Best Thickness for Plywood Covering a Washer?
Asked by CraftyBunny92
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!
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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.
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CraftyBunny92: 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?