Make the most of your laundry with over‑washing‑machine storage designed and built in WA. Pair shelves, overheads and benchtops with laundry cabinet colour ideas that echo your kitchen or bathroom for a unified home.
Want to turn that dead space above your washer into practical shelving? Our DIY over-washing-machine storage cabinets guide shows simple ways to measure, build and install custom units that fit your space and budget—start with our DIY over-washing-machine storage cabinets for step‑by‑step tips.
Why over washing machine storage matters
Space above a washer or dryer is prime real estate. Thoughtful over washing machine storage puts detergents within reach, clears the floor, and creates folding space. For front loaders, a continuous benchtop gives you a robust washing machine shelf and neat over washer dryer storage. For top loaders, shelves above washing machine and a shallow overhead cabinet keep the lid clear while adding capacity.
- Increase usable bench area for sorting and folding.
- Store chemicals high and safe with laundry wall shelves or a lockable cupboard.
- Hide clutter with matching doors, soft-close hinges and integrated laundry storage accessories.
- Improve workflow with a laundry machine shelf or over the washer unit designed to your appliances.
Tip for Australia: Standard front loaders are typically 600 mm wide; many dryers are 600 mm wide as well. Allow ventilation per the manufacturer’s instructions, and in WA ensure power points and any plumbing changes are done by licensed trades.
Planning and renovation process
1) Measure and check clearances
Note appliance width, depth and height. For a shelf above washing machine or a laundry shelf over a top loader, allow the full lid swing and hinge clearance; for front loaders and stacked sets, allow door swing and detergent-drawer access. A practical rule of thumb is a minimum 30–50 mm lateral clearance and 20–30 mm rear ventilation space; confirm your model’s manual.
2) Decide your storage type
- Over the washer shelf or over washing machine shelving for quick access.
- Full-width benchtop creating above washing machine storage and a folding zone.
- Bridging cabinet with doors for concealed laundry storage solutions.
- Tall laundry storage rack or washing machine storage rack beside the appliances if wall fixing isn’t possible.
3) Services and compliance
Confirm locations for GPOs, taps and waste. In WA, electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and plumbing by a licensed plumber. Use appropriate fixings into studs or masonry and moisture-resistant materials. Refer to local guidance from bodies such as the HIA and Master Builders WA for best practice and workmanship standards.
4) Manufacture and installation
Joyce Kitchens produces made-to-measure laundry storage shelves, cabinets and benchtops in our Perth workshop. We template, manufacture, and install—aligning tiles and splashbacks, adjusting doors, and fitting quality hardware for durability.
Materials and finishes
Laundries see humidity, occasional splashes and heavy loads. We specify finishes to suit: laminate, engineered stone benchtop, compact laminate, powder-coated aluminium shelving, and sealed timbers. Doors can be shaker style for a Hamptons feel or flat-profile for a modern, handleless look.
Benchtops and shelves: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability above washers/dryers | Excellent rigidity and heat resistance; ideal for continuous over washer dryer storage. | Great value; needs proper support and edging to seal against moisture. |
| Moisture/heat | Highly moisture and heat resistant (follow manufacturer heat limits). | Moisture resistant if properly edged; avoid direct heat from vented dryers. |
| Look/Style | Premium finishes; pairs with waterfall end details and undermount sink. | Wide design range; excellent for budget-friendly laundry room storage. |
| Price (installed, WA) | From approx. $1,800–$3,800 for a typical laundry span. | From approx. $700–$1,800 for a typical laundry span. |
Cabinet doors and hardware
- Profiles: Shaker kitchen style doors for Hamptons/Coastal laundries; flat or handleless kitchen-style fronts for contemporary spaces.
- Finishes: 2-pack polyurethane, premium melamine, thermofoil/vinyl wrap doors.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers, quality hinges (e.g., Blum), adjustable washer shelves, pull-out hampers.
- Splashbacks: Tiled splashback or stone splashback ties your laundry to your kitchen or scullery/butler’s pantry aesthetics.
WA note: For heat from vented dryers, favour stone or compact laminate directly above, or ensure a heat shield and manufacturer-specified clearances. Condenser/heat pump dryers reduce humid air but still need ventilation.
Popular layouts and styles
Front loader with continuous bench
Place a stone or laminate benchtop across your washer and dryer to make a durable over the washer shelf and folding surface. Add overhead laundry shelves or cabinets for bulk items and a laundry basket cabinet for sorting.
Top loader with overhead storage
Use over dryer storage and shelves above washing machine with enough lid clearance. A bridging cabinet with 300–350 mm depth keeps everyday items handy and safe.
