Uneven basement floor issues

I am getting a new washer and dryer but the concrete floor in our basement is super uneven – by a couple of inches near the corner where I want to put the machines. Also the machines are front-loaders, so I may want them raised a bit. I figure I have three choices:

1. Buy the expensive pedestals they sell with the washer and dryer and hope the adjustable feet adjust enough for my floor.
2. Build a 6″ raised concrete platform.
3. Build a 6″ WOOD platform.

Anyone have suggestions? I want to make sure the washer and dryer are on a level, strong surface. Thanks!

chelseasf

in General Discussion 8 years and 7 months ago

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daveinbedstuy | 8 years and 7 months ago

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Wood shims of any sort. Just make sure they are large enough so that in the event of overloading the washer unevenly (if it’s a top loader) that it won’t shimmy itself off of them.

EJR | 8 years and 7 months ago

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The purpose of the pedestals are to raise the height of the machines so you don’t need to bend as low and to provide an extra storage drawer. Both the machines and the pedestals have adjustable feet, so you do not gain leveling ability by buying the pedestal. Ask your appliance merchant or call the washer/dryer company to try to determine how high each foot on the machines can be adjusted and see if that fits your needs. If not, you can probably just further adjust with wood shims until everything is level. Discuss this with your installer and they should be able to do it for you.

I do not think this is a major concern or requires any of the expensive solutions you propose. Do consider the pedestals, however, for the other functional areas I mentioned above. I have them and they are great. Some companies have now replaced the pedestal for the washer with a small secondary washing drum for small/dual loads, which is pretty cool.