Overview

Laundry rooms are an underrated space to renovate. They may not get the same attention as kitchens or bathrooms, but a well-thought-out design can make everyday tasks so much easier.

This blog takes inspiration from Triforce Construction’s renovation expertise to answer those questions, breaking down the key factors to consider before you start your project.

Introduction

Your laundry room needs an upgrade. You’re tired of limited storage and want a space that works better for your current needs. Whether that involves reworking the layout, upgrading plumbing and electrical, or adding smarter storage solutions, you’re prepared to make real changes.

But you’re stuck with questions like where to put appliances for the best workflow, how to handle ventilation and drainage, or what materials will hold up best in a high-moisture space.

We’ll walk you through your options and the ways to maximize your laundry room’s functionality. The right layout cuts down on wasted steps, good storage keeps clutter in check, and smart upgrades can even help save on utilities. Whether you’re working with a tiny nook or a full laundry room, knowing what to plan for can make a huge difference in how functional the space feels.

What Are the Benefits of Laundry Room Renovations?

Laundry rooms don’t usually top the list when people think about home renovations. They’re often tucked away, treated as purely functional spaces, and tolerated for whatever layout or design they came with. As long as the washer and dryer work, it’s easy to overlook the small frustrations.

However, renovating a laundry room can make a huge difference in efficiency. A smarter layout saves time, and better storage keeps everything within reach. Can you imagine how much easier laundry would be if you had space to sort clothes, a spot to fold right out of the dryer, and shelves that actually fit your supplies?

Beyond efficiency, a well-designed laundry room comes with plenty of other perks you might not have considered:

More storage options: Custom cabinets, floating shelves, and built-in hampers keep everything organized and accessible.
Better lighting: Upgrading to bright, task-oriented lighting makes sorting and folding easier.
More comfortable workspace: A well-planned layout means less bending, reaching, and wasted movement.
Improved ventilation: Proper airflow helps prevent mold, mildew, and lingering damp smells.
Enhanced durability: Waterproof flooring and moisture-resistant walls help prevent long-term damage.

Choosing the Best Location for Your Laundry Room

Renovating your laundry room isn’t always about upgrading what’s already there; it can also mean moving it to a better location. Perhaps you don’t even have a dedicated room, and your washer and dryer are tucked into a corner of the basement or crammed into a hallway closet. Relocating the space or properly finishing an existing area can make laundry more convenient and efficient.

The best location depends on plumbing access, ventilation, and workflow. Moving your laundry room to a space with existing water lines, like near a kitchen or bathroom, can simplify installation. This is one practical choice, but you can also look at underutilized areas like a mudroom or unused bedrooms.

Noise is another factor to consider. Washers and dryers create a lot of vibration, which may be disruptive if placed near bedrooms or near a home office. However, soundproofing materials like insulated walls can help minimize noise, no matter where the laundry room is located.

Do You Need To Expand Your Laundry Room?

You don’t have to move a cramped laundry room if you have the option to expand it. If there’s extra space in an adjacent room, hallway, or underutilized area, you can rework the layout to make it more functional without relocating everything. For one, it’ll give you more room for storage and appliance placement.

You might choose to expand rather than relocate if your current setup feels too cramped, lacks ventilation, or doesn’t accommodate the appliances you need. Knocking down a wall or reconfiguring walls and doorways can make a tight, awkward space more practical.

Expanding is also ideal for:

Minimizing disruption to existing plumbing and electrical systems
Keeping laundry close to bedrooms or main living areas for convenience
Preserving other functional spaces that would be lost in a relocation
Avoiding certain structural modifications that come with moving walls

What Does Every Laundry Room Remodel Need?

While you're thinking of upgrades based on personal preferences, there are a few essentials that every laundry room remodel should include. Proper lighting, good ventilation, and enough storage are key to making the space functional. Without these basics, your design choices can feel unsatisfying.

