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Washer pedestal height guide: Measurements, fit and clearance
A laundry pedestal is a platform that raises your front load washer or dryer off the floor, making it easier to load and unload clothes. Choosing the right pedestal height isn't just about comfort; it can also affect how your appliances fit in your laundry room, how much storage you have and whether you have enough clearance for doors, cabinets and hookups.
Use this guide to learn standard pedestal heights, measurement tips and more to help you find the right fit for your space.
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How tall are washer and dryer pedestals?
Washer and dryer pedestals are typically 10-16 inches tall, 27-28 inches wide and 26-29 inches deep, though dimensions vary by model. Pedestals aren’t universally compatible, so you’ll need to verify that the model will work for your front load washer or dryer. Since most front load appliances are about 39 inches tall, adding a pedestal typically brings the total installed height to about 49-55 inches.
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Laundry pedestal heights compared
You can likely find pedestals with a range of dimensions, including those designed for use with a compact washer or dryer. See the chart below to compare a range of standard pedestals by height.
| Pedestal Size | Height | Drawer | Storage Capacity | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | ~10" | No (with some exceptions) | None (very limited) | Adjustable leveling feet |
| Medium | ~12" | Sometimes | Dryer sheets, stain removers, scrub brushes, small laundry supplies | Adjustable leveling feet |
| Large | ~15.5" | Usually, yes | Bulky detergent bottles, cleaning supplies, accessories, etc. | Adjustable leveling feet |
* Specs vary by model. See pedestal owner’s manual for unique specifications.
How to measure for washer pedestal height and clearance
Before you install a laundry pedestal, check compatibility, measure the total height of your setup and make sure you have enough clearance around your appliances. Read on for a closer look at each step and helpful measuring tips.
1. Confirm pedestal model compatibility before measuring height
Before you commit to a specific pedestal model, make sure it’s compatible with your washer or dryer. Not every pedestal works with every model, so check that it matches your appliance’s width and depth. The right pedestal should provide a secure fit and the support your washer or dryer needs.
2. Measure total installed height for your space
Measure the height of your washer or dryer, then measure the height of the pedestal you plan to install and add those two numbers together to find the total installed height of your new setup. This can help you get the full picture to make sure your appliances will fit under your upper cabinets, shelves, countertops, low ceilings or other overhead obstacles.
3. Check door swing and loading clearance
Check for proper clearance by opening your washer and dryer doors all the way to make sure they won’t hit nearby walls or cabinets. Since most pedestals are made for front load appliances, you’ll also want enough room to load and unload clothes comfortably. Leave about four feet of open space in front of the machines so you have room to move laundry baskets and sort clothes.
4. Confirm wall, vent and hookup clearances
As you plan your layout, leave about six inches of space behind the appliances for venting and water hookups. You should also leave about one inch between the washer and dryer, plus another inch between each appliance and the wall. Those small gaps can help reduce vibration and give you a little more flexibility during installation.
How to choose the right laundry pedestal setup
After you measure for pedestal height, compare your setup options based on your appliance model, the laundry space you have available and what feels most comfortable for your household. As you narrow down your choices, keep the factors below in mind.
Choose a pedestal height that supports comfortable loading
A laundry pedestal raises a front load washer or dryer so you don’t have to bend as far when you load or unload clothes. As you compare pedestal heights, think about how easily you can reach into the drum, whether you can comfortably use the controls and how the overall height will work for everyone who does laundry.
Plan for pedestal storage and room clearance
A pedestal with a built-in drawer will give you a convenient spot to store detergent, dryer sheets and other laundry essentials. Before you install it, pull out the drawer to make sure it can fully extend without hitting doors, cabinets or anything else in your laundry room.
Compare pedestals with stacking for small laundry spaces
Installing a pedestal and stacking your laundry appliances serve two different purposes: one adds height, the other saves floor space. Pedestals help add height to a front load unit—typically somewhere between 10 and 16 inches—to help reduce bending and make loading and unloading more comfortable. They may also double as a drawer for additional storage.
Stacked laundry appliances, on the other hand, can help you save floor space in the laundry room, especially if utilizing a laundry closet or another tight laundry space. Both stacking and pedestals can be beneficial in laundry rooms with front load washer and dryer pairs.
Match washer and dryer pedestal setups
Even if a washer and dryer are sold as a pair, they may require different pedestal models. Check your washer and dryer owner’s manual to learn which pedestals may be compatible. If possible, consider installing matching pedestals that can help keep both appliances at the same height and create a cohesive look.
Laundry pedestal height FAQs
The right pedestal height for your laundry room depends on your compatible appliances, the room’s layout and how your family uses the laundry area. Read on for answers to common questions about laundry pedestals.
When installed properly, pedestals beneath your washer or dryer shouldn’t cause shaking during a wash or dry cycle. However, if the adjustable leveling legs aren’t balanced, you may notice the machine shaking. Make sure all legs are level on the floor before running your washer or dryer for the first time, and consult your owner’s manual for more information about installation.
Washer and dryer pedestal heights don’t necessarily need to match, but you may prefer to have a matching setup for consistent loading height and a more coordinated aesthetic. Most importantly, laundry pedestals should offer the same width and depth as your washer or dryer.
Whether your appliance and pedestal fit beneath a countertop depends on the countertop height and combined heights of your appliance and pedestal. Measure the height of your washer or dryer, add the height of the pedestal, then compare that total to the space beneath your countertop. Be sure to leave any installation clearance recommended by the manufacturer.
Most washer pedestals can be removed later if you move, replace your appliance or decide you no longer want the extra height. After you remove the pedestal, you'll need to reinstall and level the appliance's feet before using it again.
Washer and dryer pedestals aren’t universal, with most models designed to only fit specific brands or the dimensions of the appliance under which they sit. Always verify compatibility with your appliance before you purchase a pedestal, and refer to your washer or dryer owner’s manual for more information.
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