What is the best flooring for a laundry room?

Luxury vinyl plank/tile (LVP/LVT) is the best overall choice. It's waterproof, durable, comfortable underfoot, and affordable ($2-$5/sq ft installed). Ceramic or porcelain tile is the traditional choice — equally waterproof and very durable ($3-$10/sq ft). Avoid hardwood and laminate in laundry rooms because they can be damaged by water.

How do I add a folding counter over my washer and dryer?

For front-load machines: build or buy a countertop that spans across both machines. Support it with wall-mounted cleats on the back and side walls, or with a simple cabinet/shelf frame around the machines. Standard counter height is 36 inches, which aligns with most front-loaders. Allow 1 inch of clearance above the machines for vibration.

Do I need a utility sink in my laundry room?

Not required, but highly recommended. A utility sink is invaluable for hand-washing delicates, soaking stained items, filling mop buckets, watering plants, and general cleanup. If you're renovating, adding a utility sink is one of the best investments. Freestanding models with legs are $100-$200 and connect to existing supply and drain lines.

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Laundry Room Renovation Guide: Layout, Storage, Finishes & Costs

Q: How much does a laundry room renovation cost?

Basic refresh (paint, flooring, shelving): $500-$2,000. Mid-range (cabinets, countertop, utility sink, flooring): $3,000-$8,000. Premium (custom cabinets, quartz counter, tile, new plumbing): $8,000-$20,000. The washer and dryer themselves are separate: budget $800-$2,000 for a mid-range set.

Lumberama Editorial Team, Home Renovation & Interior Design Specialists Jun 10, 2026 13 min read

Layout Options

Galley/Corridor

Appliances and counters on one or both sides of a narrow hallway. The most common laundry room layout in homes where the laundry is in a dedicated room off a hallway or between the garage and house. Minimum width: 5 feet for single-side; 7 feet for double-side.

L-Shaped

Appliances on one wall with a perpendicular counter/cabinet run. Creates a dedicated folding and sorting area separate from the washer/dryer wall. Efficient use of corner space.

Closet Laundry

Washer and dryer stacked or side-by-side inside a closet with bifold or pocket doors. Common in condos, apartments, and homes without a dedicated laundry room. Maximize vertical storage above the machines.

Basement Laundry

Common in older homes. Renovation can range from basic finishing (drywall, flooring, lighting) to a full upgrade with cabinets, counters, and a utility sink. Basement laundries benefit from good lighting, moisture-resistant flooring, and dehumidification.

Essential Features

Folding counter: A continuous countertop over the washer and dryer (front-loaders) or a separate counter along an adjacent wall. This is the single most impactful upgrade — a dedicated folding surface transforms laundry from a chore into a manageable task.

Utility sink: A deep single-basin sink for hand-washing, soaking stained items, filling mop buckets, and cleaning up. Stainless steel ($100–$200) or composite ($150–$300). Essential for any serious laundry room.

Hanging rod/drying rack: A wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted rod for air-drying delicates and hang-dry items immediately from the washer. Prevents wrinkles and keeps delicates off the dryer. Retractable clotheslines work in tight spaces.

Sorting bins: Built-in pullout hamper bins (2–3 compartments) for pre-sorting lights, darks, and delicates. Tilt-out bins in a cabinet front are a clean, hidden solution.

Storage Solutions

Upper cabinets: Standard 12-inch-deep wall cabinets above the machines for detergent, supplies, and cleaning products. If mounting above front-loaders with a countertop, leave 15–18 inches between the countertop and cabinet bottom.

Tall pantry cabinet: A floor-to-ceiling cabinet (12–24 inches deep) for brooms, mops, vacuum, ironing board, and bulk supplies. The vertical storage workhorse.

Open shelving: Floating shelves above the machines for decorative storage (baskets, plants, jars of supplies). More affordable than cabinets and visually open.

Between-machine storage: A narrow (6–8 inch) pullout cart between washer and dryer for dryer sheets, stain remover, and small supplies.

Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank/tile (LVP/LVT): The best overall choice. Waterproof, durable, comfortable underfoot, and available in wood and stone looks. $2–$5/sq ft installed. Handles spills and leaks without damage.

Ceramic/porcelain tile: Durable and waterproof. Classic choice for utility rooms. $3–$10/sq ft installed. Use a large format tile (12x24 or larger) to minimize grout lines.

Sealed concrete: Budget-friendly for basement laundries. Epoxy or polyurethane sealer over existing concrete. $2–$5/sq ft.