Stacking frees up floor space, but only certain machines can be stacked — and only with the right kit.
Stacking is the standard answer to a small laundry closet, and it is straightforward — provided the machines are suitable and the installation is done properly. A dryer resting on a washer without a kit is a genuine hazard.
The requirements
- Both machines must be front-loading. A top-load washer cannot be stacked under anything.
- You need the manufacturer's stacking kit for that specific pair — it brackets the two together so the dryer cannot walk off during a spin cycle.
- The units should be the same width and, ideally, the same brand and series.
- The floor must be solid and level; stacked units concentrate a lot of weight and vibration.
- You need vertical clearance for the dryer door to open and for the vent to exit without a hard kink.
Things people forget
Reach: the dryer controls end up above eye level for many people, and the dryer door swing may need to be reversed. Serviceability: getting a stacked pair apart to reach the washer's pump takes two people. Venting: the run from a raised dryer is often longer and includes an extra elbow, which affects drying time.
“If the retailer did not include a stacking kit, the pair is not stacked yet — it is just balanced.”
We install stacked pairs regularly, including reversing dryer doors and re-routing venting. If you are unsure whether your machines can be stacked, send us the two model numbers and we will tell you before you buy a kit.