Laundry reno - questions re: shelving and plumbing

MelC1

I'm planning some work in our laundry over the school holidays. For perspective, the room layout is:

Hopefully my writing is legible over the graph pad squares.

The area I want to work on looks like this:

Current look.jpeg

Please excuse the mess!

Our cat's litter tray sits on the newspaper and the cupboard behind it is hardly used.

This is what I'm thinking of doing:

New look.jpg

So I'd be installing a bench (stretching across the area), replacing the basic shelves with open cube shelves and replacing the sink cupboard with a simple front cover (just enough to hide the plumbing) so that the litter tray could sit underneath the sink, out of the way. I'd also paint the walls (I narrowed the colour down to a couple of nice pale greys at Bunnings today).

Question 1: What would be the best way to install the new shelves? I'm thinking I'll have to make them first. I had a look at the cube shelves in Bunnings and they don't work for the space (size wise).

Question 2 (this is probably one for a plumber): Is it possible to change the layout of the pipes (see below), to give more clearance? I.e. lift it all up. We have a tall cat!

I'm also thinking that replacing the internal door with a barn style one might be a good way to create some space.

Possible tile and bench wood combo:

Bench tile combo.jpg

Regards

Melanie

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StevieB

Hi @MelC1,

It's wonderful to see you making your first post after being part of the community for some time. Thanks for sharing the beginnings of your project with us.

Let me tag @diy_hausdesigns and @rubytuesday1953 who have shared fantastic laundry shelving projects and may be able to offer ideas for yours. Our resident D.I.Y. expert @MitchellMc will also be happy to help with any questions when he's back on the site on Friday.

Stevie

diy_hausdesigns

Hi @MelC1 and @StevieB

Sounds like you've put a great amount of time into planning it all out. Great work!

I would suggest making your own shelves particularly if the store bought ones aren't to you preference. They can be fairly simple to create.

Bunnings has a great range of chipboard/ timber panels etc that I love to use to create shelves in my projects. Generally speaking, by making them youself, you are likely to have an easier time securing them to the wall studs (assuming the wall is timber framed) and also have something better fitting.

All the best and happy to help along the way.

MelC1

Thanks @StevieB , much appreciated.

MelC1

Thanks @diy_hausdesigns , I’ll check out the chipboard/timber panels (and your Workshop posts 😁). Yes, the wall is timber framed.

rubytuesday1953

Hi MelC1,

Sorry, I can't help with your plumbing issues, but I highly recommend the shelf unit design that @diy_hausdesigns let me use. It's relatively easy to make (even though he very graciously let me pester him a bit about some measurements)

It will add a touch of class to your laundry.

I'm sure he will let you use the design if you like it

Good luck with your project

Regards

@rubytuesday1953

MelC1

Thanks @rubytuesday1953. @Chaks_DIY 's stylish design has given me food for thought. This is the look I've had in mind (but with more wall space between the bench and shelves):

MitchellMc

Sounds like a great project @MelC1.

So, are you replacing the cabinet sink with one that inserts into your new timber benchtop? If so, I see no reason why the plumber couldn't do some tricky pipework and shift the 'S'-bend over to the right-hand side, so your cat has more room. You might want to check with them to see what type of plumbing options are available so that the pipework is entirely hidden, Seems like a lot of work to end up with exposed plumbing work.

If you're not planning on replacing the cabinet sink, how were you intending on running the benchtop across it?

Mitchell

MelC1

Hi @MitchellMc

Yes, I’m thinking of replacing the existing sink. Bunnings have a couple of round ones that I like the look of. Next task: call a plumber!

MitchellMc

See if the plumber can run a sharp corner out of the plug waste underneath the sink and shift the 'S'-bend right over to the wall. Then you'll be able to box it in with some timber to hide the plumbing.

Keep us updated and reach out if you have further questions.

Mitchell

Jason

Hi @MelC1,

We're looking forward to seeing how you can transform your laundry.

You can check out our Top 10 most popular laundry renovation projects if you need any further inspiration. I would also recommend @Adam_W's guide How to plan a laundry renovation.

Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand with anything. We're here to help. It will also be great to get regular updates of your progress over the holidays.

Jason

MelC1

Thanks @MitchellMc , I'll ask about that. I'm just waiting to hear back from an electrician friend for a couple of plumber recommendations.

MelC1

Thank you @Jason , I've checked out both of those posts - very helpful and inspirational!

EricL

Hi @MelC1

I'm sorry I'm late for the party. But here are some inspirational images that will help you visualize what your laundry could look like. If you want to see a different configuration or material in the laundry. Please let me know and I'll be more than happy to change it for you.

Eric

MelC1

Thanks @EricL,very snazzy! If you have the time, would you mind changing a few things? I ended up purchasing a round overmount sink and a black mixer (to be located in the corner). We won’t have a raised cat tray as it will reduce the space available for out (tall) cat 🙂 You’ve given me something to ponder as I’d decided to go with a plain white tile (probably subway), thinking that the multi-shaded bench top and pattern tile combo would be too busy, but I quite like how it looks in your mock-up. Decisions, decisions!

Initial electrical and plumbing work has been done and I’ve neatened up the plasterboard for the new board to go up.

EricL

Hi @MelC1

As requested, I've replaced the sink with a round bowl and have done your wall tiles in both Subway and Decor8 tiles. I've also countersunk the cat's litter box so that it will not affect the height of the bottom of the cabinet. I've placed a black tap to give you an idea of what it might look like on the right-hand side location. Just to let you know the cabinet I used for your laundry tub is the Kaboodle 600mm Base Cabinet. It takes out all the guesswork for your builder and everything should fit neat. If you wish to make any other changes, please let me know.

Eric

MelC1

Thank you @EricL, much appreciated. I’ll show that to my husband 🙂 That’s an interesting idea to countersink the tray. Food for thought!

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