Installing a washing machine on a wooden floor

If the room where the automatic washing machine is supposed to be installed has a flat concrete floor, then no problems will arise. You just need to check the position of the washing machine body with a level, adjust it by tightening the legs, and you can connect the device to communications with a clear conscience. But how to install a washing machine on a wooden floor, which has also seen some wear?

You'll have to think about it here. You can’t let everything take its course, because vibration not only breaks your floor and ruins your nerves, it also gradually damages the washing machine, and this is already a problem. We will talk about the features of installing a washing machine on a wooden floor within the framework of this publication.

Features of installing a washing machine on a wooden floor

Any washing machine is a very powerful unit. During the spin mode with a centrifuge, it begins to create strong vibration, which can lead to deformation of the floor during prolonged use. In addition, a room with a concrete coating does not require any investment. Now we should take a closer look at how to install a washing machine on a wooden floor?

With a wooden floor, things are much more complicated. Since strong shocks can easily damage natural wood, careful consideration must be given to how to install. In addition to the floor, a precarious position on a wooden floor can also affect the performance of the unit and lead it to a deplorable state.

Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking about the vibration of a washing machine on a wooden floor, it should be mentioned that this is powerful destructive energy directed at a front-loaded unit. The stability of this state gradually shortens the service life of the most important parts and leads to inevitable breakdown.

Built-in washing machine

When the base of the washing machine rests on a hard surface and vibrations are dampened, the life of the washing machine is automatically extended without failures in the system. If the unit is placed incorrectly on a shaky floor, it “jumps” and sways from side to side.

Car on the floor

To prevent users from making mistakes in the future, you should carefully consider several examples of incorrect placement:

According to the calculations of some skilled users, a thick anti-vibration mat spread over a shaky wooden floor should save the situation. However, it turns out exactly the opposite; vibration, of course, is dampened, but again to the detriment of the equipment used. The car in this position suffers no less than usual.

If you don’t mind the time, there is another no less original way to install a washing machine on a raised wooden floor. It's quite easy to make. Four holes are cut into the wooden floor into which metal tubes are inserted. Then place thick sheets of plywood on top of the simple structure. The result is the same: the supports quickly become unusable and have to be replaced. The car continues to briskly jump around the country house.

Tray for the machine

There are also folk craftsmen who are ready to put a massive concrete slab on top of the wooden covering. The machine, of course, does not vibrate, but this does not make the floor any newer. Moreover, the effectiveness of this method is clearly in doubt, since the required area for high-quality extinguishing must be at least 2 square meters. m.
There are craftsmen who are trying to fix a washing machine on a wooden floor. This method does not bode well for the owner, since in centrifuge mode the machine vibrates and jumps with such force that it is quite capable of tearing out wooden boards. The noise is no less.

Having examined several common eccentricities of skilled craftsmen, we conclude that the proven methods recommended by the manufacturer, which allow for fastening, are much more reliable than the invented ones.

Sequence of installation steps

It is quite possible to install the unit on the 2nd floor of a house on a wooden floor without disastrous consequences. The concrete screed allows you to strengthen the place so well, providing reliable support even for the most “bouncy” unit.

There is a certain sequence for performing screeding under wood covering:

Accurately calculate the location for installing the unit. Make several key marks on the horizontal and vertical surface.
Carefully open the boards.
Place formwork around the perimeter. To make things less expensive, you can use old boards or slabs.
If possible, it is necessary to secure a metal mesh of rigid rods for stability of the base and tenacity of the screed.
We prepare the solution and start pouring the floor. Then we move on to leveling and compacting it.
We add more logs around the perimeter of the platform so that the wood covering does not dangle in the air.
Now all that remains is to wait for the solution to dry. After fixing the board in its original place to the new joists. And finally, connect the washing machine, checking the reliability of the design.

Machine on laminate

The presented material is perfect for solving the problem yourself without extra costs.

Installing a washing machine on a wooden floor: installation method

Vibration of a washing machine on a wooden floor can not only lead to destruction of the base, but also cause damage to the device itself. This is why experts recommend approaching this task very responsibly: even seemingly durable boards may not withstand the impact of a loaded drum rotating at high speed.

However, even if you need to mark the device specifically on a wooden floor, this can be done with relatively little labor.

