How to build enclosure for outdoor washing machine?

[LotsToLearn]

I'm thinking of moving my washing machine to the outdoor patio to make more space indoors. Our roof just extends enough to keep it undercover but I'd like to put it in some kind of waterproof enclosure similar to the attached photo. 

How hard would it be to make one of these?

I was also considering maybe an outdoor storage shed but it won't be as tidy a solution.

[JacobZ]

Hi @LotsToLearn,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Building a waterproof enclosure like the one pictured wouldn't be easy, as you'd need to cut and custom-fabricate it from PVC, which isn't simple.

If you were set on building something yourself, I'd be more inclined to recommend you build a frame from H3 framing, then clad it with fibre cement. These materials are suitable for exterior use and are much simpler to cut and custom fabricate than something like PVC sheeting.

If you wanted a simpler prebuilt solution, I think something like this Keter 1.32 x 0.72 x 1.14m Black Store Prime Plastic Garden Shed would be great as long as your washing machine fits inside it.

Allow me to tag @AlanM52, @Nailbag and @Noyade to see if they have any ideas.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @LotsToLearn,

I would like to suggest the keyword is 'Weatherproof' not 'Waterproof'.

I have two lines of thoughts and both of them include a cover, like a BBQ cover.

* Outdoor storage cabinet as @JacobZ suggested.

* Regular laundry cabinet with decent moisture resistance.

Asking @JacobZ if there is a moisture resistant laundry cabinet large enough to fit a washing machine?

Asking @LotsToLearn the washing machine size/weight and top or front load?

There are other considerations like the weight of the machine on the base of the cabinet and vibration, likely needs to be fixed down in some way.

Meanwhile I'll keep looking... out there.

Cheers

[LotsToLearn]

Thanks for the all the help so far @AlanM52  and @JacobZ !

It's a front loading washer. I'm not the most skilled so perhaps the outdoor storage cabinet might be the way to go. 

As @AlanM52 mentioned though, I imagine the plastic base of the storage shed wasn't meant to support heavy machinery ha. 

Could I just buy a thick piece of wood and place it across the base of the unit as a support? Perhaps with a rubber mat underneath the wood as a sort of dampener to absorb vibration?

Thanks in advance!

[JacobZ]

Hi @LotsToLearn,

I'd be happy to look into whether there is something that could fit your needs besides the shed, but I'd need to know how big it needs to be.

What were the dimensions of your washing machine?

I hadn't considered Alan's point about the vibrations through the base of the shed, but this would certainly be something you'd have to consider. As the base of the shed would have to be on the ground, it would still be supported, but the vibrations could be troublesome.

You can likely just put a 200 x 200 x 15mm Anti Vibration Square under each corner of the washing machine for this.

Anchoring the shed to the ground would also be a good idea. Where were you hoping to install it? There are predrilled holes for anchoring the shed, but it doesn't come with anchors. If you can advise where you were hoping to install it, I could recommend an anchoring solution.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Good afternoon @LotsToLearn,

Fortunately the base sits on the ground so rather than a timber base I am thinking of paving the bottom and filling the gaps with paving sand which will lock everything in and help to keep out spiders and bugs. Also use castor cups.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=castor+cups&sort=BoostOrder

That is the extremal dimensions so measure up the internal size of the base to estimate the number of pavers that will fit in there and fill the gaps with paving sand.

Cheers