How to Install Quartz Countertop over Washer and Dryer

Introduction

Installing a quartz countertop over your washer and dryer is a great way to maximize space and create a seamless, stylish laundry room. Quartz is an engineered stone that is nonporous, stain resistant, and easy to clean, making it the perfect material for a laundry room countertop. With some careful planning and the right tools, you can install a quartz countertop over your side-by-side or stacked washer and dryer units.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps needed to install a quartz countertop over washer and dryer, from choosing the right countertop and preparing the laundry room to securing the countertop and finishing the edges. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can have a beautiful new quartz countertop installed in your laundry room in a weekend.

Benefits of Installing Quartz Countertop over Washer and Dryer

There are several advantages to installing a quartz countertop in your laundry room:

Maximizes space: By installing the countertop directly over the appliances, you can make use of the area above the washer and dryer for folding clothes, staging laundry, or storing supplies. This helps maximize every inch of space in your laundry room.
Enhances style: Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to match or complement your existing laundry room decor. The sleek look of quartz over the appliances gives the space a polished, high-end feel.
Easy to clean: Quartz resists stains, scratches, and heat, making it the perfect low-maintenance surface for busy laundry rooms. Simple wiping with a damp cloth keeps quartz looking like new.
Durable material: As an engineered stone, quartz is very durable and can withstand the demands of a laundry room. It won’t warp or crack like some natural stone or tile.
Increase home value: Upgrading to quartz countertops is an investment that can increase the value of your home. Quartz is on-trend and gives buyers the impression of high-quality finishes.

How to Choose the Right Quartz Countertop

When selecting a quartz countertop for your laundry room installation, there are a few key factors to consider:

Color/Pattern

Choose a color and pattern that fits with your existing laundry room decor. Quartz comes in neutral solids as well as dramatic patterns.
Lighter quartz colors hide lint and dust well, making them ideal for laundry rooms.
Consider how the countertop color will look next to your washer and dryer finishes. You want the palette to look cohesive.

Thickness

Quartz countertops come in thicknesses ranging from 2 to 4 centimeters.
For laundry room installations, a 3 cm thickness is recommended to provide adequate strength when installed over the raised washer/dryer units.

Dimensions

Measure the total width and depth of your washer and dryer units.
Account for any additional overhang you want on the front and sides. Most designers recommend a 1-2 inch overhang.
Order your quartz slab to these custom dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.

Edges

A eased or pencil edge is recommended for laundry room countertops for a clean, modern look. Avoid more ornate edges.
The edge profile will influence the total dimensions needed. Account for the thickness of the edge style.

Appearance

Look for quartz slabs without obvious flaws in the pattern. View them in natural light to best see any variations.
A quartz surface with some veining and movement will help conceal seams and any slight imperfections in the installation or walls.

Preparing the Laundry Room for Installation

Installing a quartz countertop over your washer and dryer requires careful preparation of the laundry room. Follow these key steps:

Remove Existing Countertops

If you currently have a countertop or shelf over the washer and dryer, this will need to be removed prior to installation.
Use a pry bar and hammer to carefully detach the existing materials from the wall and lift them off the appliances.

Check for Level

Use a 4-foot level tool to determine if your washer and dryer units are level with each other and with the floor.
If they are uneven, you can adjust the feet on the appliances to level them out. They must be level for proper quartz installation.

Address Any Plumbing Issues

Inspect the water supply lines, drains, and venting for the washer. Make any needed repairs prior to installing the countertop.
The area under the countertop where hoses, drain, and venting are located should remain easily accessible for maintenance.

Clean Thoroughly

Use commercial degreasers to thoroughly clean the top of the washer and dryer units. Grease or dirt can impede adhesion of the quartz.
Vacuum dust and lint from crevices. Ensure the surfaces are totally clean and dry before applying adhesive.

Apply Reinforcement

Most installers recommend applying a bead of silicone adhesive caulk to the top perimeter edges of the washer and dryer units.
This reinforces the seam between the appliances and the quartz. Allow caulk to fully cure before setting quartz.

How to Secure Quartz Countertop to Washer and Dryer

Properly securing the quartz countertop to the washer and dryer is critical to create a stable surface. Here are the key steps:

Position Countertop

With assistance, carefully place your quartz slab on top of the washer and dryer units.
Make sure the overhang is even on all exposed sides and the backsplash edge sits flush to the wall.

Mark Cutouts

Use a permanent marker to outline the areas on the countertop that will need to be cut out for faucets, handles, control panels, venting, etc.
Remove the slab and make these cutouts with a wet saw.
Sand cut edges smooth.

Apply Adhesive

Use 100% clear silicone specifically formulated for quartz countertop installation. Avoid other adhesives.
Apply a continuous 1/4″ bead of silicone evenly around the top edges of the washer and dryer.

Set Quartz into Position

Carefully lower the quartz slab into place with the pre-cut openings aligned correctly.
Make sure overhang is even on all sides.
Apply weight (sandbags, etc) evenly to the top of the slab to hold it down securely into the adhesive bed.

