It seems that just recently our ancestors proudly installed washing machines in prominent places, as if they were decorating their kitchen or bathroom. But today, bathrooms require adherence to specific style features and functionality. Cabinets and bedside tables for household appliances are increasingly being used. But we should immediately remind you that a cabinet with a sink under a washing machine is used only for models with a front loading hatch. Let's try to figure out why they are needed and which models are best.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage is the saving of free space in the room, which is very typical for small areas. But there are a few more good qualities:
- using a cabinet with a sink under the washing machine, it is possible to hide all communication nodes;
- operation of the structure is comfortable;
- the number of sharp edges is significantly reduced, which is important for families with small children;
- During operation of the washing machine, additional sound insulation is created.
In addition to the listed advantages, there are also negative aspects of choosing a cabinet with a sink:
- if it is necessary to change an old siphon, difficulties arise;
- It is difficult to select elements for such a design. It must be remembered that the sink must be flat, and the height of the unit for washing things should not exceed the seventy-centimeter mark;
- it becomes possible for water to stagnate in the drain compartment, which is explained by the peculiarities of its design;
- installation work involves some difficulties, so it should be entrusted to an experienced craftsman so that the washer body does not protrude beyond the edges of the sink;
- if the structure does not have legs, then additional problems arise when cleaning the room.
There are a few more disadvantages. In most cases, a sink for such a cabinet is sold without a siphon, which is quite difficult to select. In search of it, you have to visit more than one plumbing store until you find a suitable option.
Because the water lily is not drained in the same way as in the case of simple sinks, the water can stagnate, increasing the risk of stagnation.
If the approaches to the washing machine are difficult, then certain inconveniences arise in the operation of the unit.
A small washing machine is mounted under the washbasin so that the sink is not placed at a high height. In most cases, machine models that meet such requirements have a load capacity of 3 – 3.5 kg of laundry. If the family is large, then this is sometimes not enough.
It is difficult to purchase a sink and a washing machine as a set, which makes it difficult to choose the dimensions that suit each other.
This suggests the conclusion that sinks should be installed above a washing machine in an extreme situation when actions will be considered justified.
Types of cabinets with sinks
There are a large number of options for cabinets with built-in sinks for washing clothes:
- hanging cabinets – the washing machine is installed on the floor, the cabinet is attached to the wall with anchors. The main advantage is that there is enough free space for cleaning; during leaks, the cabinet can be easily removed;
- Floor-standing cabinets with a sink are highly durable. An important feature is that the bottom of the bedside table should be made of a material that is highly resistant to moisture;
- cabinets with legs - such products are used in cases where there is a heated floor.
Products differ in size, materials used in production, purpose, appearance, and cost. This bedside table is placed in the kitchen or bathroom. In the second case, they use simpler versions of the usual dimensions with a sink and an opening intended for a washing machine. And for the kitchen, more sophisticated options are chosen. A washing machine and a cabinet covered with a countertop create an additional workspace when preparing food.
Note that there are model options with a door that hides the washing machine. When the room is large, you can purchase a cabinet that has additional drawers or a laundry basket. Here you can put a lot of washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and other accessories.
Cabinet with door
Most popular options
The width of the most compact cabinet with sink is 110 cm, height – 87.8, depth – 61.6. Its set includes a sink, a linen drawer and an opening into which the machine is installed. The washing machine is placed on the floor, and the cabinet with washbasin is placed on legs. This option is compact and affordable and is very popular.
In larger rooms, cabinets with a sink are installed, the width of which reaches 120 cm. They are considered more convenient to use due to the large working area and a spacious linen drawer (possibly two).
When installing a washing machine in the kitchen, the cabinet and other pieces of furniture are covered with a solid countertop. Its width is usually 100 cm.
Materials used in the manufacture of the cabinet
As a rule, the following raw materials are used:
- MDF - such products are perfectly combined with the overall interior, they perfectly resist the effects of water if the material has been subjected to additional processing;
- processed wood - the main advantages are environmental friendliness and a long service life. Can be coated with coloring compounds or laminated material;
- metal – can last a long time if it has additional protection from corrosion;
- plastic is a lightweight material of excellent quality, absolutely not afraid of high humidity, and can be used for a long period;
- glass – such cabinets are considered rare and are made to order;
- stone is a good material for cabinets, but the cost of the finished product increases significantly.
Installation features
You can order the assembly and installation of a cabinet with a sink at a reasonable cost. Such services are provided by stores selling similar types of goods. But when you want to do everything yourself, you must follow certain rules:
- when installing the washing machine and cabinet in the bathroom, make sure that there is a small free space in relation to other objects, which will protect the cabinet from scratches when it vibrates when the washing machine is running;
- if the cabinet with a sink has a door, provide easy access to it;
- Before installation, decide how water and electricity will be supplied to the washing machine. It is desirable that all communications remain unhindered.
It is advisable to buy a ready-made kit - this will give you confidence that each element will fit together perfectly. It includes a cabinet, a washing machine, a sink and all the elements needed for connection.
The installation and connection sequence is as follows:
- a mixer is connected to all types of water supply;
- hoses are passed through special holes and fixed;
- now they can be connected to pipes;
- the drain-overflow system is connected;
- a siphon is mounted to the pipe, the drain hose is connected to the sewer;
- a washing machine is installed in the cabinet with a sink and the water supply is connected;
- The power cord is plugged into the outlet, the unit is checked for functionality and the connections are tight.
Useful tips
When purchasing a cabinet for a washing machine complete with a sink, it is not recommended to be hasty. Before making your final choice, pay attention to certain features:
- when searching for the required kit, decide on the location for its installation;
- study the pricing policy for the desired product;
- Buy a cabinet with a sink after you purchase a washing machine, which, with its dimensions, will set the necessary conditions for the furniture.The appliances should fit into the cabinet without any problems. It is best if there is some free space left so that vibration is not transmitted to the cabinet during washing;
- think about how to connect the communications;
- the purchased model should successfully combine with the overall design;
- check what material the cabinet is made of, check the quality of the fittings. The recommended option is metal with a chrome finish;
- it is best if the cabinet is made of a material that is well protected from the effects of a humid environment.
Approximate cost
The price of a cabinet with a sink and household appliances depends entirely on several factors - material, fittings, brand of the manufacturer:
- Budget options - from domestic manufacturers, in most cases are sold assembled. Cost - from 13,500 rubles.
- Middle class - differ in color solutions, include brackets, a siphon, wheels and a closer. The price starts from 22,000 rubles.
- Elite models have a mirror with backlighting, wall cabinets, a tall cabinet, fasteners, a siphon, and closers. Such sets cost from 42,000 rubles.
Design features
You can buy a cabinet for a washing machine ready-made or order it according to your own design. The second option will take more time, but you can get what you need in your situation. Note that the range of products today is so large that it is always possible to find a suitable model.
Do you want to save money and are looking for an option to save useful space and put bathroom accessories in it? Pay attention to cheap products. They are painted in light tones and have no additional decorations.Such bedside tables look inconspicuous, but they completely fulfill their intended purpose.
By the way, you can make a cabinet yourself. Only for this you need desire, tools and certain experience in carrying out such work. The task is also made easier by the fact that you can purchase the necessary materials at any furniture store. Only before such work is it recommended to draw up a detailed cost estimate in order to understand how profitable your idea will be.
