Have you ever gone to put dirty clothes into your washing machine and end up in pain from bending over?
Laundry pedestals elevate your front-load washer and dryer 12 to 16 inches from the ground to make it easier for people with mild to moderate back, knee, and hip pain to get clothes in and out of the appliance.
Laundry pedestals can be a lifesaver, but you may hesitate to get one when you see the price.
We explain exactly why laundry pedestals are so expensive and whether they are worth the cost.
Why Are Laundry Pedestals So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
Items with value cost more than items with little to no value.
To some people, a laundry pedestal appears to be nothing more than a metal box.
However, they act as much more than that.
Here are some of the reasons that laundry pedestals come with a higher-than-expected price tag.
1. Laundry Pedestals Are Machine Specific
Washing machines vary greatly by features and design, and laundry pedestals must coincide with the exact specifications of your unit, or the washer may not work properly.
The laundry machine has a drain hose connection on the bottom of the unit.
You need a laundry pedestal that leaves room for the drain hose to connect to the washer.
Furthermore, you need a pedestal with the right shape to ensure that it supports the weight evenly, preventing shaking and toppling over.
That’s why you buy laundry machine pedestals from the manufacturer.
However, be careful to not only buy from the correct manufacturer but also for your specific device.
When buying directly from the manufacturer, it tends to cost more than buying a generic version.
That’s why Apple headphones cost more than similar options made by a different brand.
2. They Support Immense Weight
You need something strong in order to support the weight of the washing machine and dryer.
The average front-loading washing machine can weigh 250 pounds, and extra-large models weigh even more.
The pedestal must also support the weight of the water and clothes inside of the washer, too.
Water weighs roughly 8.3 pounds per gallon, and the weight of the clothes depends on the size of the load and the type of materials.
If the product cannot support the weight of your washing machine and dryer, the washer and dryer may fall.
The products are more likely to fall while the device is in use and moving, but it can happen randomly when the stand finally breaks under the pressure from the weight.
3. Heavy-Duty Materials
In order to maintain the weight of the laundry machines, the pedestals use heavy-duty materials in their construction.
You need a product that can support heavy products, withstand water damage, and hold up against corrosion.
Corrosion refers to the natural deterioration of metal over an extended period of time.
Metal pedestals tend to work better than wood products since metal tends to be stronger and last longer.
Plus, wood is more susceptible to water damage.
Most manufacturers make pedestals out of stainless steel, which provides the highest amount of support.
However, you can also find pedestals made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, or galvanized steel.
Aluminum costs the least and has a very high resistance to corrosion.
Steel is the strongest option, but it may not protect against corrosion as well.
4. Value Of Accessibility
People will pay more for an item when it provides a high value to them, and washing machine pedestals can truly help people with mobility problems, such as a bad back or bad knees.
Georgetown University found that 8% of Americans (roughly 65 million people) reported a recent back pain incident.
When someone experiences back pain, constantly moving in awkward motions can exacerbate the problem.
If the washing machine forces the person to constantly put themselves in an uncomfortable position multiple times a week, it will only get worse.
People may choose not to do the laundry at all if it hurts every time they bend over, thus allowing the laundry to pile up.
However, a laundry pedestal can allow people with back pain to get the job done without creating more damage.
However, anyone with back pain should also be careful to only carry laundry baskets that don’t weigh more than recommended by the doctor.
5. Additional Space Of Smart Pedestals
You may come across a smart pedestal and wonder what it does.
A smart pedestal adds an additional small washing machine to the larger unit that works great in the case of an emergency.
We’ve all been in that situation where someone in the household needs a particular soccer jersey or pair of work pants washed quickly but has nothing else to wash.
The extra space helps keep your operating costs down since you won’t use as much water as you would with a regular load.
Of course, you need to bend down to use it.
Pro Tip: Consider using a high-efficiency washing machine with an Energy Star certification to contribute to reducing water and electricity usage.
Not only does this keep your utility bills down, but you also lower your personal carbon footprint.
6. Keeps Warranty Valid
Washing machines come with a warranty in the case of a factory malfunction.
However, most warranties also come with strict stipulations.
If you do not adhere to the fine print, you may find yourself unable to make use of the warranty.
Unfortunately, not knowing that something might void the warranty does not work as a proper excuse.
Two common reasons a warranty can be voided when it comes to laundry pedestals are using something not approved by the manufacturer and not getting professional installation.
Some people try to put the washing machine on something they already have in the vicinity that looks like it should support it.
Not only can this void the warranty, as mentioned, but it requires a lot of effort to lift a washing machine.
If you didn’t already have a bad back, you are putting yourself in a position to possibly hurt yourself.
7. Safety Features
A laundry pedestal raises the washer and dryer off of the ground, keeping the electronic components of the appliances elevated as well.
In the case of a flood, the pedestal can keep the washing machines safe from water damage.
If water gets into the wrong parts of the unit, it can result in a complete breakdown.
Pedestals also keep the water away from electrical cords at the bottom of the device.
As we all know, water and electricity don’t mix.
If water comes into contact with an electrical outlet, it can even result in a fire.
8. Aesthetic Appeal
The right laundry pedestal can improve the appearance of your laundry room.
Since most people buy laundry pedestals specifically designed for their machines, the pedestal matches perfectly.
It will even have the same color.
The additional lift also makes it more appealing since the focus doesn’t rest on the back of the wall but the shiny appliance.
In order to add additional style to the laundry area, finish the wall behind the laundry machine and dryer.