The structure must be level and solid

Installation method

If there is a possibility of reconstruction

The price of a good automatic washing machine is quite high, so it will be a shame if it breaks down in the first year of use. So you need to pay close attention to the correct installation of the device.

Part of the flooring needs to be removed

If possible, the wooden flooring at the installation site must be partially disassembled and a concrete base poured from below.

We do this according to the following scheme:

To begin, mark the contours of the machine on the floor boards.

Note! When marking, it is advisable to add at least 30-40 mm in all directions so that the legs do not stand on the edges of the concrete slab.

Then we dismantle the boards, removing them from the joists.
We install support beams along the perimeter of the future pouring, otherwise the edges of the boards obtained after trimming will hang in the air.
We install formwork from thick plywood. We line the inside of the formwork with polyethylene, which will provide, among other things, additional waterproofing.
We lay a frame of reinforcing bars inside the formwork. In principle, you can do without it, but then the foundation will not be so strong.

Pouring and leveling the concrete area

Fill and compact the solution thoroughly. We level the surface so that it is flush with the floor or slightly higher.
We return the boards to their place, nailing them to the joists and support bars around the perimeter of the base for the machine.

Now we need to wait until the concrete reaches its design strength. Since under normal conditions this takes about four weeks, it is advisable to complete all work in advance.

At the end you still need to level the legs

Installation over plank flooring

In some cases, dismantling the floor boards is not possible, so you have to look for an alternative solution to the problem.

Before installing the washing machine on a wooden floor, we tap the flooring and, if necessary, strengthen all the boards. The base must be absolutely motionless, otherwise the slightest vibration will provoke its destruction within a short time.
Then we mark the dimensions of the machine on the boards.
In the corners of the marked rectangle we drill holes into which we insert sections of steel pipes. The base of the pipe must rest on the main ceiling, and the upper parts of all parts must be aligned in the same plane.

Plywood on the supports of their steel pipes

Then, from plywood with a thickness of at least 20 mm (or a chipboard sheet of similar thickness), we cut out a rectangle with our own hands, the dimensions of which are slightly larger than the dimensions of the machine.
We fix the plywood on steel supports, and cover the top with a rubber mat, which will compensate for vibration and prevent the legs of the device from slipping.

Of course, such a structure is less reliable than a monolithic concrete base. However, metal supports transfer the floor load quite effectively, and therefore the flooring will not be subject to shock and vibration.

Plywood podium

Such a base is easier and cheaper to make. It does not require much time, but is inferior to concrete in strength. This means that this option temporarily solves the problem of stability and requires periodic monitoring and updating of the design .

Inventory

As a set of materials you will need:

a sheet of plywood at least two centimeters thick;
a steel pipe with a cross-section of four centimeters or corners of the same material;
rubber mat.

The tools you need to work with these materials are:

drill with appropriate attachments for drilling holes in plywood;
hacksaws for wood and metal;
level for leveling the structure.

Making a podium

In this case, there is no need to dismantle the laminate or boards, which simplifies and speeds up the work. If necessary, you will need to strengthen the floor by eliminating unwanted movement of the boards. After this you need:

Mark the perimeter according to the dimensions of the device.
Drill holes according to the established marks.
Cut the pipe into four parts and install them in the holes with horizontal alignment.
Make a plywood stand slightly larger than the perimeter of the car.
Place the sheet on supports with fastenings at the corners.
Strengthen the support with mortar.
Lay down a mat that will prevent slipping.

All that remains is to install the washing machine on the finished base and level it by adjusting the legs. Then you can proceed to connecting communications.

Installing a washing machine on a wooden floor

If the room in which it was decided to install the washing machine has a smooth concrete floor, then the owner will not have any problems. However, it often happens that the flooring in a certain part of the room is not up to standard. In this case, some decide to place pads under the legs of the washer or slightly adjust the legs, however, this is the wrong decision. Experts say that before installing a washing machine on a wooden floor, it is necessary to evaluate the evenness of the coating, because the service life of the device directly depends on it.

Why it jumps and solutions

To prevent the washing machine from jumping, it must be placed where it will be on a flat surface. To do this, it is very important to read the instructions, information from which will allow you to correctly place the device, finding out where, how and where it is best to place it.

After all, it is especially important if the washing machine will be installed under the countertop in the kitchen or bathroom. Its jumps can destroy furniture if the device is installed close to furniture elements.