Allow Adhesive to Cure

Let the silicone fully cure undisturbed for 24 hours. The bond will strengthen over 72 hours.
Avoid placing heavy objects or stressing the countertop during this time. The adhesive needs time to gain maximum adherence.
Follow all manufacturer instructions for cure times.

How to Finish Edges of Laundry Room Quartz Countertop

Once installed over the washer and dryer, the edges of the quartz slab will need to be finished properly:

Cut Backsplash to Fit

Measure gap between top edge of quartz slab and wall.
Cut quartz backsplash material to this width using a wet saw. Sand any rough edges.

Adhere Backsplash

Apply a bead of silicone adhesive to back of backsplash piece.
Press firmly in place against wall, flush with top of countertop.
Trim any excess length for a clean look.

Finish Side Edges

If needed, adhere coordinating quartz pieces to any exposed side edges using silicone.
For an integrated look, cut side pieces to create a 1/4″ seam with countertop.

Apply Sealant

Use clear silicone sealant to seal any gaps between countertop and walls, backsplash, appliances, etc.
Smooth sealant with fingertip or silicone shaping tool. Allow to fully cure.
Caulking helps prevent moisture penetration behind the quartz.

Tips for Installing Quartz over Washer and Dryer

Follow these tips for the best results when installing a quartz countertop over laundry appliances:

Always enlist help to safely lift and position the quartz slab. Prevent cracking by handling carefully.
The slab does not need to be in one piece. You can adhere separate quartz pieces to span the washer and dryer seamlessly.
Take precise measurements and allow an overhang for design purposes. Test fit template before adhesive application.
Allow recommended adhesive cure times before use. Wait 72 hours before placing heavy objects on surface.
A high-quality color-matched silicone sealant is key for seamless edges. Carefully apply for clean finish.
Look for opportunities to embellish your design, like coordinating quartz backsplash tile or decorative corbels supporting overhangs.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips

Caring properly for your laundry room quartz will keep it looking like new:

For everyday cleaning, wipe with soft damp cloth and mild non-bleach detergent. Thoroughly dry surface.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which can dull the finish. Never use bleach products.
Periodically re-seal countertop edges and backsplashes with silicone caulk to prevent moisture penetration.
Quartz resists staining, but wipe spills quickly to prevent absorption. More stubborn stains can be carefully dabbed with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Heat protection is advised when setting hot appliances like curling irons or straighteners on the countertop. Allow to fully cool first before directly contacting surface.

FAQs about Installing Quartz over Washer and Dryer

Q: Is it difficult for a DIYer to install a quartz countertop over the washer and dryer?

A: Quartz countertop installation is definitely achievable as a DIY project if you have some basic skills. Critical steps like perfectly leveling the appliances, calculating overhang, and adhesive application take patience and precision. Enlist help for lifting the heavy slab into place. Always follow manufacturer instructions closely.

Q: Can I install just one long quartz countertop over both washer and dryer?

A: Yes, it is possible to install one Quartz slab across both appliances. This gives a seamless look. Take exact measurements to ensure the countertop spans the full width. Pay close attention to properly adhering the quartz to the washer and dryer tops independently while level.

Q: What issues cause quartz countertops over washers and dryers to fail?

A: The main reasons quartz installations fail in laundry rooms are improper preparation (uncleaned or unleveled appliances), inadequate adhesive, or rushed curing times. Insufficient support underneath can also lead to cracking and failure over time. Taking the time to correctly prepare the laundry room and securely adhere the quartz avoids problems.

Q: Does the quartz backsplash need additional support?

A: Adhering the quartz backsplash directly to the wall with silicone adhesive is sufficient. Additional backsplash support is not necessary. The backsplash is decorative and not subject to weight that could lead to detachment. The adhesive cures to a strong bond. Proper sealant application also protects the backsplash base.

Q: How difficult is it to cut holes in a quartz countertop for faucets and knobs?

A: Cutting openings in quartz for plumbing fixtures or laundry unit knobs can be tricky but is very doable with the right tools. Use the actual fixtures as a guide for outlining exact cutout dimensions. A wet saw with a quartz blade makes clean, smooth cuts. Diamond holes saws drill openings for taps. Take care to make straight cuts and sand smooth.

Q: Can I install a quartz countertop over a front-loading washer and dryer?

A: Yes, quartz can be installed over both front-loading and top-loading appliance configurations. The installation steps are the same regardless of type. Pay close attention to outline cutouts for any controls or doors on front-loaders. Adhesive application may differ slightly, but overall process is the same. Just ensure units are totally level before installing quartz.

Conclusion

Installing a beautiful quartz countertop over your side-by-side or stacked washer and dryer is an achievable DIY project that can completely transform the look of your laundry room. With the right preparation, tools, and attention to detail, you can create a custom-fitted quartz surface that maximizes the space over your appliances in a stylish, seamless way. Follow our step-by-step guide for a successful installation, and enjoy the increased functionality and high-end style of quartz in your laundry room. With proper care and maintenance, your quartz countertop will provide long-lasting durability and beauty.