How to make a podium for a washing machine with your own hands

Many people dream of spacious houses and apartments with plenty of space, but, unfortunately, not many people realize this dream. We have to do our best to make the most of the available space. Bathroom furniture for a washing machine is just one of the options to compactly install a “home assistant” and save space. As part of the article, we decided to talk about building a podium for a typewriter and the best ideas related to it.

Benefits of using a podium

A properly installed podium will bring a lot of benefits to the owner of the washing machine.

Firstly, equipment installed on a pedestal for a washing machine takes up significantly less space in a small apartment.

Secondly, you can make a box under the podium and place washing powder, conditioner, rags, soap and other items in it.

Thirdly, a properly manufactured design significantly reduces the vibration of the washing machine during spinning, which means washing will be much quieter.

Fourthly, if the height of the tray is selected correctly, it will be possible to load or unload laundry from the washing machine without bending over or putting a strain on your back.

How to choose a room?

SMA can be installed in any room where it is appropriate to do laundry. In addition to the bathroom, this could be:

• kitchen;
• combined bathroom;
• toilet;
• pantry;
• veranda.

Nothing prevents you from making a small stand for the washing machine in these rooms. Verandas and storage rooms are an option for private households; such premises are not typical for apartments.

Depending on the purpose of the room, the location of the elevation is selected:

• it can be built under the sink;
• built into kitchen furniture;
• behind the toilet, as well as many more solutions that are selected taking into account the area of ​​the premises.

Choosing a place to build a podium

In addition to the bathroom, a stand for a washing machine can be made in any other room. Most often it is installed in the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, pantry or on the veranda. The last listed premises are usually used by owners of private houses, because they are not available in apartments.

If the washing machine is installed in the bathroom, a good place to locate the podium would be the space under the sink. In the kitchen, the device is usually placed in the free space between cabinets or large appliances. For toilets or bathrooms, an interesting solution would be to install a washing machine on a stand behind the toilet. For storage rooms or verandas there are a large number of options for placement, it all depends on the size and type of such room.

What you will need to create a podium for a washing machine

If you need a stand for your washing machine, making one yourself is not that difficult. It is important to choose the right materials and tools, and choose the type of future structure.

Important! The podium must be as stable as possible in order to support the weight of the car of 60-80 kilos. So plastic, PVC, plasterboards are suitable only as cladding.

The podium itself should be made by choosing from the following materials:

• brick;
• foam block;
• concrete;
• wood blocks 100x100 or 150x150 mm;
• metal corner;
• polycarbonate board and so on.

But less durable, but more aesthetic materials are suitable as cladding:

• tiles, ceramics;
• plasterboard (waterproof);
• plastic;
• Chipboard (waterproof, laminated).

Speaking of the tool, everything is even easier with it. Take a look at your tools, you may not even have to buy anything additional:

• Master OK;
• level;
• measuring tape, tape measure;
• hacksaw;
• electric drill, electric screwdriver;
• angle grinder;
• construction pencil;
• crosshead screwdriver.

Attention! You can also buy special blocks or slabs made of polycarbonate to order. All you have to do is select a company, tell them the dimensions, and they will produce and deliver the material from which you can quickly and easily assemble the stand.

Materials and tools for making a podium

Before you start building the structure, you need to choose what to make the podium from and assemble the tool.

It should be remembered that the structure must be stable and very strong to support the weight of the washing machine. Depending on the load and dimensions, it can reach 60-80 kg, in addition, do not forget about vibration during operation.

That is why the base of the podium is constructed from durable materials such as brick, foam block, concrete slabs, polycarbonate, wood blocks, metal corners, etc.

For finishing, ceramic or tiles, plasterboard sheets, PVC, and waterproof chipboard are usually used.

In addition to the material, it is necessary to prepare the tool for the job. To make a podium you will need:

• roulette;
• level;
• pencil;
• screwdriver or drill;
• a set of slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• hacksaw for metal;
• corner grinding machine;
• Master OK.

In what room can you make a podium?

Naturally, a podium for a washing machine can be made not only in the bathroom; there are a lot of ideas in this regard. The most popular rooms for installing a washing machine on a podium are:

• bathroom;
• kitchen;
• toilet;
• pantry;
• veranda.

