What board should go under a washing machine?

Q: What board should go under a washing machine?

Which board suits best depends on the floor. On a wooden floor a sturdy MDF board is often used to create a solid base. If you put the washing machine in a Wastoren® cabinet, the continuous base plate combined with the distinctive cabinet construction gives a safe and stable setup. On top of that, the standard metal base plate protects the cabinet against any leaking water.

The best board under a washing machine depends on your situation. Is your washing machine on a wooden floor? Then an MDF board at least 40 mm thick is the best choice for a solid base. Is your washing machine in a cabinet? Then a continuous chipboard base plate is the most stable solution. You then make sure the side panels rest on the base plate and the connecting screws grip the fibres of the chipboard, so vibration cannot push the cabinet apart. At Wastoren® that is the distinctive cabinet-in-cabinet construction, which directs vibration downwards. On top of that, a metal base plate supplied as standard protects the cabinet against any leaking water.

Why a board under your washing machine?

A board under your washing machine provides stability and reduces vibration. This matters especially on wooden floors, which naturally give. A cabinet with a cabinet-in-cabinet construction, however, gives the effect you want. A firm base stops your washing machine walking or making a racket during the spin cycle.

The main reasons for a board:

Stability: a firm base stops the machine moving during the spin cycle
Less noise: vibration is absorbed better by a thick, rigid board
Floor protection: prevents damage to wooden or laminate floors
Levelling: a flat board makes it easier to set the machine up properly

Which board suits your situation?

Wooden floor

Best solution: MDF
Thickness: At least 40 mm
Advantage: Creates a solid base, but does not reduce vibration

Washing machine in a cabinet

Best solution: Continuous base plate + supplied metal base plate
Thickness: 22 mm chipboard (base)
Advantage: Vibration is directed downwards through the construction; the metal plate protects the wood against leaks

Concrete floor

Best solution: No board needed
Thickness: -
Advantage: Concrete is already stable enough

Extra floor protection (under the cabinet)

Best solution: Made-to-measure waterproof MDF board
Thickness: -
Advantage: Optimal protection of the floor underneath

Continuous base plate and protection in a washing machine cabinet

Is your washing machine in a cabinet? Then a continuous base plate is the best solution. This plate comes as standard in the washing machine cabinets from Wastoren® and provides maximum stability.

Advantages of this setup:

Stability: the washing machine stands in the cabinet, not loose on the floor, so vibration is directed perfectly downwards through the distinctive cabinet-in-cabinet construction
Comfort: less bending because the machine sits at an ergonomic working height
Safety: the built-in anti-tip device stops the machine tipping over
Space saving: you can place several modules side by side to form a complete cabinet wall

The distinctive cabinet-in-cabinet construction makes sure vibration is absorbed and carried away effectively. The washing machine is always level thanks to the adjustable feet, and the continuous base plate spreads the weight of the machine evenly.

Drip tray or protective board: what about water damage?

A traditional plastic drip tray is often used to catch water from small leaks. If you choose a Wastoren® washing machine cabinet, however, it works differently. Most standard drip trays are simply too big for the recess of a washing machine cabinet.

That is why we developed a clever solution that fits:

A metal base plate as standard: every base cabinet comes with a special metal base plate as standard. You put it under the machine, where it acts as a reliable protective layer. Should the machine unexpectedly leak, the water runs onto this base plate rather than straight onto the wood. That way the moisture does not come into direct contact with the cabinet and the material stays optimally protected.

A washing machine at working height: comfort and stability

Would you like to bend less and have more comfort during the laundry routine? Then a washing machine stand is a practical solution. It puts your washing machine straight at the ideal working height, so loading and unloading the laundry is easier.

Advantages of a washing machine stand:

Ergonomics: less bending means considerably less strain on your back
Storage: you can use the space under the machine cleverly for a handy drawer insert or laundry baskets
Stability: the continuous base plate combined with the cabinet-in-cabinet construction provides a robust, vibration-free base
Modular: easy to combine with storage cabinets for an organised laundry room

Would you also like to put a dryer on your washing machine? Then choose a stacked washer and dryer setup. The built-in anti-tip device guarantees maximum safety, and the construction directs all vibration effectively into the floor.

In summary: which board do you choose?

The best board under your washing machine depends entirely on your situation:

Wooden floor: choose an MDF board at least 40 mm thick, waterproof bonded and screwed directly to the floor joists. The most ideal solution is a Wastoren® cabinet, because it carries the vibration away, which the MDF board does not.
Concrete floor: no extra board is needed; concrete is stable enough in itself. Our cabinet is of course a perfect fit here too, for more ergonomics.

Would you like to fit out a complete laundry room with the best stability, protection and comfort? Then use our online configurator to put together your ideal modular setup. You combine the cabinets easily into the perfect solution for your space.

Do you still have questions or would you like personal advice? Feel free to contact our customer service or design your setup straight away in the configurator.