Measure the usable laundry space
Record width, height and depth at the narrowest points. Include shelves, floor transitions, baseboards and sloped walls or ceilings.
For side-by-side machines, measure the total pair. For stacking, verify the exact models and approved stacking kit.
Account for everything behind the machine
Water valves, drain hoses, plugs and dryer vents occupy real depth. A rigid or sharply bent duct can require more space than a retailer table suggests. Use the exact model instructions.
Check doors and controls
Closet doors must close without pressing on machines or connections. Appliance doors and detergent drawers need space to open. Controls must remain reachable.
Plan future service access
A machine wedged into a recess may be difficult to level, connect, clean or remove. Consider access to shutoffs, filters and the space behind the unit.
Quick takeaways
- Measure the full pair or approved stack.
- Include hoses, valves, plugs and ducting.
- Check every door and drawer.
- Leave realistic service access.
Choose the configuration before measuring
A side-by-side pair, stacked pair, laundry centre and compact washer-dryer combination use space differently. Decide which arrangement is intended, then obtain dimensions for the exact machines and any approved stacking kit or pedestal. Adding two cabinet widths is not enough: include the gap between machines, required wall clearance, door swing and access to controls.
For a top-loading washer, measure the height with the lid fully open and check shelves or sloped ceilings above it. For front-loaders, confirm that the doors can open far enough to load bulky items and that people can stand or kneel in front without blocking the room exit.
Account for connections and movement
Rear depth must include water hoses, drain hose, dryer duct or vent connection, plugs and shutoff access. A tight bend can damage a hose or restrict a duct, so use the model instructions rather than pushing the machines against the wall. Floors also need to be sufficiently level and suitable for the equipment; vibration can make an apparently adequate gap too tight.
Measure the narrowest point at the laundry-room doorway and the path to it. Basement stairs, low ceilings, handrails and 90-degree turns often matter more than the final alcove. Confirm whether doors, machine panels or stair rails may be removed and who is permitted to do that work.
Plan service access
Installation is not the final fit test. Consider how shutoffs, filters, lint areas and connections will be reached later. A machine that can only be installed by trapping inaccessible valves behind it may create a maintenance problem. Record the installation envelope, delivery envelope and service-access plan as three separate checks.