The last option is suitable for private houses, but the first four are quite suitable for an apartment. In the bathroom, in the vast majority of cases, the podium for the washing machine is made under the sink. And then a sink and sink are placed above the podium and machine. In the kitchen, machines are mostly built in, making a podium in a niche “in the belly” of the kitchen unit. In the toilet (in a Soviet-built apartment), washing machines are placed on a narrow, high podium, behind the toilet.

It’s difficult to say about the pantry and veranda, since there are a lot of solutions. In any case, the machine installed on the podium gives additional advantages to the owners, since it:

1. takes up less space, since it is installed on an unclaimed or little-demanded area;
2. makes it possible to place a drawer in a niche under the podium for small items (powders, cleaning products, soap, etc.);
3. vibrates less (if the podium is made correctly).

Note! A washing machine installed on a high platform is easier to use. There is no need to bend over the hatch to throw dirty laundry into it.

What tools and materials are needed?

The selection of tools and materials will greatly depend on the chosen design of the future podium, so we will list what is usually taken in such cases. Let us note right away that the design must be very stable and reliable, because the machine weighs 60-80 kg, and it sways during washing, so materials such as drywall or plastic can only be used as facings. So, the podium is constructed from:

• bricks;
• foam blocks;
• concrete;
• wooden blocks 100x100 or 150x150;
• metal corners;
• polycarbonate plates and other things.

Tiles, waterproof plasterboard, plastic, laminated waterproof chipboard, etc. are used as facing materials. It's easier with tools. In this case, a standard set of tools is suitable, which can be found in the pantry of any good owner. What are these tools:

1. Master OK;
2. building level;
3. roulette;
4. hacksaw (for wood, for metal);
5. screwdriver, drill;
6. Bulgarian;
7. pencil;
8. Phillips screwdriver.

Note! To make a podium, you can order modern polycarbonate blocks and slabs. Give the contractor the dimensions of the parts of the future podium in advance and they will cut the material for you as needed, all you have to do is assemble it.

Installing a simple podium

The simplest podium in a bathroom or other room can be made from wooden blocks. It is advisable to choose larch material, because this tree is not afraid of dampness and moisture.

The procedure for making the podium:

• At a distance equal to the width of the washing machine, lay two 630 mm bars parallel to each other on the floor.
• Using self-tapping screws, attach boards 600 mm long, 300 mm wide and 30 mm thick to the bars.
• In the front part of the beam you need to retreat 30 mm from the edge.
• Fix a board 30 mm thick and 300 mm wide on the ledge, placing it on the edge.

Thus, a podium with a side height of 270 mm is obtained. If there is a desire and opportunity, the side can be reduced by sawing it lengthwise into two equal parts. To make the stand look more attractive, you can cover it with plasterboard or use other finishing materials. On such a podium, the washing machine will be more stable and will operate much quieter. The disadvantage of this design is the lack of a storage box.

Made of brick

Operating procedure:

• Bricks are laid in two rows - two walls. Laying is single-layer. The walls run parallel - between them there is a gap corresponding to the width of the installed device.
• Concrete/polycarbonate tiles are placed on brick walls, secured with cement.
• A metal corner is attached to the front part.

The elevation of such a structure is spacious. It can be made with a box for useful things. Wheels are often attached to the drawer for easy opening.

This design is suitable for cramped spaces, even for bathrooms in small apartments from the 50s. last century. But for such a case you will have to abandon the box. The structure is created as follows:

• the drain pipe is laid with bricks;
• build walls;
• cover with a slab, and then follow similar steps to the previous case.

Brick podium

To make such a stand for a washing machine, you need to lay two rows of bricks parallel to each other at a distance equal to the width of the device. On top of the bricks you need to lay a concrete or polycarbonate slab on the cement mortar. In front, several metal corners are sewn on to form a side.

The advantage of this design is that it is more spacious, which means it can be made with a drawer for linen or various small items. The box is made of laminated chipboard, it can be on wheels, then it will be very convenient to get what you need out of it. A similar stand can be installed in the toilet, but in this case it will be smaller and it will not be possible to make a drawer.

To make a podium in the toilet, you need:

• Cover the drain pipe with bricks. It is advisable to inspect it before this and, if it is old cast iron, replace it with a new plastic one.
• Build two high brick walls behind the toilet.
• Cover with a plate and sew on the corners.

