Post by dr.girlfriend on Nov 8, 2018 11:24:46 GMT -5
Do you have your front-loading washer and dryer on pedestals, and if so why or why not? I can see it being nice not to have to bend over so far, but I am wondering if I would rather have accessible counter space above than reduce the bending for a few seconds a few times a week. :-) Right now we have neither of those things, just the machines in the basement, but I'm dreaming of my future laundry room...
In our old house DH built a pedestal for our front load washer and dryer. It was high enough to eliminate bending over but low enough we could have easily put a shelf above it that I could reach without standing on my tip toes so may be you could have the best of both?
Ours is in the basement, so looks are not an issue. Our top loading washer sits on the floor, and our front loading dryer is on a pallet. They're not even, but it brings the front load dryer height closer to the top load washer height.
If I had a pretty laundry room, I'd probably try it without the pedestals first and add them later if I hated bending over. I'm short, so I'd rather not have the upper surfaces too high.
I prefer the height without pedestals (I'm 5'7" if that helps)- but, our current set is pedestal height (the set came with a little washing machine in the washer's pedestal). And I love the little washing machine, so I wouldn't change it- but, I do prefer having a lower surface to work on. And for some reason, I drop things (stupid tiny wet kid socks!!!!) more often at this height and it drives me nuts.
Post by lolalolalola on Nov 8, 2018 14:52:33 GMT -5
Not for us. Our laundry is in the mudroom and we definitely need the counter space above the machines. I am tallish (5'8")and have never had a problem reaching into the machines, other than when I injured my lower back - and then I got my daughter to do it for me! (I have no idea if a pedestal would have actually helped me then).
We just bought a new set and skipped the pedestals, mostly because they are so expensive! I haven't even used them yet so I can't really comment, but we will need the space over them for shelves and maybe eventually a counter top anyway. Prior to this we had a top load washer and front load dryer and I never had a second thought about bending down for the dryer so I don't think I'll miss them.
My H built a platform for the washer and dryer. Each side has a drawer and a shelf that pulls out. The shelf is so I can set the laundry basket on it.
I like the washer and dryer raised so I don't have to bend over. Plus I got the really deep washer and it's easier to reach straight in than bend down.
My mom has the pedestals. I like the height, but I prefer the customizing of mine.
I definitely want them. I'm 5'9" and DH is 6'1" and we both hate having to lean over so far to deal with our front loading washer (which I'm also not a fan of, but it works well, so I'm not replacing it). I was going to have our contractor build in a platform to the new laundry room, but with all the issues we're having, we decided that we aren't adding anything to their plate. So DH will build basically a wooden box for them sometime after the house is done.
We have front loaders on the floor, with a nice big counter over the top. I love it. Gives us so much more usable space in the laundry, and it looks nice, too. I do crouch down on the floor to transfer laundry from washer to dryer, but personally it doesn't bother me at all. My mom says she would hate it. You might want to "try it out" a bit if you haven't already and pretend you are transferring laundry down low.
We have front loaders on the floor, with a nice big counter over the top. I love it. Gives us so much more usable space in the laundry, and it looks nice, too. I do crouch down on the floor to transfer laundry from washer to dryer, but personally it doesn't bother me at all. My mom says she would hate it. You might want to "try it out" a bit if you haven't already and pretend you are transferring laundry down low.
Oh, they're on the floor now, so I'm well-familiar with that. Just wasn't sure what they would be like on pedestals.
Everyone's comments are very helpful, though...IDK why, I thought the pedestals were higher, not just 10-12". I should be able to have pedestals and a semi-usable counter above (although I'm 5'0" so...)
Post by FrozenSunshine on Nov 10, 2018 2:38:48 GMT -5
My H thought they were overrated, but I pointed out how often he does laundry! We're building now and I am getting them, they are 15" high. We wont have a shelf above them, we have about 1" until cabinets start. I have a rod for hanging above our utility sink. This was one of my hills to die on.
We have had the pedestals almost as long as we’ve had our frontloaders, so 10 years. Originally I purchased them without the pedestals but I was having to transfer laundry on my knees and I just couldn’t do it anymore.
When we move into our forever home I plan to purchase new laundry machines and will likely either use our existing pedestals or purchase matching ones.
Post by aprilsails on Nov 13, 2018 22:09:08 GMT -5
Omg my Mom just showed me her new top load machine. She is 5’1” and she can’t remotely reach the bottom of the drum. She’s using a grabber thing to get socks out of the bottom.
Sorry that was off topic but it goes to show that it’s important to make an ass of yourself and to try out appliances at the store before you bring them home and hook them up.
Our plan for the new house is laminate countertop above front load washer/dryer for folding and space and cleanliness. I also want kid(s) to be able to help with the laundry too.
When the machines inevitably crap out in 10-12 years (I’m being optimistic here) we will get a new set with pedestals and we will remove the countertop. So I want both, I just want them at different times.