So, before deciding where to put the washing machine, it is worth removing the shipping bolts. Very often home craftsmen forget about this nuance, which results in subsequent unwanted vibration processes. Shipping anchors are needed to secure the tank during transportation, preventing it from being damaged. After removing the bolts, the tank “hangs” on shock absorbers, thanks to which vibration is softened. Therefore, further operating conditions depend on how to install the washing machine drum.

When installing equipment, you need to pay attention to the legs. In all modern models they are adjustable, so the washing machine can be leveled in any situation. To do this, you need to arm yourself with a building level (placed on top of the device) and patience. Even if the floor has obvious unevenness, this adjustment format most often allows you to achieve the required level.

It is highly undesirable to use any pads, stands or other third-party devices that are not able to withstand the load during spinning. Therefore, you need to decide where to put the washing machine, and then place it and check the legs. The device can be slightly shaken in different directions to determine its level of stability.

It must be remembered that the level should be placed not only along the width of the device, but also along its depth. If the indicators are normal, the shaking of the equipment with your hands does not allow you to move it from its place, there is every chance to believe that the efforts have been successful.

However, it is too early to rejoice. If the machine is stable at rest, then during its active operation everything can change. Therefore, the device needs to be turned on and checked in operation, especially in spin mode.

If such advice on how to install a washing machine correctly did not allow you to achieve success, most likely the reason lies in a very uneven floor. It needs to be checked with a level - in the photo. If there is a significant distortion, it will have to be eliminated.

How? It all depends on the floor covering, operating conditions, purpose of the room, etc. The easiest way is to use a rubber mat. It will not slip and will provide a slight lift to the required angle.

How to choose the right place to install household appliances

Choosing a place to install a washing machine must be done not only based on design decisions. You also need to take into account certain nuances that will allow you to use the equipment without problems. These include:

Availability of an outlet near the installation site. This criterion must be taken into account, since the length of the washing machine cord is short. Usually it does not exceed 1.5 meters. And in this case it is inconvenient to use extension cords, especially if it lies on the floor next to the equipment. After all, sometimes machines can leak, which can easily cause a short circuit.
The area where the machine will be installed must be level and level. Any, even minor, deviation in this case is unacceptable, as this can lead to rapid breakdown of the device or its poor performance. Experts say that to prevent the machine from vibrating and jumping during washing, it is best to install it on a flat concrete base.

Unboxing

First, unpack the device

Once the purchase is in your apartment, the first thing you should do is unpack it. We do this carefully so as not to damage the product itself.

We remove the packaging cardboard from it, remove all existing papers, films and foam elements. If there are bars, staples or other fasteners, we also remove them. Remember that even one forgotten packaging item can lead to damage to the machine.

How to install a washing machine on a wooden floor

As mentioned earlier, if the floor covering is uneven, simply twisting the legs is not enough, since the device will still deteriorate with each wash. It is impossible to ignore the unevenness of the surface, since the vibration from the washing machine, which occurs when spinning clothes, can worsen the condition of the floor and ruin your nerves - and this is already a serious problem. Moreover, after 2-6 weeks it is quite possible that the device may break down, which is quite expensive for the owner of the washing machine.

The vibration that appears during spinning is a destructive force, which, if installed incorrectly, negatively affects the parts of the device, gradually leading to their failure. If the floor under the washer is level, the vibration will be dampened slightly - in this case, the operating life of the device will increase by 2 times. And if you install the device in a house where the wooden floor is shaky, this will lead to strong jumps in the device, and it will also sway a lot during the spin cycle.

Mistakes that are made when installing household appliances:

Before installing the device on the boards, many people lay down a thick mat that reduces vibration. But there is no need to do this, since it will not be able to dampen the force of vibration - this will only lead to a decrease in the strength of the sound that appears during the spin cycle.
The second, no less common mistake is strengthening the floor with metal corners or pipes. There is no need to do this, since after just 3 months the device will loosen the boards, which will again cause a problem for the owner of the device.
To quickly level a wooden floor, some owners lay a large concrete slab weighing at least 150 kg. Thus, washing machine owners believe that it will reduce vibration and level out uneven floors. But to achieve this, the slab must have a diameter of at least 2 square meters. Otherwise, the device will rock the stove during spinning, which will negatively affect the wooden surface and the operation of household appliances.
Some craftsmen try to attach the legs of the washing machine using self-tapping screws directly to the boards. Doing this is prohibited, since vibration will still cause the device to sway and jump, which will cause a strong cracking of the floor and a rumble. In addition, the device can easily break the boards over time, which will require a complete replacement of the coating.