To make the stand look more beautiful, you can cover it with ceramic or tiles.

Popular podium designs

Even a child can make the simplest podium for a washing machine . Such a podium can be made from the simplest materials, and it can serve for decades without problems. The essence of the design comes down to the following. We take two wooden blocks 63 cm long and place them parallel to each other. The distance between the bars should be equal to the width of your washing machine (for example, 60 cm).

Next, we place two boards 60 cm long, 3 cm thick and 30 cm wide on the bars. We firmly screw the boards with self-tapping screws to the bars, and we get a shelf. We are left with a protrusion in front 3 cm wide. We place a board 3 cm thick and 30 cm wide on it edgewise, we get the simplest podium with a side of 27 cm. If possible, you can make a smaller side by sawing the board in half lengthwise. The side also needs to be firmly screwed with self-tapping screws. You can’t build a drawer into such a podium, but the washing machine will stand steadily on it and work properly.

Important! It is best to make such a podium from larch, since this tree is not afraid of moisture and is not affected by water.

You can refine the podium using waterproof plasterboard, decorative plastic or laminated chipboard. Another podium design involves the use of brick. In this case, you can choose any height of the podium.

• We lay out two brick walls, standing parallel to each other, 1 brick wide (the distance between the walls is equal to the width of the machine).
• On top of the walls we place a suitable sized concrete or polycarbonate slab on cement.
• We sew two small metal corners onto the plate at the front.

There is enough space under the brick podium to place many small items. In addition, a box with wheels made of laminated chipboard can be built into the niche under the podium. I pulled the drawer by the handle, and it rolled out from under the machine, and it contains washing powder and fabric softener, and you can also put dirty laundry in it. In general, a very convenient thing.

A podium of a similar design could be made in a small toilet in a Khrushchev apartment , but there would be nowhere to put the box. The essence of the idea is as follows.

1. Cover the drain pipe lying on the floor with bricks (it is advisable to first replace it with a plastic one).
2. We build two high, narrow, parallel walls behind the toilet with our own hands.
3. Cover the walls from above with a slab.

Once finalized and tiled, it will look like a ledge over the toilet where the washing machine sits.

Some people don’t like this option for placing the washing machine, but see for yourself how much usable space is saved and how convenient it is to use the household appliance. Another good option involves making a podium from polycarbonate slabs and blocks. Currently, there are many companies that sell similar materials; you just need to select blocks and slabs of the required sizes and they will provide them to you as soon as possible.

In this case, you don’t even have to do anything special. We build a podium of the required size from the blocks, twist the slabs and blocks with self-tapping screws, and use them. Monolithic polycarbonate and similar materials are very durable and resistant to moisture, and they are also very difficult to destroy through mechanical stress. Ideal for our purposes. The only downside is the price, but that doesn’t stop everyone. We roll a box on wheels from laminated chipboard under the podium and install the washing machine on it.

Whether you need a box for the podium or not, decide for yourself. A box is a convenient thing, but you can do without it. In particular, factory podiums from Miele have a box, but we make the podium with our own hands for pennies. The experience of using a podium for a washing machine shows that the drawer is not particularly needed, but we repeat - it’s up to you, perhaps you want to make not a podium, but a cabinet for a washing machine - it’s a matter of taste!

Features of installation and operation of the machine on the podium

Now let's talk about the features of installing and operating a washing machine installed on a podium. At first glance, it seems, what are the features here, they raised the machine a little above the floor, and that’s all, we didn’t change anything in its design! Not so. Some craftsmen, having placed the machine on a branded or home-made podium, are then horrified to discover that their home assistant refuses to wash or cannot be connected at all.

Let's start with something simple - the location of the outlet. This may sound trivial, but some people, when installing a machine on a podium with their own hands, do not calculate the length of the network cable at all, because before the machine stood without a podium and was connected normally. And then it turns out that the wire does not reach the socket. Therefore, experts recommend immediately paying attention to this point and taking into account the location of the outlet and the distance from the machine to it.

With the outlet for water supply, everything is simpler; the inlet hose usually comes with a reserve in length, but you can purchase and install a longer hose. The main thing is that the pedestal does not block the terminals, otherwise the inlet hose cannot be screwed to them , therefore the machine will not connect to the water supply, and the podium will have to be moved or removed.