Stacked appliances plus side storage
Stacking creates vertical room for a tall laundry shelving unit or hampers. Include a narrow pull-out for pegs and stain removers and an adjustable laundry shelf for bottles.
Open vs closed storage
- Open: Fast access, ideal for daily use; style with baskets.
- Closed: Clutter-free look, child-safe; align door style with kitchen to build whole-home cohesion.
We frequently coordinate laundries with kitchen styles—Hamptons, Coastal, Modern, and Industrial—using the same profiles and colours for true continuity.
Costs in Perth/WA
Budgets vary by size, materials and scope. As a guide for Perth and WA:
- Floating over the washer shelf (laminate/compact laminate), supplied and installed: approx. $350–$800 each.
- Full-width benchtop over washer/dryer (laminate): approx. $700–$1,800 installed.
- Full-width benchtop over washer/dryer (engineered stone): approx. $1,800–$3,800 installed.
- Bridging overhead cabinet with doors: approx. $1,200–$2,500 depending on width, finish and lighting.
- Complete small laundry upgrade (cabinets, benchtop, sink, splashback): commonly $5,000–$15,000+.
Timeframes typically range from 2–6 weeks for manufacture after sign-off, with on-site installation often completed in 1–2 days for straightforward projects. Electrical and plumbing are additional.
Standards and guidance: While laundries aren’t governed by a single cabinetry standard, we align with relevant Australian practices including AS/NZS cabinetry and hardware performance guidance and HIA/MBWA workmanship guidelines. Always follow your appliance manufacturer’s clearances.
Real WA examples
Case 1 – Mount Lawley terrace
A 1.7 m niche with a front loader and condenser dryer. We added a compact laminate benchtop as over washing machine shelving, two open laundry wall shelves, and a slim pull-out laundry storage rack for detergents. The finish matched the client’s shaker kitchen in soft white. Cost: approx. $3,900 installed.
Case 2 – Rockingham family home
Top loader plus vented dryer on wall brackets. We installed a 320 mm deep overhead cabinet (lockable) providing above washing machine storage, plus a tall laundry shelving unit with tilt-out laundry basket cabinet. Durable melamine and ABS edging protect against humidity. Cost: approx. $4,800 installed.
Practical planning checklist
- Confirm appliance sizes, door/lid swing and ventilation requirements.
- Choose: open shelves, closed cabinets, or a continuous benchtop.
- Pick moisture-resistant materials suitable for laundries.
- Plan power, taps and drainage with licensed trades.
- Decide on accessories: pull-out hampers, hooks, hanging rail.
- Match finishes to your kitchen (colours, handles, profiles) for cohesion.
- Book measure and quote with Joyce Kitchens for accurate pricing.
Ready to create functional laundry storage over washing machine that looks as good as your kitchen? Talk to Joyce Kitchens for design, manufacture and installation across Perth and WA.
Helpful Australian resources: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, and practical sustainability tips at YourHome.gov.au.
FAQ
Can I put a shelf above a top-loader washing machine?
Yes, but you must allow full lid swing and hinge clearance, plus ventilation. Keep shelves or cabinets shallow (around 300–350 mm deep) and position the first shelf at a height that won’t obstruct the lid when open. Always check your appliance manual for recommended clearances.
How deep should over washing machine storage be?
For most laundries in Australia, 300–350 mm is comfortable for overhead shelves or a bridging cabinet. Benchtops over front loaders are typically 600 mm deep to align with appliances, while open shelving used for bottles and baskets sits best at 300–350 mm to avoid head bumps and keep items within reach.
What materials work best for shelves above a washer and dryer?
Moisture-resistant options are best: laminate or compact laminate with sealed edges, engineered stone for stiffness and heat resistance, and powder-coated aluminium or steel for open shelving. For doors and panels, consider MR MDF with quality laminates or 2-pack paint to handle humidity.
Do I need a cabinetmaker, or can I DIY an over the washer shelf?
Confident DIYers can fit simple shelves if they can locate studs and use suitable fixings. For stone benchtops, integrated cabinets, power relocation or plumbing adjustments, engage licensed trades and a professional cabinetmaker to ensure proper support, alignment and a durable finish.
What does over washer dryer storage cost in Perth?
Expect around $350–$800 per floating shelf installed, $700–$1,800 for a laminate benchtop over appliances, and $1,800–$3,800 for engineered stone. A bridging overhead cabinet might be $1,200–$2,500, while a compact laundry makeover often ranges from $5,000–$15,000+ depending on scope and finishes.