Anti-vibration mats

Another product that is designed to prevent the washing machine from spontaneously moving on the tiles is anti-vibration mats. A thin and aesthetically pleasing product will make the body stand in place, significantly reduce vibration during spinning, and therefore help reduce the level of noise produced.

Externally, the product looks like an ordinary rubber mat, but structurally it consists of two layers with different characteristics. The top layer provides anti-slip action, the bottom has anti-vibration properties. The product has a porous structure. The materials used in its manufacture ensure resistance to deformation under load. The mat is resistant to moisture and household chemicals and can be used in a wide temperature range.

All that needs to be done to prevent the car from jumping on the tile is to lay this product on the floor so that each of the legs stands on it.

Proflex products are distinguished by their high quality and environmental safety. Anti-vibration mats are two-layer, odorless, and in addition to reducing noise levels, they act as an antistatic agent, preventing charge from accumulating on the body.

Mattix-Vibromats sheets and stands are characterized by high wear resistance. Can be used even at extremely low temperatures. This is a good choice for a warm apartment and cottage that does not have heating.

Lux products are budget-level anti-vibration mats and stands. At a relatively low price, the products have fairly good consumer characteristics.

Shahintex mats are universal; they are perfect for both a narrow, small-sized washing machine and a full-fledged laundry combine. The products do their job perfectly, absorb vibration, reduce noise, do not require special care, and are easy to clean.

Vibration and spontaneous movement of the washing machine is really a problem that anyone can face. A seemingly minor nuisance can result in a serious accident or breakdown, which will entail costly repairs.

With all this, it is easy to avoid catastrophic consequences; it is enough to initially use anti-vibration stands or other products for a similar purpose and, of course, correctly install and connect the machine.

Source

Installation methods

To prevent the machine from jumping and vibrating, it is recommended to install it on a concrete surface, because it is more durable and reliable compared to wooden beams.

If you want to make a wood floor, you must properly prepare the base for it. This is usually done in two ways:

How to make a concrete screed:

first you need to choose a location for the washing machine; to do this, make several marks on the floor or wall;
then you need to mark out the space for the platform, which should be several centimeters larger than the diameter of the machine - in this case, the edges of the plate will not break due to vibration of the device;
carefully remove the boards and install wooden formwork along the edges of the platform - it can be made from scraps of boards or slabs;
if possible, you can weld the reinforcing mesh to give strength to the platform;
pour cement mortar onto the marked area, level it and compact it a little;
You can put logs along the edges of the platform - this is necessary so that the boards do not hang in the air.

After this, you need to wait until the solution has completely hardened, and then lay the boards on the surface, not forgetting to attach them to the joists.

Also, the washing machine can be installed on a concrete slab, which will lie on top of the boards. In this case, it must be laid on steel pipes - they must come out of the boards and be of the same diameter and height. Moreover, metal pipes must be driven deep into the ground and cemented, which will further strengthen them. After this, you need to correctly install the washing machine, which should be positioned strictly in the center of the stove.

How to install a washing machine on a wooden floor

The narrow Eurosoba washing machine has a powerful engine, excellent drum performance, and all the latest functionality.

But there may be problems with installation on a wooden floor.

This brand is distinguished by the presence of comfortable legs located around the perimeter of the machine, made of high-quality material that meets the requirements of world standards. This fact allows you to place the washing machine in any convenient place. The easiest way to install the unit is on a concrete floor.

A different situation arises with wooden floors. Installing it somehow will not work - this will lead to strong vibration of the machine during washing, which will cause harm not only to household appliances, but also to the floor.

Location of counterweights

Finding counterweights in an automatic machine is very easy. The easiest place to get to is the top weight. However, there are always more problems with dismantling this block. To “climb” to it, you need to:

The upper counterweight will be immediately in front of your eyes. The unit must be inspected for defects. Next, you need to evaluate the condition of the front weights; to do this, you will have to remove the front wall of the case. The further algorithm of actions will be as follows:

Now you can inspect the front counterweights. If there are many cracks on them, the elements will have to be replaced. We'll show you how to remove damaged concrete weights to make room for new blocks.