You can also add decorations.
Just keep things waterproof in the case of an accident.
You can also always install a door to hide the space from visitors.
9. Extra Storage
If you need more storage space in the laundry room to hold detergent and other items, a laundry pedestal can also act as a pull-out drawer to provide you with extra storage space to keep things looking tidy.
It should provide enough space for everything you may need for a regular load of laundry.
Metal pedestals also won’t experience damage from the soap if it accidentally spills.
Of course, people who can’t bend over may not see an advantage to this feature for everyday use, but it can store backup items in that situation.
10. Demand
It’s the most basic principle in economics: supply and demand.
People want laundry pedestals, so manufacturers and retailers charge accordingly.
With that being said, people want the product due to the numerous benefits, so the value often makes up for the cost.
Tips For Using Laundry Pedestals
If you get a laundry pedestal, you want to get the most use out of it as possible.
Read these tips to learn how to best use your laundry pedestal.
Only Use With Front Loading Machines
There are two main types of washing machines: front loading washing machines and top-loading washing machines.
Front loading washing machines have more advantages than top loading washing machines.
They wash clothes better.
They also use five gallons less water per use (roughly 2,000 gallons of water per year!).
However, 76% of people still use top-loading washing machines due to the cheaper price and possibly also due to the convenience of not having to bend down.
Since front loading machines load on the top of the unit, homeowners don’t need to bend down to put clothes inside of it.
If you did install a pedestal, it can make it way too high for comfort.
Not only is it not necessary, but it will only make doing laundry more difficult.
Install During Initial Installation Of Washer
You will save a lot of money if you get the pedestal installed at the same time as the washing machine, especially considering pedestals work best when installed by professionals.
You can always call someone to install a pedestal underneath your current machines, but you may be better off waiting until it’s time for an upgrade.
Get One For The Dryer, Too
One of the seven principles of design is “balance”.
Maintain the feng shui in your laundry room by getting a pedestal for both the washer and the dryer since you don’t want one appliance 12 to 29 inches taller than the other.
It would look odd (unless that fits your style).
How Much Do Laundry Pedestals Cost?
The most inexpensive options usually cost about $100.
However, items with additional features will cost more.
Products with a storage drawer will cost an average of $200 to $300.
Smart pedestals may cost up to $500.
Keep in mind that you will need to buy another pedestal for the dryer, meaning you will need to double the costs.
You will also need to consider the cost of the installation, which could range from $110 to $150, assuming that the space already has all required hookups.
Is A Laundry Pedestal Worth It?
Now you know that laundry pedestals cost a lot, but are they worth it?
Pedestals make doing laundry a lot easier for people with mobility problems, such as people with back problems who struggle to bend down.
For that reason, you will find a lot of laundry pedestals in homes designed for senior citizens.
However, people who have no trouble putting clothes into the washer may not see any advantage to paying for the additional pedestal.
Whether or not a washing machine pedestal is worth it depends on your particular household and any physical barriers you may experience.
In some rare cases, it may not even make sense for the washer to be lifted so high and cause a problem instead of a benefit.
Building Your Own Washing Machine Pedestal
You can also build your own laundry pedestal yourself to the exact requirements of your unit.
Most people who build a pedestal themselves use wood since more people have access to lumber and woodworking tools, but wood doesn’t make the best option in a room with a lot of water.
Plus, a homemade washing machine pedestal may void the warranty of the washing machine.
Alternative Options
Are there any other options for elevating the washing machine?
You may not get to use the warranty, but you can try these options when you want to lift an older washing machine.
Of course, if you use a method not formally approved by the manufacturer, be extremely careful.
Ensure that the item you use can support the weight.
You also want to get the necessary help to lift your appliances.
Metal Stand
A sturdy table or stand can possibly hold up the washer and dryer provided that the table raises the units to the desired height and is long enough for both items.
Ideally, look for a metal item with an adjustable height, but wooden tables can work in a pinch.
Do not use an item with wheels since it won’t provide the necessary stability.
Wooden Panels
Wooden panels can give you an inexpensive boost of a couple of inches with items you may even have around the house.
You can build the pallet or buy it from the local hardware store.
Ideally, only use one layer of wooden panels.
Bricks
Bricks are strong, so you may choose to place a couple of extra-large bricks underneath the washing machine.
This option is probably the least preferable of the bunch.
If you do use bricks, do not place them on top of each other.
If you do, it can create an unstable foundation for the washing machine and dryer.
Use a Top-Loading Washing Machine
This is not ideal, but you may choose to switch to a front-loading washing machine to make laundry day easier, especially if you are the only one who does the wash in the household.
Look for high-end models that match the washing capabilities of front-loading machines.
Also, keep in mind that if you need to pay for a new appliance anyway, a front-loading washing machine with a pedestal is the best choice.
Talk to your local hardware store associate to learn about the possibility of financing so that you can get what you truly want.
Pay For Laundry Service
While not suitable for most situations, some people with the means may choose to allow someone else to do the laundry for them.
You can either send the laundry out or have a maid come to your home.
If you send it out, you get expert laundry services.
However, maids can do a number of other chores for you around the house.
Of course, this option costs a lot of money.
However, if you have done the laundry for decades, you probably deserve the break.
Final Thoughts On Laundry Pedestals
Laundry pedestals provide the best way to lift a front-loading washing machine by 12 to 16 inches.
You may not expect metal to cost so much, but the value it provides far exceeds the initial cost, especially compared to the alternatives.
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