Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a cover for my washing machine and the cabinet next to it, which measures about 62 inches wide and 30 inches deep. I'm thinking about using plywood attached to a 2x4 on one wall and a freestanding piece on the other side. It's my first time working with such a large area of plywood, and I'm unsure if I should go with 1/2 inch thickness or step it up to 3/4 inch to avoid any bowing in the center. I want it to be lightweight, especially in case I need to move or swap out my dryer, and I've ruled out PVC since I think that would just bow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
For your project, I'd strongly recommend using 3/4 inch plywood. It handles the dynamic loads from your washing machine better, especially when it's spinning. When I built a similar stand for my washer and dryer, I included some bracing in the middle, which really helped prevent any sagging. Just a heads up, even though it's not the weight that's the concern, the movement can definitely affect thinner plywood.
Thanks for that! Since this space is just for my dryer, do you still think bracing is necessary? I'm a bit worried about adding too much weight since I'm not very tall and need to maneuver it easily. Would using heavy-duty brackets on the wall help with support without adding extra weight?