How much does a laundry room renovation cost?

Basic upgrade (paint, shelving, organizing): $200-$500. Mid-range renovation (cabinets, countertop, flooring, utility sink): $3,000-$8,000. Full renovation (new layout with plumbing, electrical, custom cabinets): $8,000-$20,000+. Add washer/dryer: $1,500-$2,500 for a mid-range set. The most impactful budget upgrade: add a counter over the washer/dryer for folding ($200-$600 for a laminate counter), upper cabinets for storage ($500-$1,500 for stock cabinets), and a hanging rod for air-drying ($10-$50). Total: $700-$2,000 for a major functionality upgrade.

Front-load vs. top-load washer?

Front-load: pros are more water and energy efficient (uses 40-50% less water), cleans better (tumbling action is gentler and more effective), spins faster (clothes come out drier, reducing dryer time and energy), stackable (saves floor space), and allows a counter on top. Cons are more expensive ($700-$1,500 vs. $400-$800), can develop mold/odor if the door is kept closed (always leave the door ajar after use), longer wash cycles, and must bend down to load (unless on pedestals). Top-load: pros are less expensive, faster wash cycles, can add items mid-cycle, no mold/odor issues, and easier to load (no bending). Cons are uses more water, cannot stack, and no counter on top. Best choice for most: front-load, especially if you want a counter on top and/or need to stack. Best for budget: top-load (agitator models are the most affordable at $400-$600).

Do I need a utility sink in the laundry room?

Not strictly necessary, but highly recommended if you have the space and budget. A utility sink is invaluable for: pre-treating stains (soak clothes before washing), hand-washing delicates, cleaning dirty items (paintbrushes, muddy shoes, flower vases), filling mop buckets, bathing small pets, and draining the washing machine (some installations route the washer drain into the utility sink). Cost: $100-$400 for the sink, $200-$500 for plumbing installation (if adding new). If your laundry room already has plumbing (for the washer), adding a utility sink is relatively affordable because the supply and drain lines are nearby. If the laundry room has no existing plumbing: adding a utility sink requires running new supply and drain lines ($500-$1,500 for plumbing).

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Laundry Room Design Guide: Layout, Storage & Cost

Q: What is the best laundry room layout?

The best layout depends on your space and lifestyle. Smallest space (closet): stack the washer and dryer, add a shelf above. Minimum 32 inches wide. Small room (5x5 to 6x6 feet): single-wall layout. Washer and dryer side-by-side with counter above and cabinets above that. Medium room (6x8 feet): L-shape. Machines on one wall, counter and sink on the adjacent wall. Provides a dedicated folding area. Large room (8x10+ feet): U-shape or mudroom combo. Maximum storage, counter space, and features (utility sink, sorting hampers, pet-washing station). The most popular modern layout: laundry/mudroom combo with entry from the garage. Combines laundry functionality with coat hooks, bench, shoe storage, and sometimes a pet-wash station.

Lumberama Editorial Team, Laundry Room Design & Storage Specialists Aug 11, 2026 12 min read

Laundry Room Layouts

Closet laundry (smallest): Washer and dryer stacked or side-by-side in a closet, hidden behind doors. Common in apartments and small homes. Minimum width: 32 inches for a stackable, 60 inches for side-by-side. Limited storage (shelf above the units).

Galley (single wall): Washer and dryer along one wall with countertop above and cabinets above that. Efficient use of space. Works in narrow rooms (minimum 5 feet wide). Add a pull-out drying rack and a utility sink if space allows.

L-shape: Washer and dryer on one wall, a countertop and utility sink on the adjacent wall. Provides a dedicated folding and sorting area separate from the machines. Minimum: 6x8 feet.

U-shape: Three walls of workspace. The most storage and counter space. Minimum: 7x9 feet. Luxury layout for serious laundry rooms.

Laundry/mudroom combo: The most popular modern layout. Combines laundry with a mudroom (entry from the garage or back door). Includes: washer/dryer, bench with hooks (for coats and bags), shoe storage, and sometimes a utility sink and pet-washing station.

Essential Features

Countertop: A counter above the washer and dryer (and extending to the side if possible) for folding. Front-load washers and dryers are ideal for this (the counter sits on top). Top-load washers require clearance above (no counter over the washer, or a hinged counter). Material: laminate ($10-$40/sq ft installed) is the most practical and affordable. Butcher block ($40-$80/sq ft) is warm and attractive but needs sealing in a wet area.

Utility sink: A deep basin (laundry sink) for hand-washing, soaking, and cleaning. Typically stainless steel or composite. Cost: $100-$400 (sink), $200-$500 (plumbing installation if new). Essential for: pre-treating stains, hand-washing delicates, and cleaning brushes and dirty items.

Cabinets and shelving: Upper cabinets for detergent, supplies, and seasonal items. A broom closet or utility closet for cleaning supplies. Open shelving for daily-use items (laundry baskets, detergent).

Hanging rod or drying rack: A rod mounted above the counter or a retractable drying rack for air-drying delicates. A simple and essential feature that is often overlooked. Cost: $10-$50 for a rod, $30-$100 for a retractable rack.

Flooring: Must be waterproof (washing machine leaks and overflows happen). Best options: porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank/tile, or sealed concrete. NOT recommended: hardwood or laminate (water damage).

Ventilation: The dryer must be vented to the exterior (not into the attic or wall cavity). Adequate ventilation reduces moisture and keeps the room comfortable.

Upgrades

Pedestal drawers: Raise the washer and dryer 12-15 inches for easier loading (no bending over) and add a large storage drawer underneath. Cost: $200-$400 per pedestal (manufacturer-specific).

Pet-washing station: A built-in shower or tub at a convenient height for washing dogs. Popular in mudroom/laundry combos. Cost: $500-$2,000 (plumbed and tiled).

Ironing station: A fold-down ironing board mounted in the wall or inside a cabinet door. Saves space and is always accessible. Cost: $50-$200.

Sorting hampers: Built-in pull-out hampers (inside a cabinet) for sorting lights, darks, and delicates. Cost: $50-$150.

Smart washer/dryer: WiFi-connected units that send notifications when the cycle is done, diagnose problems, and can be started remotely. Standard on most mid-range and premium models.