Outdoor utility room
14 Creative Ideas for an Outdoor Laundry Room
Our laundry room is getting a BIG makeover. Things have been a bit tight here at the Day farm as our household count rapidly grew from three to six (seven, if you count my nomad sister who's currently taking up the guest room). I've been mulling over the idea of an outdoor laundry room for awhile, and after visiting a ton of spots on the East Coast my wheels started turning.
Here in California we typically put the washing machines as an afterthought in a closet, the garage or their own tiny room tucked into a corner of the house. Most places I've encountered on the other side of the country (except Manhattan, of course) have laundry rooms that appear to serve a bigger purpose. They're more central to the home, often stuck smack dab in the kitchen or entryway. Laundry spaces over there, by and large, seem chock full of utility. This one in Georgia acted as a mudroom where the whole family could unload their weather-worn gear as opposed to tromping it through the house.
I've often contemplated how I might implement this sort of functionality in our own home.
There's no room by our front door for a sprawling wash area. Our back entry and all around the sides of our home, on the other hand, have been on the docket for a mini-revival and there's plenty of space out there. When one of my Portland friends recently installed a ‘she shed' in her backyard to serve as her office, it was like a lightbulb went off. I ogled her pictures and decided I could build myself a laundry she shed! It can act as an outdoor wash room, a place for our family to ditch their dirty duds, and a hipster-y sort of gathering spot where I can shake off the dust of farm life while simultaneously grilling carne asada and popping open a bottle of bubbly on the back porch. In my mind, an outdoor laundry room can take everyday tasks that parents do to keep the family running, and actually integrate that with the family's activities. For me, it's important that my boys see us doing laundry (and take part in the process whenever possible).
This task shouldn't be sectioned off in a random corner of the house. Just like the East Coast and their loud and proud approach to laundry displays, I want to make the space mine – incorporating a casual outdoorsy twist, in true West Coast fashion.
When you last got a peek at our laundry room, it looked like this. We've been chugging away every chance we get at home renovations, and it now looks like this:
To some, this may seem like a step backwards. That's because we're actually gutting the current laundry room in favor of another bath. Our master bedroom is a converted garage, so there's no bathroom on this side of the house and I've grown tired of tromping through the living area when I have to pee at 3am. So I'm finally getting my very own commode, and the washing machines are finding a fun new space to occupy outside!
Planning an Outdoor Laundry Room
When I lived in Hawaii as a kid, almost everyone I knew had their machines on the patio because most people hang-dry clothes there.
The idea's not so off-the-wall, but I searched online and couldn't find much about outdoor laundry rooms. There were a few shown in pool sheds, outhouses or other small spaces, including some interesting semi-off-the-grid situations coupled with solar panels and composting toilets. I chatted with our sponsor Speed Queen about the she shed idea and they were familiar with a few similar outdoor laundry room installations. The only obvious concern was protecting the machines from direct damage in case of severe weather.
I wanted the washer and dryer fully enclosed but not in any sort of closet or nook. Ideally, I was looking for a shed where I could leave clothes near the machines and take my time folding them without worrying that they'd get rained on or sun-bleached.
First, we set our eyes on this Keter My Shed. Unfortunately, Nate and I don't have time to install anything ourselves right now and the handymen in our area want to charge an absolute fortune.
This one also kept going in and out of stock, which didn't instill a ton of confidence.
Next up, we eyed this beautiful Handy Home Solar Shed, but once again we faced the installation issue. I liked the idea of big, bright windows but I wasn't a fan of the single narrow door for access.
Finally, I spotted this large tool shed that was a phenomenal price and included an upgraded flooring system, installation, and the option to add windows immediately or even plop them in later with a widely-available upgrade kit. Ding ding, we have a winner! I placed my order, started clearing out the space where the shed was going to sit, and began brainstorming my decor.
For a laundry room that leads directly to the outdoors, I really like the idea of incorporating some greenery in the space and throwing down a big mat to catch any excess dirt. Hopefully, with that underfoot, we can easily shake away debris and keep the space neat.
The idea of a big, open tabletop has always been super-appealing for me in a laundry room. We're getting a stacked washer and dryer set from Speed Queen because I have a back injury that flares up every now and then and I want to minimize bending over as much as possible. I used to think I needed a ton of space to enjoy a pro-level washer and dryer, but the people at Speed Queen were so helpful in inquiring about our needs and guiding us to the most fitting model.
