usually, you can order this plate to fit precisely, but you can also improvise. (However, please do this professionally and properly, which I believe most people do not manage well enough, since you need to pre-drill and have a matching plate, etc.)
If you skip this, moisture from the countertop can drip into the appliance below, causing the electronics to fail. This can even lead to fires, among other issues. (This under-mount plate is also important as fire protection for the countertop.)
Do not leave the plastic plate of the washing machine under a mounted countertop! Doing so will ruin the entire kitchen.
The height of the washing machine can be adjusted using the feet, provided that the countertop is not unusually high, as I have often seen. (Never extend the washing machine feet too far. They can loosen, causing the machine to move uncontrollably, so always use locknuts! (two nuts tightened against each other to prevent any movement at the connection)) Good brands usually (though not always) include a flat wrench for this, because space under the machine is very limited. You can’t just slip in an open-ended wrench easily, haha.
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