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If your laundry area feels like a utility closet, a clever IKEA transformation can make it look like furniture. A popular DIY repurposes a SEKTION pantry-height cabinet and ENKÖPING doors to conceal a washer or dryer. The idea trades an exposed appliance for a tidy, cabinet-front look. It also demands careful planning to handle vibration, hoses, and ventilation.
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Appliances are practical, not pretty. Many homeowners prefer a seamless look in small homes and apartments. Concealing a washer or dryer behind cabinet doors gives the laundry area a cohesive feel. It also frees up visual space in open-plan layouts.
Beyond aesthetics, hiding machines can protect them from dust and accidental bumps. But this approach requires attention to structure. The spin cycle puts force on the enclosure. Without reinforcement, a cabinet may loosen or fail.
Essential IKEA parts and extra materials to buy
Using common product names helps when shopping. Below are the core IKEA items and basic hardware that make this hack work.
- SEKTION 30×90 inch cabinet frame — the main enclosure.
- ENKÖPING doors in two sizes to create a full-front look.
- Reinforced galvanized steel rails for rigidity across the cabinet.
- Cabinet legs or risers to lift and stabilize the unit.
- UTRUSTA or similar hinges for smooth door action.
- Construction lumber such as 2x4s for internal bracing.
- Tools: jigsaw, drill, screws, level, measuring tape.
- Optional: adjustable shelves for detergents and small items.
Purchasing these pieces from IKEA keeps costs moderate. With reinforcement and hinges, the total typically lands around the mid-hundreds. Pricing varies by region and optional extras.
How to modify a SEKTION cabinet to fit a washer or dryer
Plan placement and mark hose and vent holes
Assemble the cabinet first to get accurate measurements. Place it where the machine will sit. Mark where hoses, power cords, and vents must pass through the back panel. Measure twice before cutting.
Cut access openings and add rear clearance
Use a jigsaw to cut a neat opening for hoses and cords. Then fasten 2x4s under that opening to create a recessed area. This creates space behind the cabinet for plumbing and ventilation work.
Remove the cabinet base and ensure floor contact
Do not let the machine rest on the cabinet floor. Remove the cabinet base so the washer or dryer sits directly on the room floor. This prevents vibrations from stressing the cabinet joints.
Important: Floor contact significantly reduces shake and prolongs cabinet life.
Install galvanized rails for strength and squareness
Mount galvanized steel rails across the cabinet front before final fastening. The rails help keep the frame square during heavy vibration. Drill them into both sides for even support.
Fit doors, hinges, and optional shelves
Attach ENKÖPING doors and test their swing with the appliance in place. Install UTRUSTA hinges for a tidy fit. If you want storage, add adjustable shelves on the pre-drilled side panels. They make good homes for detergent and dryer sheets.
Practical tips, costs, and who should attempt this DIY
This project is rewarding but not trivial. Expect to spend hours assembling and modifying the cabinet. You will need basic carpentry tools and comfort with power tools. If you dislike drilling and cutting, this may not be for you.
- Cost estimate: cabinet, doors, rails, hinges, and extras usually total around $500.
- Time: allow a weekend for assembly and modifications.
- Skills: intermediate DIY ability recommended.
- Space: ensure room for vents, hoses, and service access.
Safety note: Maintain clearance for heat and airflow if the appliance vents into the room. If in doubt, consult a professional for venting or electrical work.
Design variations and finishing touches that elevate the look
Small details can transform the cabinet into a design feature. Paint or pick cabinet finishes that match nearby cabinetry. Use hardware that complements your kitchen or laundry aesthetic.
- Install soft-close hinges for a premium feel.
- Add a towel bar or integrated folding shelf to the door faces.
- Place removable trays under machines for leak protection.
With careful reinforcement and proper ventilation, this IKEA hack can turn an exposed washer or dryer into a polished, furniture-style element. It’s an option worth considering for tight laundry spaces and homes that prioritize visual cohesion.