As far as decorations, the primary theme I'm going for is a sort of vintage-industrial vibe, with farmy accents and simple lines like we tend to use throughout the rest of the house. I want things to feel homey, not frilly. I think that cute metal signs can add just enough personality to give it a lived-in feel.
Sticking with that old-school theme, I really want to track down some nice-looking laundry carts! One pick that IS going totally modern is our decision to opt for mechanical controls.
I was anxious about that because we've had electronic panels fail on us before, but Speed Queen guarantees them with a 5-year warranty on parts and labor. The control buttons are tested to 1,000,000 depresses, which is the number times an owner is likely to push the buttons over the average 25-year life of the machine. Since Speed Queen has set industry standard for commercial use, I'm going to trust that they know what they're doing when it comes to our house.
Also following the lead of big companies, I'm thinking we'll probably wind up tiling the floor and walls of our shed eventually. I like the idea of total durability and water resistance in an outdoor laundry room. The shed is being constructed right outside my bedroom so I'm slightly concerned about noise, and I feel like tiles on the walls might help offer a dampening effect. The Speed Queen people assure me that's unnecessary and we're getting a set that has amazing balancing technology for a remarkably silent operation.
I'll report back on that after my first load!
For storage of soaps and detergents, I've seen a couple Pinterest photos showing clever storage in antique drink servers (labeled and put up away from children, of course). I bet I could track some of those down for a bargain at our local thrift shop.
Another farm-inspired, outdoorsy idea is using galvanized containers and glass jars for clothespins and other necessities.
Speaking of necessities, a retractable clothing line is totally on the list. I think that's pretty much essential for an outdoor laundry room. Gotta take advantage of all our sunny San Diego days!
Last but certainly not least, we're sprucing up the area all around our outdoor laundry room so it can be exactly as I envision: a central gathering place to involve the entire family in the tasks that keep us all going.
We've already yanked out those old fences that were enclosing this space, the pipes have been redirected through the wall and we've tested the hook-ups with our old machines.
Concrete is being leveled out for the shed base as I type, and we've sorted through everything in our storage containers to make room for all the random storage stuff that was pulled out of the former laundry room. Shed construction happens in three days, and I couldn't possibly be more excited!
We'll finally be able to ditch these dingy old hand-me-down machines and make the much-anticipated switch to our trusty new Speed Queens. I can't wait to give them a whirl!
UPDATE: Our outdoor laundry shed is done, it's amazing, and I'm utterly obsessed with my newfound space. Click on through and check it out!
Would you ever use an outdoor laundry room?
Outdoor Cabinets for Your Laundry Room
When you think of Werever Outdoor Cabinets you may only think of Outdoor Kitchens. However, our Outdoor Cabinets are an excellent choice for your Laundry Room. Werever Cabinets are constructed from HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
The HDPE is completely non-porous, waterproof and chemical resistant. This makes Werever Cabinets the perfect choice for a high traffic, wet environment like a Laundry Room.
Take a look at this customer’s project as inspiration for your new Laundry Room.
Outdoor Cabinets are Designed to get Wet
Laundry rooms are wet rooms, and outdoor cabinets are meant to get wet. This makes Werever HDPE Cabinets perfect for laundry sinks and storage. Never worry again about splashing water or soap on the cabinets in your laundry room. Feel free to hang wet clothes that may drip on cabinets below. Store your mop buckets and other cleaning supplies with confidence. Werever Outdoor Cabinets are designed to hold up to these conditions.
Be sure the investment you are making in your Laundry Room is one that is built to last a lifetime. As a result, you will not need to worry about what may be spilled or splashed around the next time you and your family are doing laundry.
Outdoor Cabinets that Stand Up to Chemicals
You can confidently store your laundry and cleaning products in Werever Outdoor Cabinets. The HDPE Cabinets are chemical resistant and will stand up to virtually any household cleaner. In fact, we recommend using the same cleaners you probably store in your laundry and utility room to clean your Werever Cabinets. Wash them down and wipe up with a soft cloth. Feel free to use a household detergent to clean particularly dirty cabinets.