If you buy a new inlet hose for a washing machine, take a double one with the Aquastop system - it has protection against leaks.

When installing the washing machine on a podium, it is also important to lift the sewer pipe. This is necessary so that a “siphon effect” does not occur and water does not flow out of the washing machine tank on its own. The sewer pipe must be raised so that it is 40 cm above the podium cover. To do this you can:

• install an elbow on the old pipe;
• connect another piece of pipe of the required length to it;
• Insert the drain hose into the sewer pipe and use the machine safely.

Now about the operation. Some people are afraid that the machine, during intensive work and therefore intense vibration, will jump off the podium with all the ensuing consequences. Experts note that this can happen, so when making any podium you need to provide sides. At a minimum, the side should be on the front so that the machine does not fall forward and break.

Some opponents of washing machine podiums are intimidated by the prospect of reaching for the powder dispenser. Especially when it comes to installing the machine on a high pedestal in the toilet behind the toilet. Indeed, this is associated with some inconveniences, but putting dirty things in the hatch is much more convenient, in general, it’s a “double-edged sword”, we win somewhere, lose somewhere, but there are more advantages!

To summarize, we note that podiums for washing machines are an excellent option not only to save space by placing the machine more successfully. This is a good option to compensate for some of the shortcomings of washing machines. In particular, a properly made podium somewhat dampens the vibration and noise of a working machine, which will only benefit the user. Therefore, don’t be lazy and make the podium with your own hands, because you can’t shell out hundreds of dollars for branded furniture.

Interesting:

• Furniture for the washing machine in the bathroom
• How to place a washing machine in the bathroom
• Bathroom in Khrushchev with washing machine
• How to install a washing machine in the kitchen and bathroom
• Bathroom countertop for washing machine…
• Can a dryer be installed in a walk-in closet?

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Installation of a washing machine on a podium

After the stand is ready, you need to start installing the washing machine on the podium.

Before installing the podium, it is necessary to take into account the distance to the outlet. If it is longer than the length of the power cord, you will need to use a surge protector or extension cord, which is unsafe and undesirable.

If the hose for filling water is short and does not reach the tap, you can replace it with a longer one; they are freely sold in specialized stores. When installing the podium, you need to make sure that it does not block access to the water supply and sewerage systems, otherwise it will have to be disassembled and moved, because the equipment will not be able to be connected.

To prevent the washing machine from randomly draining water, you will need to raise the sewer pipe to such a height that it rises 400 mm above the podium. To do this, you need to connect the elbow to the old pipe, connect the desired section of pipe to it and insert the washing machine drain hose into it.

The big question is – do you need a stand for your washing machine?

For now, only you can answer this question. We can help! Here are a few circumstances in which you might benefit from installing a stand in your home:

Families living in single-level apartments

If you live in a small apartment, you know that sound travels easily from one room to another. If noise is a major issue with your washing machine, a washing machine podium can significantly reduce the sound level in your bathroom, limiting the volume of sound in your home.

Families with small children

There just aren't enough hours in the day; many of us are busy doing laundry long after the kids go to bed. The term "sleeping like a baby" is one of the most inaccurate terms in the world—babies can wake up at the slightest sound, so it's important to keep your laundry room noise-free if you're doing laundry late at night.

Families with laundry on the second floor

If you're doing laundry in an upstairs bathroom, you may find that vibrations can travel through the floorboards and become a problem when you come downstairs trying to relax after a busy day. Installing a washing machine stand can reduce vibration, creating a more pleasant relaxing environment.

As you go through this article, you should make sure that the pedestals you build are completely level and firmly secured to prevent the washing machines from sliding off the platform.

READ MORE: Stains on white sneakers after washing: how to clean

Some hobbyists have installed caps and anti-slip mats for extra traction. It's also important to plan for drainage problems - perhaps by installing a drain pan.

The first way to create a podium for a washing machine with your own hands from wood:

• We take two bars (their length should be the size of your washing machine, approximately 630 mm);
• place them parallel to each other at a distance the width of your washing machine;
• We place boards on these bars and secure them with self-tapping screws;
• leave a free space in front the width of the board;
• We turn the board over on its edge and attach it to this space (it will serve as a limiter so that the machine does not jump off).