Appliance placement is another key factor. A poorly arranged layout can make simple tasks feel more tedious, whether it’s bending down too often or struggling with tight spaces. When you’re planning your remodel, consider what frustrates you about your current space to help guide specific upgrades.

Here are a few other essentials:

Deep utility sink: Ideal for hand-washing delicate items, rinsing stains, or cleaning up messes.
Durable countertop: Provides a sturdy surface for folding clothes or treating stains.
Waterproof backsplash: Protects walls from splashes and detergent spills while adding a finished look.
Task lighting under cabinets: Improves visibility for sorting, folding, and stain treatment.
Dedicated outlet for steam appliances: Supports steam washers, irons, or garment steamers without overloading circuits.

What’s the Best Laundry Room Flooring?

You’ll notice many finished laundry rooms use tile, vinyl, or concrete flooring. These materials handle moisture well, resist stains, and are easy to clean—important factors in a space where spills and humidity are common. Some homeowners also opt for epoxy coatings over concrete for extra durability.

The choice depends on your priorities. If you want something budget-friendly and low-maintenance, luxury vinyl plank is a great option. For a more high-end look, porcelain or ceramic tile is another good option. The key is choosing a material that won’t warp or get damaged from water exposure.

Should You Install Laundry Room Shelving?

Shelving is a simple way to add storage without taking up more floor space. Open shelves, for example, will keep your detergent, dryer sheets, and stain removers accessible, while enclosed shelving can hide clutter and maintain a clean look in the room.

Where you install the shelving, if you choose to, depends on your layout. Wall-mounted shelves above the washer and dryer make use of otherwise empty space, while narrow floating shelves can fit into tight corners. Adjustable shelving also lets you customize storage for different-sized items.

Planning Your Landry Room Layout

A good laundry room layout is all about efficiency. Think about how you move through the space—where you load and unload, fold, and store supplies. The goal is to create a setup that minimizes unnecessary steps and makes laundry feel less like a chore.

For example, if your washer and dryer are crammed into a tight corner with no folding space, repositioning them along one wall might create room for a countertop.

Here are a few important layout principles to keep in mind:

Keep the washer and dryer placement central to minimize unnecessary movement.
Ensure there’s enough space to comfortably load and unload appliances.
Separate wet and dry areas to prevent clutter and improve workflow.
Maintain clear pathways to avoid congestion in smaller laundry rooms.
Position frequently used items within easy reach for convenience.

Laundry Room Renovation Ideas for a Small Space

For a small laundry room, every inch counts, so focus on smart storage solutions like overhead cabinets, wall-mounted drying racks, and pull-out hampers. Compact or stackable appliances can free up floor space while sliding or pocket doors can improve accessibility without taking up extra room.

You can also position the washer and dryer along one wall instead of side by side to create room for shelving. Another option is installing a countertop over front-loading machines to add a usable work surface and shelves between appliances to keep your supplies organized.

Should You Consider Other Home Renovations With Your Laundry Room?

Upgrading your laundry room is a great time to think about other home renovations. Since projects like this often involve plumbing, electrical, and layout changes, tackling multiple updates at once can make construction more efficient, and synergizing plans ensures upgrades work well together.

Basements are common places for laundry rooms, often tucked into utility spaces. If you're already working on the laundry area, it’s a good opportunity to finish surrounding walls, improve lighting, or even add insulation. Including the rest of the basement will make the entire space more functional.

Other areas of your home can also potentially benefit. If your laundry room is near a mudroom or pantry, consider adding built-in storage or improving the flow between spaces. Even small updates, like matching cabinetry or flooring, can create a more cohesive look for your home.

Upgrade Your Laundry Room With Expert Renovation Contractors

A laundry room might seem like a relatively small-scale renovation compared to a kitchen or bathroom, but it still requires careful planning and execution.

Triforce Construction’s experienced renovation contractors can help you design a space that fits your needs, whether that’s improving storage, upgrading fixtures, or optimizing workflow. Call us at (226) 898-2682 now to book a consultation!