How to Build a Shelf Behind Washer and Dryer | Over-Appliance Storage

Build a shelf behind or above your washer and dryer by measuring the appliances, anchoring a support board into wall studs, and cutting shelf boards to fit the exact space.

For the full breakdown, see our best Behind Washer And Dryer Shelf guide.

A shelf above your laundry pair can be genuinely useful. It grabs a dead zone for detergent, dryer sheets, and folded towels. But putting one up the wrong way can block water valves, crush a vent hose, or make it impossible to slide the machines out for service. The working method is straightforward, and the planning takes less time than the cutting. The key is treating the shelf as furniture sized to your appliances — not a generic floating board. If you prefer to buy a shelf system instead of building one, our roundup of the best behind washer and dryer shelf options is worth a look before you start.

Step 1: Measure Appliances and the Alcove

Before you cut anything, measure the installed width and depth of both appliances and the gap between them. Ferguson’s installation guidance emphasizes that the process starts with the appliances in place, because that is what sets your real constraints. Record three numbers:

• The height of the taller appliance top (usually the dryer).
• The width of the opening, including the gap between washer and dryer.
• The depth of the machines so the shelf can overhang slightly without jutting too far.

A wall support board typically sits 1–2 inches above the measured appliance height, and the finished shelf floats about an inch above the tallest machine after installation.

Step 2: Anchor Into Wall Studs, Not Drywall

Laundry shelves carry real weight — full detergent jugs are heavy — and drywall alone will not hold it. Locate studs with a stud finder, then fasten a 2x lumber support board into the studs using two 3.5-inch screws per stud. Do not rely on drywall anchors for this load.

The depth of the shelf matters more than most builders expect. An 8-inch-deep shelf keeps items from tumbling behind the appliances, but you also need clearance for the hoses and power cords that run up behind the machines. A shelf that sits flush against the wall while the machines sit out a few inches gives you room to work.

Step 3: Cut, Assemble, Finish, and Mount

Mark the shelf height on the wall, then cut your boards. Common approaches in DIY guides include a simple 1×8 pine board with a 1×2 front edge and cove molding, or a sturdier plywood box joined with pocket screws. Notch the shelf around trim or framing if needed. Sand, stain or paint, and seal the wood before hanging it — finishing a shelf already mounted above a dryer is miserable work.

Slide the shelf over the support board and secure it with 1.5-inch nails for retention. Check that the shelf is level with a long level, then confirm it does not obstruct anything.

Critical Safety Checks Before Declaring Done

A shelf above laundry appliances must never interfere with the machinery. Ferguson’s dryer installation guidance warns against pushing the dryer hard against the wall and twisting or trapping the vent duct. Before you mount, and again after, verify these four points:

• The dryer vent duct is not crushed or bent sharply behind the shelf.
• The water shutoff valves for the washer remain reachable and turn freely.
• The machines can still be pulled out for hose replacement, belt service, or vent cleaning.
• The dryer sits on a flat, level surface with its leveling feet adjusted.

For gas dryers, keep extra caution in mind. Lowe’s guidance on installing washer-dryer pedestals notes that while some steps are user-friendly, gas-line work should be handled by a professional. If moving the dryer for this project means disconnecting gas, call someone qualified.

Before any work near the washer, shut off the water valves near the machine. And before reinstalling a moved dryer, check the exterior vent is unobstructed and clean the vent completely inside and out.

When it is all up and level, test your work. Run a cycle and watch the vent hose for kinks, then slide the pair out a few inches to confirm the shelf never binds on the cords. No official manufacturer standard governs a “behind washer and dryer shelf,” so this practical compatibility check is the real rule.