Werever Cabinets are very resistant. For instance, have you ever spilled or splashed laundry detergent or fabric softener in your laundry room? Not to worry, this will not harm the cabinets. Just clean up the spill with water and a soft cloth. Do you use bleach to wash your whites? Great news, our cabinets are also bleach-resistant!
Outdoor Cabinets for Laundry Room Storage
A laundry room is often the space you store cleaning products, household items, paper products, and even dry pantry goods.
Werever Outdoor Cabinets offers a full range of storage options. Choose from doors, drawers and pull-out trays, and even pull-out trash features. Wall and Tall Pantry Cabinets are also available for added storage space and functionality. Additionally, open shelf cabinets are available for your existing bins and baskets.
Outdoor Cabinets for Pantry and Utility Storage
Laundry Rooms often do double and triple duty. Yours may be used as a Pantry or even a Mud Room. With this in mind, we will help you develop a cabinetry plan that meets all of your storage and usage requirements.
Gather your ideas for your new laundry room. Next, Contact Werever and inquire about our complimentary design service. Then, we will assist you in planning the right combination of storage to fit your space and the right solutions to meet your storage needs.
Turn your balcony into a comfortable room for relaxing or working
Balcony Plus
»
Articles
»
Balcony for relaxing and working
Whether to turn a balcony into a cozy room or make it a convenient utility room - the decision should be made based on its location and future use.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about arranging a balcony is to glaze it. However, if the balcony faces the sunny south side, then when installing the frames, even with good ventilation, it will be hot in the summer. If there is no busy highway near the house, there are no other sources of noise and dust, it is better to leave the balcony unglazed:
- in the open air in the summer it is pleasant to relax;
- flowers grow well here;
- if you install a removable dryer on the balcony, the laundry will dry quickly.
An excellent solution for how to equip a balcony in the open air will be European-style veranda design options.
Is the balcony shaded most of the day? Is there an increased noise level and a strong dust and gas contamination of the street? Glazing will be the most correct solution and with many advantages:
- the area of the apartment is increased by several living meters, which is never superfluous in a city apartment;
- balcony can be equipped as a separate room, for example, as an office or a summer bedroom;
- it can become a full-fledged pantry, in which even those items that require special conditions, such as electrical equipment, will be stored;
- if the balcony is insulated, then, upon obtaining permission from the relevant authorities, it can then be attached to the apartment by removing the outer wall.
nine0018
Whatever option the owner chooses to use the balcony, these will be the next steps for its arrangement.
A few practical tips
Typical dimensions and shape of a balcony in urban apartments dictate the choice of style and design. A sofa standing along a long wall, no matter how cute it looks, looks like an alien element. Firstly, because the person sitting on it sees mostly only the sky, because the outer side of the balcony, as a rule, is a rather high barrier. Secondly, furniture standing against a long wall reduces the already not too wide passage between the two walls. nine0003
This room acquires a completely different look and level of functionality if a window sill is attached to the outer glazed side of the balcony and two or four high bar-type stools are placed next to it. In this case, several problems are solved at once: visually and in fact, the space of the balcony does not narrow, while an additional horizontal plane is acquired, which has a multifunctional purpose.
Visually expand the room with one simple design move: sheathing part or the entire surface of the side wall with the same material that was used for the floor. If it is decided to build up the end with a cabinet, then its decoration can be light in color or made in the form of large squares of dark and light shades. nine0003
In order not to be mistaken in design issues, before equipping a balcony, it is better to look at thematic resources of the Internet, take specialized magazines in the library and choose the most successful design option.
Our work
We work in Krasnodar and the Krasnodar Territory
Your name *
Contact phone *
I consent to the processing of my personal data.
Leave this field blank
House :: Utility room
-
Array ( [check_location] => 1 [process_empty_items] => 1 [dispatch] => categories view [category_id] => 1167 [item_ids] => [block_data] => Array ( [grid_id] => 128 [block_id] => 94 [content] => array ( [items] => array ( [filling] => manually [item_ids] => ) ) [object_id] => 0 [object_type] => [object_ids] => [snapping_id] => 137 [wrapper] => [user_class] => [order] => 1 [status] => A [type] => product_filters [properties] => Array ( [template] => blocks/product_filters/for_category/abt__ut2_selected_filters.
