Planning & Checklists
Laundry Room Planning Guide
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
If a laundry room gets one upgrade it should be a folding counter, because without one clothes leave the room to be sorted and the laundry never finishes there. After that: a hanging rod for items that cannot go in a dryer, supply storage, and pull-out hampers. Keep the water shut-offs accessible and leave room to pull the machines forward.
Laundry dimensions
| Element | Dimension | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Counter over machines | 900–950mm | Governed by machine height plus clearance. |
| Counter depth | 600mm | Matches standard machine depth. |
| Clearance in front of machines | 900mm min. | For a front-loader door to swing fully. |
| Upper cabinet clearance | 450mm above counter | Same convention as a kitchen. |
| Hanging rod height | 1500mm+ | Above the counter, clear of the work surface. |
| Hamper cabinet | 600mm for two bins | Behind a single door. |
| Minimum useful counter length | 900mm | Enough to actually fold on. |
Want this applied to your space?
Tell us about the space and upload photos for a free project review. An available contractor confirms scope, timing and pricing.
We review every estimate request. Any next step depends on confirming a suitable available contractor — there is no guaranteed callback or quote timeframe.
Laundry planning checklist
- Confirm machine dimensions and whether they are stacked or side by side.
- Confirm door swing direction on a front-loader — it determines which side the counter can run.
- Keep water shut-off valves reachable without dismantling millwork.
- Leave enough clearance to pull machines forward for service.
- Decide whether a sink is wanted, and whether there is existing plumbing for it.
- Plan a drying provision: a rod, a pull-out rack, or a flat-drying shelf.
- Include a shelf tall enough for large detergent containers.
- Choose a counter material that tolerates repeated damp contact.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What counter material is best for a laundry room?
Quartz for durability and easy cleaning, laminate as a cost-effective option that performs well, or sealed hardwood for warmth accepting occasional maintenance. Painted MDF is the one to avoid — it will not survive repeated damp contact.
Can I put a laundry room in a basement or a closet?
Yes, and basement laundry areas are extremely common in Calgary. They usually benefit most from cabinetry because they start as bare utility space. A laundry closet is tighter, but even a shallow counter, a rod and one upper cabinet transforms how usable it is.
Is a laundry sink worth including?
If there is existing plumbing, generally yes — it gets used for hand-washing, soaking and filling buckets. If there is no rough-in, adding one means a licensed plumber and possibly a permit, so it becomes a scope decision worth making early rather than mid-project.
Want this applied to your space?
Send a few details and we will look for an available contractor to review the project. Free, no obligation.
We review every estimate request. Any next step depends on confirming a suitable available contractor — there is no guaranteed callback or quote timeframe.