Laundry Room Layouts
Closet laundry: Washer and dryer behind bi-fold or sliding doors. Minimal footprint. Common in apartments and small homes. Organization: shelving above, storage in doors.
Galley laundry: Narrow room (5-6 ft wide) with appliances and counter on one or both sides. Efficient use of space. The most common dedicated laundry room layout.
L-shaped: More space for folding, sorting, and storage. Often includes a utility sink.
Dedicated laundry room: Full room (8x10 ft or larger) with counters, cabinets, a sink, and storage. The ideal setup for serious laundry management.
Mudroom/laundry combo: Combines laundry with an entry area. Includes: hooks for coats, bench for shoes, storage cubbies, and washer/dryer. Popular in homes with active families.
Key Features
Countertop over appliances: Install a counter over front-loading washer and dryer. Creates folding space and a clean look. Cost: $200-$800 (custom or prefab). The single most impactful laundry room upgrade.
Utility sink: Essential for hand-washing, soaking stains, and cleaning. Drop-in: $100-$300 (installed: $300-$800). Freestanding: $100-$400.
Cabinets: Upper cabinets over the washer and dryer for detergent, supplies, and storage. Stock cabinets: $200-$600. Custom: $500-$2,000.
Open shelving: Affordable and easy to install. Good for frequently used items. Cost: $50-$200.
Drying rack or rod: Wall-mounted drying rack or a tension rod for hang-dry items. Cost: $20-$100.
Ironing station: Wall-mounted fold-down ironing board saves space. Cost: $50-$200.
Sorting bins: Built-in pull-out hampers or rolling carts for sorting lights, darks, and delicates. Cost: $30-$150.
Flooring
Must be waterproof (washing machine leaks happen). Best options: luxury vinyl plank (LVP): $3-$8/sq ft (waterproof, comfortable, easy to install). Porcelain tile: $5-$15/sq ft (durable, waterproof, easy to clean). Avoid: carpet (absorbs water and breeds mold), hardwood (water damage), and laminate (swells when wet).
Costs
Cosmetic refresh: Paint, shelving, organization, and accessories. Cost: $200-$1,000.
Mid-range renovation: Counter over appliances, cabinets, utility sink, flooring, and lighting. Cost: $2,000-$8,000.
Full remodel: Custom cabinets, countertops, tile backsplash, utility sink, new flooring, lighting, and possibly moving plumbing. Cost: $5,000-$15,000+.
New laundry room (relocating): Moving washer and dryer to a new location requires plumbing, electrical, and venting. Cost: $5,000-$20,000+.
Individual items: Counter: $200-$800. Cabinets: $200-$2,000. Utility sink: $300-$800 installed. Flooring (50 sq ft): $200-$800. Lighting: $100-$500.