Installation

Installation of a washing machine is done in various ways. New equipment requires high-quality reliable support that will not break or warp over time. Saving on a strong foundation for household appliances will result in damage not only to the floor, but also to the washing machine itself, which was purchased quite recently. The ideal situation is installation on a concrete floor. If the floor is wooden, you need to work hard to make it just as reliable, stable, and strong. Vibration during operation of the washing machine is not allowed. It will cause many problems that will require financial costs and moral strength.

This article will reveal the main points that require attention when installing a Eurosoba washing machine on a wooden floor.

Communications

After preparing the foundation, you can begin to connect communications. For this you will need:

ball valve with pipe;
siphon;
fum tape;
adjustable wrench.

The sequence of actions involves:

Turn off cold water.
Installation of a shut-off valve with a pipe.
Connecting a water supply hose to it.
Installation of a siphon with a drain pipe.
Attaching a drain hose to it.

After all stages of installing the washing machine, you can turn it on to the network to run a test wash to check for the absence of vibrations and the functionality of the main functions.

Erroneous actions when installing on a wooden floor:

1. Installation on a weak wooden floor.

Such actions will lead to strong vibration of the machine during operation, it will sway and jump on a shaky floor. Such a situation will lead to rapid breakdown of the unit.

2. Place a mat under the device.

Such a picture will eliminate vibration and noise, but will not preserve household appliances. Will have to buy a new one soon.

3. An attempt to strengthen a wooden floor with corners and metal tubes.

After choosing a place to install the machine, many owners immediately start marking, make holes in the boards for the legs, drive pipes or corners into them, place a piece of chipboard on top, and mount the washing machine on top. Such a support will not last long, which will again lead to malfunctions.

4. Placement of a concrete slab on top of a wooden floor.

The vibration will noticeably decrease, but the floor will gradually deform.

5.Attaching the legs to the floor.

This design involves screwing the legs of the washing machine using self-tapping screws to a wooden floor. The operating mode entails strong rocking of the unit, the floor is torn out along with the machine and boards.

Such actions do not lead to anything good. High-quality operation of a washing machine on a wooden floor without harm can be achieved only by minor modifications to the base on which the installation will be made.

Anti-vibration stands

Since this problem is not new, there has long been a simple and inexpensive solution to it - anti-vibration stands. For the most part, these products are small circles made of durable polymer that absorbs vibration, thereby ensuring stability and reliable fixation of the case on a smooth surface.

These stands have an attractive appearance and will definitely not spoil the impression of good repairs and high-quality household appliances. There are different models of stands available for sale; they differ in shape and color, so it’s easy to choose the ideal solution for any interior.

The process of installing anti-vibration products is not particularly difficult; moreover, you don’t even have to turn off the device. To prevent the machine from wobbling, simply tilt its body to one side and place a stand under each of the legs. Then the same actions are performed for the other side. There is no need to re-align the case; the material of the stands itself will ensure its horizontal position.

Wood floor refinishing options

There are two ways to properly remodel a floor to accommodate a washing machine.

1. Concrete screed.

You will need to make a concrete screed under the wooden floor. This design will create a reliable foundation for the smooth operation of any washing machine. What is the manufacturing process:

We decide on the final location, mark places on the floor and wall. The markings are made with an increase in the original dimensions by 12 centimeters.
We remove the boards.
We make formwork.
It would be good to weld a mesh of reinforcement, which will allow it to last for a long time.
Pour the concrete solution and make it even.
We are waiting for it to harden.
Restoring a wooden floor.
We install a household device.

2. Concrete slab.

This method involves taking into account certain aspects that subsequently affect the operation of the washing machine.

We concrete the steel pipes under the floor so that they can be seen from the holes made in the wooden floor. Accurate vertical position is important. A concrete slab weighing at least one hundred kilograms is laid on top.
The slab is attached to the pipes as needed. The main thing is that the pipes are firmly concreted. This design is a reliable option for high-quality washing without harm to the unit.

3.The top floor is made of wood.

This option is applicable when the floor cannot be dismantled.

Before installation, we check the floor for strength, strengthen the boards that are loose. We test the floor for durability so that vibration does not occur during washing. Otherwise, the wooden floor will break and the machine will be damaged.
We mark the dimensions of a household device.
We drill holes along the perimeter of the marking and place small sections of steel pipes. It is important that the pipes must be located at the same level.
We install the machine.