Laundry renovation guide for Northcote homes

Northcote laundries come in every form: a lean to at the back of a cottage, a room off the kitchen in a postwar home, or a cupboard in an apartment hallway. However small, a laundry works hard, and a well planned renovation makes everyday chores easier. Our Reservoir showroom is about 15 to 20 minutes from Northcote. See our Northcote page for directions.

Work out the layout

Start with the machines. Decide whether the washer and dryer sit side by side under a bench or stack in a tower. Side by side gives a folding bench above. Stacking saves width, which suits narrow laundries and cupboards. Then place the sink near the washing machine taps and waste to keep plumbing simple.

Laundry sinks and tubs

A traditional freestanding tub is cheap but takes floor space and collects grime underneath. A stainless steel laundry sink set into a benchtop looks neater and gives a continuous work surface. Meir offers the Lavello range in several sizes, from compact single bowls to larger bowls for soaking. Choose a deeper bowl if you soak clothes or wash muddy boots.

Tapware

A sink mixer with a tall spout makes it easier to fill buckets. A pull out mixer adds a spray for rinsing. Washing machine stops can be updated to match the finish of the mixer for a tidy result.

Tiles for laundries

• Floor: a durable porcelain tile with a matt finish handles water and foot traffic. A mid tone hides dust and lint.
• Splashback: tile behind the sink and benchtop so it is easy to wipe. Many people continue the kitchen splashback tile into the laundry for a consistent look.
• Back door: if the laundry opens to the yard, an indoor and outdoor tile can carry through to the step or path.

Laundries are wet areas and need correct waterproofing. Read waterproofing basics for the questions to ask your trades.

Storage

• Overhead cupboards above the machines for detergents.
• A tall cupboard for the broom, mop and ironing board.
• A hanging rail for shirts and delicates.
• Pull out baskets for sorting washing.

Cupboard laundries

For an apartment or hallway laundry, stack the machines, add a slim sink beside them if space allows, and use bifold or sliding doors. Ventilation matters, so make sure the dryer is suitable for the space.

Laundry and kitchen together

In many Northcote homes the laundry sits beside the kitchen, so the two rooms are seen together. Using the same cabinet colour, benchtop and tapware finish in both makes the back of the house feel larger. Our splashback guide helps with tile choices for both rooms.

Budget tips

Keep the plumbing where it is, choose standard cabinet sizes and spend on a good sink and mixer, as these get the most use.

Close to Thornbury, Preston and Northcote

Our Reservoir showroom is minutes from the inner north. See our local pages for bathroom tiles and tapware near Thornbury, bathroom renovations near Preston and the tile shop near Northcote, or browse all areas we serve.

Choose a benchtop that resists water and detergents, and seal any timber edges near the sink.

Plan your laundry

Book a free measure in Northcote and see laundry sinks, mixers and tiles together at our Reservoir showroom. We can quote installation by our qualified trades, which is a paid service. Orders are usually ready for pickup in 2 to 4 days at our Reservoir or Geelong showroom.

Common questions

Should I stack my washer and dryer?

Stacking saves width and suits narrow laundries and cupboards. Side by side gives you a folding bench above the machines.

What is the best floor tile for a laundry?

A durable matt porcelain tile in a mid tone handles water and hides dust and lint.

Do you offer a free measure for laundries in Northcote?

Yes. We measure laundries, bathrooms and kitchens in Northcote at no cost.

Can I put a laundry in a cupboard?

Yes. Stacking the washer and dryer in a cupboard with sliding or bifold doors works well in apartments and hallways, as long as ventilation suits the dryer.

Do you sell laundry sinks?

Yes. We stock stainless steel laundry sinks, including the Meir Lavello range, with matching mixers.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.