Can I hide my washing machine and tumble dryer behind IKEA doors if they are not integrated appliances?

[IHeartKingThistle]

Quite a specific question!

We're redoing the utility room. Atm washer/dryer are stacked on top of each other. I'd like to keep them like that but behind doors as part of a run of tall cupboards. Any idea if this is possible? Would I need deeper units maybe? Thanks!

[PigletJohn]

You can, but unless you spend a lot of money it will not look perfectly neat.

You will need a pillar or a panel on one or both sides of the appliance, with a large door hinged on it. Appliances are usually 600mm wide and 800/850,, high, though there will be a plinth at floor level. You will need a single large door; or two large doors (one for each appliance) or a pair of doors, to hide the appliances. I doubt you will be able to get doors which are a bit wider than 600mm. The minimum width you need to cover will be about 650mm because you will have two sides at 18mm plus a bit of space. You might be able to get pairs of 400mm doors and have an 800mm wide enclosure.

It may stick out more than the usual 600mm depth of kitchen units. There will be plumbing and possibly a duct behind. Your appliances should be removable for servicing, and the electrical switch should be visible and readily accessible outside the enclosure in case, for example, your washer catches fire.

Possibly you could have 598mm doors hinged at one side, and another door of any convenient width at the other side to cover the extra space, plus, say, a shelved unit for your ironing board, powder, etc.

You will need someone competent at measuring and tailoring kitchen cabinets.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Thanks so much for the reply - sounds like a palaver! I'm now thinking of hiding the entire utility run of units/appliances behind sliding doors and hiding the whole thing!

[Lelivre]

I've had something similar done. If you have an experienced kitchen fitter they will no doubt have tackled this before. Mine is under counter and yes the counter is deeper this side (which I love as a work surface) and they used a 900 cupboard and so both doors open. One side where there is additional space I have had built storage for detergents etc. the washing machine fits into the void.