On a note! Larch is not afraid of water. Choose boards from it.

The second way to create a podium for a washing machine with your own hands from brick:

• we lay out two walls of bricks in one row;
• the gap between the walls also corresponds to the width of the machine, as in the previous version;
• we put concrete tiles on the walls, for example, and fasten everything with cement;
• We put a metal corner in front (it will protect the machine from falling);
• brick walls can be covered with tiles for beauty or a box can be provided.

Note: under the podium you can not only hide the drain pipe, but also organize storage space.

Washing machine racks aren't necessary in all homes, but in some they can mean the difference between a washing machine that works and one that doesn't. If you notice that your washing machine is damaged due to heavy vibrations or dust, it's worth giving these a try - you might be surprised how much of a difference they can make to your life.

Top stores of washing machines and household appliances:

• mvideo.ru/—home appliance store, large catalog of washing machines
• holodilnik.ru – Inexpensive store of household appliances.
• techport.ru - profitable modern online store of household appliances
• citilink.ru is a modern online store of household appliances and electronics, cheaper than offline stores!
• ru.aliexpress.com—spare parts for washing machines

Features of operating a washing machine on a podium

Many users fear that a washing machine installed on a podium will move during the spin cycle due to strong vibration and may fall. This worry is in vain, because to protect the equipment, protective sides are installed that will stop the device moving towards the edge.

When making a platform, you need to carefully calculate its height. It may happen that it has become more convenient to load and remove laundry from the washing machine, because you don’t have to bend over, but pouring detergent into the ditch is more difficult, because it is at a high altitude. This problem is especially relevant when constructing a high platform behind the toilet. Of course, you can pull out the loading tray, but this method is suitable for dry powder, not liquid laundry detergent. To avoid such a mistake, the height of the stand should be selected so that it is comfortable to load laundry and add washing powder.

Why do you need a podium?

An automatic washing machine (AWM), placed on a special elevation, will take up the same amount of space as it occupied before it was installed. In doing so, you receive a variety of benefits:

• If you make a box in the podium, you can hide the necessary things there - detergents, sponges and other useful stuff.
• The stand serves as a good vibration damper - if done correctly.
• A washing machine placed on an elevated platform is more accessible to the user: it is not very convenient to bend down every time to load things into the drum. The latter is true for front-loading devices.

How does SMA work on the catwalk?

Many people fear that at high speeds the washing machine will vibrate and jump off the elevated surface. There really is a risk. That is why it is recommended to make sides in front to prevent the device from falling.

It happens that the height of the stand is too high and it is difficult for the user to reach the cuvette. You should calculate the height in advance so that using the machine is as comfortable as possible.

Thoughtful placement of a homemade podium allows you to profitably use the available space, make the operation of the AGR more comfortable, and reduce the level of noise and vibration.

Source of the article: https://270076.ru/stiralnye-mashiny/kak-sdelat-podium-dla-stiralnoj-masiny-svoimi-rukami/

How to lift a washing machine off the floor?

When the elevation is ready, all that remains is to place the apparatus on it. Often machine owners are afraid to lift the SMA for fear of breaking something. Factors to consider:

• Distance to socket. If you forgot to take this factor into account before building the stand, you should check before lifting the device whether the cord will reach the outlet. If not, you will need an extension cord, but this is not recommended.
• Length of water supply hose. Two solutions: either lengthen the hose or buy another, longer one.
• To avoid self-draining, it is necessary to raise the sewer pipe so that it is 40 cm higher than the stand.

Sequence of raising the sewer pipe:

• the old pipe is connected to a new elbow;
• a piece of pipe of a certain length is attached to the elbow;
• install a drain hose into the sewer pipe.

Installing the machine above the toilet

After completing the work, it's time to connect and lift the machine up.

An important point, be sure to secure the machine to the wall, since under heavy load it can jump.

Ideally, you need to make a vibrating plate for a washing machine. To do this, we take and cut out a sheet measuring 60*45 cm from plywood, plexiglass, plastic. Use a 45 mm milling cutter to make recesses for the legs. We drill holes in the sheet for anchors for fastening. When installing the slab, we make a backing underneath it made of soft rubber or penofol.

Jul 8, 2020Sergey

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