What Is a Laundry Pedestal and Do You Really Need One?

Laundry rooms have come a long way from the basic utility spaces they once were. Today, they often feature sophisticated appliances, organizational systems, and even custom-built spaces designed to make laundry tasks easier and more efficient. 

One of the most popular accessories for modern laundry rooms is the laundry pedestal. But what is a laundry pedestal, and do you really need one?

In this article, we will explore the definition of a laundry pedestal, its purpose, the benefits it offers, and the factors you should consider before deciding whether or not to incorporate one into your laundry room.

---

What Is a Laundry Pedestal?

A laundry pedestal is a raised platform or stand that is designed to lift washing machines and dryers off the ground. Typically, these pedestals are made of metal or high-density plastic and are constructed to fit beneath front-loading washers and dryers. 

They are often sold as an optional accessory by major appliance brands, but they can also be found as third-party products compatible with different models.

These pedestals vary in height, but the general goal is to elevate the laundry appliances by several inches, usually between 12 to 18 inches. This added height can have several benefits, particularly for people who struggle with bending or stooping.

With a robust steel frame and advanced anti-vibration technology, the EZ LAUNDRY pedestal ensures unmatched stability. Its "EZ Laundry Crossbar Support System" minimizes vibrations, eliminating annoying noises during the spin cycle. The pedestal's adjustable rubber feet also provide a level platform, ensuring quieter operation and preventing unwanted wobbling.

Some laundry pedestals also come with built-in drawers or storage compartments, allowing you to keep laundry supplies, detergents, or even cleaning rags neatly organized and easily accessible.

 

---

 

Purpose of a Laundry Pedestal

1. Reducing Physical Strain

One of the primary reasons people opt for a laundry pedestal is to alleviate the physical strain of doing laundry. Traditional washers and dryers are typically placed at floor level, requiring you to bend down or crouch when loading, unloading, or folding clothes. 

Over time, this can cause discomfort, especially for individuals with back problems, joint issues, or those who simply have difficulty bending over.

By raising the height of the appliances, a laundry pedestal brings the opening of the washer or dryer closer to your natural standing position. This reduces the need to bend down, making it much easier on your back and knees. 

It can be particularly helpful for people with limited mobility, elderly individuals, or pregnant women who may experience extra strain from bending.

2. Maximizing Storage Space

Many laundry pedestals feature built-in storage drawers or shelves that allow you to store laundry supplies, such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or even towels and laundry baskets. This added storage can be invaluable in a small laundry room where space is at a premium.

In fact, some pedestals are designed with multiple drawers, so you can organize laundry supplies by category, making it easier to locate what you need without having to bend down to a low shelf or cabinet. 

Additionally, the elevated design can help keep your laundry room organized by reducing clutter and ensuring that everything has its designated place.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Though functionality is the primary goal of most laundry pedestals, they can also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your laundry room. Many pedestals are designed to match the look of the washer and dryer, creating a more streamlined, polished appearance. 

If you have an open-plan laundry room that is visible from other areas of your home, the clean, uniform design of a pedestal can help create a more cohesive and attractive look.

 

---

 

Benefits of Using a Laundry Pedestal

1. Enhanced Ergonomics and Comfort

As mentioned, the primary benefit of a ez laundry pedestal is that it makes the process of doing laundry more comfortable by reducing the need to bend or crouch. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with back pain or other physical limitations. 

By elevating the washer and dryer, you bring the appliance openings closer to your waist height, making it easier to load and unload laundry.

2. Additional Storage Options

With many laundry pedestals offering built-in storage drawers, you gain a functional, space-saving feature that can help you keep your laundry room organized. Storing laundry essentials directly beneath your washer or dryer not only frees up space elsewhere in the room but also ensures you have everything you need in one convenient location.

3. Better Use of Laundry Room Space

If your laundry room is on the smaller side, a pedestal can help you make the most of the space you have. The storage compartments in a pedestal can be used for things like laundry detergent, fabric softeners, or cleaning supplies, which reduces the need for extra shelves or cabinets. This also keeps the laundry room free from clutter, making it feel more organized and spacious.

 

---

 

Potential Drawbacks of Laundry Pedestals

1. Added Cost

One of the main drawbacks of laundry pedestals is the additional cost. Pedestals are often sold separately from washers and dryers, and they can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $100 to $500 or more depending on the brand, model, and features. 

This can be a significant investment on top of the cost of the washing machine and dryer themselves.

If you are working with a limited budget, you may want to carefully consider whether the benefits of a pedestal justify the extra expense. In some cases, it may be more economical to opt for other space-saving or ergonomic solutions.

2. Space Considerations

While pedestals can help maximize storage space by utilizing the height of the room, they are especially ideal for small laundry areas as they provide extra storage without taking up additional floor space. 

However, if you have a shelf above your laundry machine, it’s important to measure carefully to ensure the added height from the pedestals doesn’t interfere with the shelf or reduce its functionality.

It's essential to carefully measure your laundry room before investing in pedestals to ensure that they won't crowd the area or make it difficult to move around.

3. Not Compatible with All Machines

Not all washing machines or dryers are compatible with laundry pedestals, as most big-brand pedestals, like Samsung, are designed to fit only their specific machines. However, what sets our pedestal apart is its universal fit. This means that even if you choose to switch brands in the future, you can continue to use our pedestal as long as the new machine is the same size.

Additionally, some models of washers and dryers may have their own built-in pedestal, which may limit your options if you're looking to purchase a third-party pedestal.

 

---

 

Do You Really Need a Laundry Pedestal?

Ultimately, whether or not you need a laundry pedestal depends on several factors:

• Health and Physical Considerations: If you have back pain or limited mobility, a pedestal can significantly improve your comfort during laundry tasks.

• Storage Needs: If your laundry room is short on space and you need extra storage for detergent, fabric softeners, or other supplies, a pedestal with shelf can be a great solution.

• Budget: If you're on a tight budget, the cost of a pedestal might not be justifiable, especially when there are other less expensive ways to improve your laundry experience.

• Laundry Room Size: If your laundry room is small, the added height and space a pedestal requires might not be the best option.

 

---

 

Wrapping Up

A laundry pedestal can be a valuable addition to your laundry room if you want to improve the ergonomics of doing laundry, and add storage space. The EZ LAUNDRY Universal Fit Washer & Dryer Pedestal provides an unparalleled blend of ergonomic comfort, storage, stability, and water protection, making it a wise investment for any laundry room.

While they are not strictly necessary for everyone, they can certainly make the laundry process more comfortable and efficient, especially for those with physical limitations or small laundry rooms. Hope so, now you know what is a laundry pedestal.

Before investing in a laundry pedestal, however, it’s important to consider your budget, space constraints, and specific needs. If these factors align with the benefits a pedestal offers, it could be a worthwhile investment that enhances both the functionality and your comfort.