Front-loading washing machines are popular in today’s laundries, and clients often want to elevate their appliances for easier access. Vertically stacking a washer/dryer combo is a straightforward solution (as demonstrated beautifully in our cover image—scroll to the end of this feature for more information).
However, installing these heavy, dynamic machines on a raised plinth or within cabinetry requires careful planning and consideration.
A recent KBDi member enquiry highlighted how complex this seemingly simple design decision can be. In this instance, the designer was planning a laundry for an 84-year-old client. Elevating the washing machine offered more effortless loading and unloading, but raised several important questions:
- How should the unit be restrained to prevent movement or tipping?
What material or structural requirements apply to the plinth?Are there specific NCC or Australian Standards governing these installations? Does mounting a washing machine on a plinth void the appliance warranty?What liability considerations exist for designers, cabinetmakers, and builders?
What the Codes and Standards Say
Neither Volume Two nor Volume Three of the National Construction Code (NCC) contains provisions specifically addressing the installation of washing machines. Likewise, AS 4386:2018 Cabinetry in the built-in environment does not provide guidance on designing plinths for heavy, dynamic appliances. AS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas applies to the room’s floor and wall junctions, but makes no reference to elevated appliances.
In short, there are no mandatory construction or support requirements for washing machine plinths set out in the code; as a result, designers must refer directly to the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Manufacturer Requirements
A review of some commonly specified machines revealed the following:
- Bosch and Asko models generally allow plinth installation, provided the machine is securely anchored using approved anti-tip brackets.
- Some Fisher & Paykel models explicitly state the appliance must not be installed on a plinth, and the warranty may be void if elevated.
- Miele sells a plinth pack with an integrated drawer that is suitable for most Miele front-loading washing machines and tumble dryers. They also have installation services for the professional series laundry appliances on plinths (in metropolitan areas only).
When installation on a plinth is permitted, manufacturers may require:
- Anti-tip anchoring
- Adequate ventilation and side clearance
- Service access considerations
- Structural support appropriate to dynamic load
Key Conversation Notes for Designers and Clients
While the ergonomic sensibilities of a raised appliance need little justification, it’s wise to alert your client to some of the compromises they could face. Be sure to note the following points before locking in your design and appliance selections:
Appliance movement (walking/sliding) is a risk if a washing machine is not properly secured. Ensure your client is aware that anchoring or restraining the machine (lip at front, bolting down) will be required and investigate the added expenditure.Keep the machine at a height that allows safe, clear access to detergent drawers and controls — a modest elevation (200–400 mm) can provide good ergonomic benefit without compromising access.Ensure the cabinet is sufficiently deep so the machine can be fully pushed back, with hoses and cords in place. Also, be mindful that elevated washer installations may raise drainage and hose-routing issues (longer hoses, drainage height constraints). Vibration and noise may amplify when machines are mounted on cabinetry rather than floor slab. Consider the servicing complexity associated with elevated appliances: because of the machine’s weight, access, and removal can be more difficult and may require more than one technician.
In summary:
- Always confirm appliance suitability before cabinetry is designed.
- If elevation is required for accessibility, select machines explicitly approved for raised installation.
- Coordinate with builders and cabinetmakers early, and document roles and responsibilities clearly.
- Explain warranty and liability implications to clients — especially when working with ageing-in-place scenarios.
Access Support When You Need It
KBDi members have access to one-on-one Technical Design Support. Whether you’re navigating codes, cabinetry standards, wet area waterproofing, or appliance selection, we’re here to help.
Submit a Technical Support Request via your Member Portal or contact the KBDi office for support.
Featured Laundry
Designer: Lynette Yannakakis | Kaas Interior Design
This project started with a clear and thoughtful brief: to turn the laundry from a purely practical space into a generous, welcoming, and highly functional area that reflects the heritage character of the home. For a family of six, the laundry needed to support the full cycle of daily life — washing, drying, folding, and ironing — while making these tasks quicker and easier to manage.
The aesthetic direction was inspired by the home’s late-1800s interior. Instead of copying period details, Lynette captured its character through material choices, colour palette, and proportions. Rich, saturated colours, classic shaker profiles, natural timber, and stone surfaces create a sense of stability and familiarity, while the joinery remains clean and simple, supporting a more modern way of using the space.
To meet the desired footprint and amenity, the laundry was moved to an underused secondary kitchen. This enabled the new space to benefit from abundant natural light and views. Glazed French doors connect the laundry to the informal entrance hall — maintaining openness and visual flow while still allowing the space to be acoustically separated when needed.
A full-height joinery elevation provides thoughtful storage, including a dedicated airing cabinet for delicate and natural fibre garments — a detail that quietly supports garment longevity and client care routines. Stacked washer and dryer units optimise efficiency, while a concealed tall cupboard houses larger cleaning equipment.
A long workbench beneath the window grounds the functional workflow. The sturdy fireclay sink supports hand-washing and soaking tasks; Blackwood timber benchtops add warmth and will develop a graceful patina over time; and natural marble tiles were chosen to age gently with the home, rather than appear as a new addition.
The cabinetry, finished in a rich, inviting green with decorative capping and plinth detail, provides an elegant counterbalance to the workspace's practical functions. Traditional brass hardware, vintage-inspired tapware, and integrated wicker storage enhance a layered, lived-in feel. A thoughtfully blank wall allows space for the clients’ own styling and seasonal updates.
The resulting laundry feels connected to the spirit of the home — warm, bright, functional and genuinely enjoyable to be in. It elevates a routine task into a domestic ritual, showing how thoughtful design can enrich everyday life.
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