Background
1940s home has a stackable washer/dryer combo unit installed over the crawl space access door. I want to replace the unit with a new combo such that:
- The crawl space door is readily accessible.
- The washer can be rolled out of the closet.
- The hardwood floors won't be damaged, dented, or dinged.
- The washer can be locked in place.
- When on, neither the washer nor dryer will walk or make additional vibrations.
Problem
The clearance is small, with two shut-off valves limiting the amount of working space. (The valves can be replaced with smaller ones, saving an inch or two of space.) Here's the current setup:
The new washer and dryer will fit, snugly.
Here's the proposed setup, where the circles to the left of the dryer represent the shut-off valves:
The washer would sit on a dolly with rubber casters sufficiently strong to support the load.
Questions
I am wondering:
- Would this setup work to meet the stated goals, if not how can it be revised to do so?
- How would you lock the washer unit in place so that it doesn't walk or vibrate when on?
I'm assuming that the platform can be securely bolted to multiple studs in the closet at multiple points on the two available walls. (Adding a metal shelf on the left-hand wall that extend to the platform to provide additional steadiness is possible, too.)
Best Answer
Why not put the entire unit on 300lb casters with locks? You could also use a chain locking system, like an earthquake strap. Long enough hoses and ducting, or easy to detach hoses and ducting, and you can roll it right out of the way.