Pedestals for washers and dryers are not universally interchangeable, so it is important to verify that a specific model is compatible with your front load washer or dryer. In terms of dimensions, these pedestals generally measure 10 to 16 inches in height, 27 to 28 inches in width, and 26 to 29 inches in depth, though exact sizes can differ depending on the model. Most front load appliances are about 39 inches tall, so adding a pedestal typically results in a total installed height of roughly 49 to 55 inches.
Pedestals come in a variety of dimensions, and certain models are made specifically for compact washers or dryers. For a side-by-side look at standard pedestal heights, consult the chart below.
Before installing a laundry pedestal, confirm that it is compatible with your appliance, calculate the combined height of the setup, and ensure there is adequate clearance around the washer and dryer. The following sections explain each step in detail and offer practical measuring guidance.
1. Verify Pedestal Compatibility Before Taking Measurements
Before choosing a specific pedestal, confirm that it will work with your washer or dryer. Pedestals are not interchangeable across every model, so check that the width and depth align with your appliance. A suitable pedestal should fit securely and provide the necessary support. Keep in mind that most laundry pedestals are intended for use with front load washers and dryers.
2. Calculate the Total Installed Height for Your Space
Measure the height of your washer or dryer. Then measure the height of the pedestal you plan to install. Add these two figures together to determine the total installed height of the new setup. This helps you assess whether the appliances will fit beneath upper cabinets, shelves, countertops, low ceilings, or other overhead obstacles.
3. Check Door Swing and Loading Clearance
Open the washer and dryer doors completely to ensure they will not hit nearby walls or cabinets. Because most pedestals are designed for front load appliances, you will also need enough room to load and unload clothes comfortably. Leave approximately four feet of open space in front of the machines so you can move laundry baskets and sort items.
4. Confirm Clearances for Walls, Venting, and Hookups
When planning the layout, allow about six inches behind the appliances for venting and water connections. You should also leave roughly one inch between the washer and dryer, plus another inch between each appliance and any adjacent side walls.
As you narrow down your options, keep the following factors in mind. First, measure the pedestal height, then compare possible setups by considering your appliance model, the laundry space available to you, and what feels most comfortable for your household.
When comparing pedestal heights, consider how easily you can reach into the drum, whether the controls remain comfortable to use, and how the total height works for everyone in the household who does laundry. A laundry pedestal elevates a front load washer or dryer, reducing how far you need to bend when loading or unloading clothes.
Before installation, pull the drawer out completely to confirm it can extend without hitting doors, cabinets, or other objects in your laundry room. A pedestal with a built-in drawer offers a handy spot for detergent, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials.
Installing a pedestal and stacking laundry appliances serve distinct purposes: one increases height, while the other reduces floor space usage. A pedestal raises a front load unit—generally by about 10 to 16 inches—which can lessen bending and make loading and unloading more comfortable. Some pedestals also include a drawer that provides additional storage.
Stacking, in contrast, positions both units within the same vertical footprint, helping to save horizontal floor space in the laundry room. This can be especially useful in a laundry closet or another tight laundry area. In households with a front load washer and dryer pair, both stacking and pedestals can offer practical benefits.
Even when a washer and dryer are purchased together as a set, the pedestal models they require may not be the same. To find out which pedestals are compatible, check the owner’s manual for both appliances. Where feasible, installing matching pedestals can help keep the two units at an equal height and create a more unified appearance.
With more than twenty years of expertise in home appliance control, elecontro® is a professional manufacturer of washing machine controls that perfectly meet your individual requirements and preferences. elecontro®'s dynamic team of visionary engineers and designers continue to push the boundaries of home appliance control technology, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation.
