Stacked vs Side-by-Side Washer & Dryer: Which Laundry Layout Is Best?

Should you stack your washer and dryer or place them side by side? It's one of the most important layout decisions to make when planning a laundry renovation, particularly when space is limited.

A stacked washer and dryer can free up valuable floor and wall space for storage, while a side-by-side washer and dryer can provide easier access and the opportunity for a long benchtop above the appliances.

Neither layout is automatically better. The right choice depends on the size of your laundry, how much storage and bench space you need, accessibility and how your household uses the room every day.

Here's how stacked and side-by-side washer and dryer layouts compare — and what Australian homeowners should consider before choosing.

Why Appliance Placement Matters

The laundry is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home.

A well-designed layout can improve:

• Everyday functionality

• Storage capacity

• Folding space

• Cleaning efficiency

• Overall appearance

Poor appliance placement can make even a large laundry feel cramped and difficult to use.

This is why appliance configuration should be considered early in the planning process.

If you're still working through the overall room design, our Laundry Renovation Checklist: Where to Start covers the key decisions to make before finalising your layout.

What Is a Stacked Washer and Dryer Layout?

A stacked layout positions the dryer directly above the washing machine.

This arrangement is commonly used in:

• Small laundries

• European laundries

• Apartments

• Compact homes

By using vertical space, stacked appliances can free up valuable floor area and create opportunities for additional storage or benchtop space.

Always check that your specific washer and dryer are suitable for stacking and follow the appliance manufacturer's installation requirements.

What Is a Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer Layout?

A side-by-side layout places the washing machine and dryer next to each other.

In many laundry renovations, a benchtop is installed over the appliances to create a practical folding and sorting area.

Stacked vs Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer: Quick Comparison

In simple terms: stacking is often worth considering when space and storage are the priority, while side-by-side appliances can be a better option when accessibility and continuous bench space matter more.

This configuration is particularly popular in:

• Family homes

• Larger laundries

• Utility rooms

It remains one of the most common laundry layouts in Australia.

The Advantages of Stacked Appliances

Maximises Floor Space

One of the biggest benefits of stacking appliances is the amount of floor space it can save.

This can be particularly valuable in smaller laundries where every millimetre counts.

The space saved may be used for:

• Additional cabinetry

• Linen storage

• Utility cupboards

• Open shelving

Creates More Design Flexibility

By reducing the footprint of the appliances, stacked layouts often provide more flexibility when designing the room.

This can be beneficial when working with challenging layouts or narrow spaces.

Ideal For Compact Homes

In smaller homes, apartments and townhouses, stacking appliances can make it easier to create a functional laundry without sacrificing valuable storage.

Before finalising your cabinetry, see How Much Storage Does a Laundry Really Need? for the storage zones worth considering.

Choosing between stacked and side-by-side appliances can make a huge difference when space is limited. For more ways to maximise a compact room, see our small laundry renovation ideas for practical layout, storage and design solutions.

The Disadvantages Of Stacked Appliances

Accessibility Considerations

The most obvious drawback is accessibility.

Depending on the height of the dryer, some household members may find it more difficult to:

• Load clothes

• Unload items

• Reach controls
  

Also consider whether the arrangement will remain comfortable to use for everyone in the household over the long term.

Less Convenient For Some Users

While stacked appliances save space, they may not suit every household's daily routine.

For some homeowners, ease of access is more important than maximising storage.

Lifestyle and personal preference often play a significant role in determining the best solution.

The Advantages of Side-by-Side Appliances

Valuable Benchtop Space

One of the biggest benefits of side-by-side appliances is the ability to install a continuous benchtop above them.

This space can be used for:

• Folding clothes

• Sorting washing

• Storing baskets

• General household tasks

Many homeowners consider this one of the most practical features of a laundry renovation.

Easier Access

Both appliances remain at a comfortable height for loading and unloading.

This can improve usability and convenience during everyday use.

Family-Friendly Functionality

For larger households that handle significant amounts of washing, a side-by-side layout often provides a practical and efficient workflow.

The Disadvantages of Side-by-Side Appliances

Requires More Floor Space

The biggest limitation is the amount of room required.

Side-by-side layouts occupy considerably more wall space than stacked alternatives.

This may reduce opportunities for:

• Tall cabinetry

• Additional storage

• Utility cupboards

Not Always Suitable For Small Laundries

In compact laundries, fitting appliances side by side can leave limited room for other essential features.

Careful planning is often required to ensure the room remains functional.

Which Layout Is Better For Small Laundries?

For many small laundries, stacked appliances offer significant advantages.

The space savings can create opportunities for:

• Extra storage

• Larger cupboards

• Better circulation

• Improved functionality

However, this doesn't automatically make stacking the right choice.

Every laundry is different, and the overall design should always be considered as a whole.

Before assuming stacking is the answer, measure the entire wall and consider what you gain by stacking. If the freed space allows for a tall broom cupboard, additional storage or a more practical sink and benchtop arrangement, stacking may provide a genuine functional advantage.

If stacking only creates unused space elsewhere, a side-by-side arrangement may still be the better design.

Which Layout Is Better For Families?

Many families prefer side-by-side appliances because of the practical benchtop space they provide.

The ability to fold clothes directly above the appliances can simplify everyday laundry tasks.

That said, some families successfully use stacked layouts when space limitations make alternative configurations difficult.

The best solution depends on how the room will actually be used.

What Should You Decide Before Choosing?

Before locking in either layout, confirm:

• The exact dimensions of your washer and dryer
• Whether your appliances can be safely stacked
• Required ventilation and clearances
• Door opening directions
• Access to power, water and drainage
• How much bench space you need
• How much tall storage you need
• Whether everyone in the household can comfortably access both appliances

Appliance dimensions should be confirmed before cabinetry is ordered, rather than assuming all washers and dryers are a standard size.

The Importance of Planning the Entire Laundry

It's easy to focus solely on appliance placement.

However, successful laundry renovations consider many factors, including:

• Storage requirements

• Bench space

• Hanging areas

• Cleaning supplies

• Household routines

The washer and dryer are only one part of the overall design.

A well-planned laundry balances all of these elements to create a space that works efficiently every day.

Appliance placement can also affect cabinetry, plumbing and electrical requirements. If you're setting your overall budget, see How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia? for the main costs to consider.

For other planning issues worth checking before your design is finalised, read 10 Laundry Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make.

Final Thoughts

There is no single winner in the stacked vs side-by-side washer and dryer debate. The better layout is the one that makes the best use of your particular laundry.

Stacking can be an excellent way to free up space for storage in a compact room, while side-by-side appliances can provide easier access and valuable continuous bench space.

Before deciding, look at the entire laundry rather than the appliances in isolation. Consider storage, bench space, accessibility, cabinetry and how you actually move through the room every day.

A good laundry layout isn't simply about fitting everything in — it's about making the room easier to use.

About the Author

Laura Faulkner is the founder of Own Your Reno and AJM Bathroom Renovations. Drawing on experience from more than 500 completed renovations, Laura created the Own Your Reno series to help Australian homeowners plan smarter, avoid costly mistakes and renovate with confidence.