Laundry Room Remodel w Custom Cabinets

Jerzsubbie

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We moved into our house about 4yr ago and the laundry room is a decent size but lacked the storage and utility we wish it had.

Despite having no experience doing remodeling, I watched a dozen or so YouTube videos and decided to tackle the project. I love YouTube haha!

This started in April, I did it in stages, took some breaks between stages, and finally finished it recently as we have our first baby due any day now and I suspect time for big projects won’t be so readily available.

Before:
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I started by tackling the demo & flooring while my wife was out of town for the weekend. A friend with demo and restoration experience helped me during this part. Began by ripping out the well-built MDF base built by the previous home owner. Then ripped up the vinyl floor and underlayment. Installed new luan underlayment and Lowe’s/Shaw LVP.
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My wife later painted the room and I installed an additional outlet that would be above the countertop.
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Next I was able to find a countertop. It was actually a large Formica island that was removed and sat in a garage for 8yr so I got it for a steal! This worked out reallllly well since it was plenty deep for the washer/dryer, and it’s not difficult to cut with a circular saw and 60T carbide blade.
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Before I could install the countertop, I had to build the cabinets.
Tall base cabinet
30” wall cabinet
24” Utility cabinet
6 laundry basket storage rack
 
I’ve done a number of wood working projects but never cabinet making. I couldn’t find the exact sizes I needed so I decided to build them.

I used 3/4” 10 ply oak, and poplar for the trim.
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Next I got everything mocked up in the room before I started painting.
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Now I see why custom cabinets are so expensive!

I set up a faux 8x8 paint booth in my garage to allow me to use an airless spray gun. I chose Benjamin Moore Advance Alkyd primer and white paint. It’s not cheap and has really long recoat time, but is said to be the most durable cabinet paint.
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I didn’t take many pics during painting.
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I did 3 light coats of primer and 4-5 coats of paint. The insides of the cabinets and cabinet shelves got 5 coats of wipe on poly. The wall shelves are stained Minwax Honey and have 4 coats of wipe on poly. All soft close hinges and oil rubbed bronze color 6.5” door pulls.

Then finally came the time to do the final install, install cabinet hardware, and sit back & enjoy my work.

After:
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I have to admit, this was challenging and I don’t ever plan on building custom cabinets again, but I am very proud that they came out so well.
 
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Excellent work for never having built a cabinet prior to this!

If you shim the cabinet away from the wall on the L side you will find it easier to open however.

Don't ask me how I know!
 
Excellent work for never having built a cabinet prior to this!

If you shim the cabinet away from the wall on the L side you will find it easier to open however.

Don't ask me how I know!
Thanks! I actually looked at my kitchen cabinets and figured that out, thankfully. I let the face frames hang over about 1/2” to provide that needed gap.
 
That’s super nice. The counter top is the best addition with the ability to fold clothes. You put a lot of effort into the paint which shows you cared about the end product.

Hate to be a Debbie downer but it will be impossible almost to ever repair either appliance without access. Does the countertop slide out? How do you access the water cutoff in an emergency situation?
 
That’s super nice. The counter top is the best addition with the ability to fold clothes. You put a lot of effort into the paint which shows you cared about the end product.

Hate to be a Debbie downer but it will be impossible almost to ever repair either appliance without access. Does the countertop slide out? How do you access the water cutoff in an emergency situation?
Thank you! Agreed the countertop was one of two primary goals, as well as storage. I will say that not having to bend over to load/unload was nice, but we love this new setup.

I thought about access to the appliances. The easiest way is to simply pull out the dryer since it’s so light. I could also remove the base cabinet right next to it with only a few screws. The counter top is secured to a wall mounted frame, not the cabinet. The countertop actually cuts right across the water shutoff valves, so I cut a bit of a relief there to ensure easy access. It’s tough to see in the pic but the little mason jar decoration is leaning against the wall partially covering the shut off valves.
 
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Small update: I learned that despite planning for the cabinets needing to open beyond 90* by having the face frames overhang 1/2” towards the walls, the hardware ended up hitting the walls.

I discovered these small motion limiter clips that change the 110* swing to 86*. Super cheap, OEM, easy install, and effective.

Blum 38C315B3 Blumotion 86 Degree... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRTSNGP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

@Ben Jefferson
 
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@VinegarBased thanks! A couple months later and the wife still loves it, shows it off to all of our friends when they visit. Our son is doing great, happy & healthy, and sleeping pretty well. He’s 7 weeks old.

@Ikarus1 you sound like my close friends haha. I’ve cut my projects way back with the little one.

However, I am trying to finish up a super cool project one this week. I’ll post it up here when done. You guys should all love it :cool:
 
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