· Melbourne cabinetry guide
A small laundry has to handle machines, linen, cleaning products and wet-area access in a tight footprint. Cabinetry can help, but only when the plan allows the appliances to open, the services to remain accessible and the storage to match the work done in the room.
These ideas are useful for an early brief. A provider needs to inspect or verify the actual dimensions, services, materials and clearances before confirming what is suitable.
Map the appliance layout first
Decide whether the washing machine and dryer are side by side or stacked, and note their exact model dimensions if you have them. Include the door opening direction, hose connections, power points and any clearance recommended by the appliance maker. A tall cabinet that looks efficient can be impractical if it blocks a lid, door or service connection.
If an appliance may change later, say so in the brief. The provider can discuss whether the cabinet should allow for an alternative size or arrangement. Do not treat an early sketch as proof that a future appliance will fit.
Use a bench where it solves a real task
A work surface above front-loading machines can provide a place to sort, fold or temporarily store laundry. Its useful depth and height depend on the appliances, wall condition, plumbing and the way you need to reach controls. Leave enough room to open doors and remove items without catching the adjacent cabinet.
In a very narrow room, a shorter surface or a continuous shelf may be more practical than trying to fill every centimetre. Explain what you want to do at the bench, then ask the provider to test the clearances.
Build storage around laundry categories
- Keep everyday detergents and stain treatments close to the machines, with a defined place for each item.
- Use a tall section for a mop, broom, ironing board or other long items if the room allows.
- Reserve shelves or cupboards for folded linen, spare products and less frequent tasks.
- Keep a clear zone for sorting or carrying baskets rather than filling every open area with cabinetry.
Open shelving can make frequently used items visible, while doors can reduce visual clutter. The choice depends on cleaning habits, moisture, available depth and how much you want stored out of sight.
Plan around plumbing, ventilation and moisture
Laundries need cabinetry that works with water connections, drains, ventilation and the room's normal moisture. Ask what substrate, edging, finish and hardware are proposed for the position. No cabinet finish should be treated as automatically suitable for every wet-area condition. The provider should confirm the specification and any limitations.
Keep access to isolation points, valves, traps, filters and other service areas in mind. A removable panel or accessible cupboard may be needed, depending on the existing installation. Do not enclose a service point or appliance connection without confirming how it can be reached later.
Make a narrow laundry feel less crowded
Consistent door fronts, a considered handle position and lighter finishes can help the room read as one organised zone, but the layout still does most of the work. Use the full wall where practical, avoid unnecessary deep units and keep the path to the door clear. A shallow shelf may be more useful than a deep cupboard in a tight passage.
Include windows, doors, vents, skirting, floor levels and any ceiling bulkhead in the measurements. These small details often decide whether a tall cabinet can run to the corner or needs a return.
Give the provider a complete laundry brief
Share the suburb, property type, room measurements, appliance models, service positions, storage categories, preferred finish and any access restrictions. Mention whether the home will be occupied, whether old cabinets need removal and whether the laundry sits in an apartment or shared building. Timing depends on the confirmed scope, decisions, access and provider capacity, so describe a preferred window without treating it as guaranteed.
Melbourne Cabinetry does not represent a cabinetmaking business. A suitable provider confirms measurements, materials, pricing, timing, availability and installation arrangements directly.
See the laundry cabinetry service, browse Melbourne locations, then share your suburb and laundry brief. You can also read the guide to what affects a custom cabinetry quote.