The correct depth of your washing machine cabinet determines whether your appliances fit neatly, ventilate well, and operate stably. As a rule of thumb, most setups require between 62 and 70 cm. The exact depth depends on your setup (single, side-by-side, or stacked), the depth of your appliances, and the space needed for plugs, hoses, and ventilation. Below you’ll find concrete guidelines and a simple measuring method to get your cabinet right the first time.
Recommended depths per setup
Single washing machine in a cabinet with a door: usually choose 62 to 65 cm. Most washing machines have a housing depth of 55 to 60 cm (see also the Standard built-in depth of a washing machine). Add 5 to 7 cm for connections and a little clearance at the front, so 62 to 65 cm is safe.
Washing machine and dryer side by side: calculate 65 to 70 cm. Many condenser and heat pump dryers are slightly deeper or need extra space for air circulation. With 65 to 70 cm you prevent kinks in hoses and give the doors enough opening space. More about this in Depth of washing machine and dryer: which cabinet fits?.
Stacked (dryer on washing machine): on average 62 to 68 cm. Preferably use a stacking frame with non-slip or drawer. If you have a deep dryer model or protruding connections at the back, go towards 67 to 68 cm.
Compact appliances or shallow niche: sometimes 60 cm is enough, but measure extra carefully. Watch out for protruding door edges and knobs; the effective built-in depth can be larger than the specified housing depth. If you have limited depth, see Shallow washing machine: which cabinet is suitable?.
How to measure the correct depth
1) Measure the housing depth of your appliance from the back wall to the furthest protruding edge. 2) Add 3 to 5 cm for hoses, plug, and water lock. If you have a right-angle bend or thick siphon, take 5 to 8 cm. 3) Check obstacles: baseboard, threshold, pipes on the wall, drain point, and wall socket. 4) Reserve 2 to 3 cm at the front for door clearance or a vibration damper. 5) Choose the cabinet depth based on the total, rounded up to the next standard size. Always measure at floor level and halfway up the wall; small deviations in the wall can make a big difference.
Want reference sizes alongside your measurements? Also check the Standard built-in dimensions for a washing machine cabinet.
Ventilation, pipes, and heat dissipation
Preferably keep 5 cm of free space behind the washing machine cabinet for hoses, plug, and airflow. Read more about Space behind the washing machine in a cabinet. An open back or a cleverly placed ventilation grille helps to discharge residual heat and moisture, especially with dryers. Make sure hoses don’t kink, don’t place the outlet directly behind the machine connections, and avoid the door seal getting caught on the front edge. In narrow niches, a slightly deeper cabinet is often the safest choice to give air and pipes enough space.
Platform, load capacity, and stability
Depth is not only about fitting but also about support. The platform must be deep enough to support the entire foot of the appliance, ideally 58 to 60 cm of net support surface. A robust construction with melamine-coated chipboard, solid joints, and a metal bottom plate or reinforced base part helps dampen vibrations and extends the lifespan. Wasdroom cabinets are designed for high loads up to 300 kg per cabinet and meet TÜV requirements. With adjustable leveling feet, you can quickly level the cabinet, and a vibration mat under the washing machine limits resonance in the cabinet. Remember: a deeper cabinet is not automatically more stable; choose sufficient support surface, sturdy joints, and proper anchoring to the wall where possible.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should the cabinet be for a washing machine?
Usually 62 to 65 cm is sufficient. Calculate appliance depth plus 5 to 7 cm for hoses and plug, and 2 to 3 cm clearance so the door and drawer open freely.
How deep is a cabinet for a washing machine?
Standard is between 60 and 70 cm. The difference depends on the setup, the depth of your appliance, and the space needed for ventilation and connections behind the cabinet.
What is the depth of a washing machine cabinet?
For most households, 62 to 68 cm works well. If you have a deeper dryer model, thick pipes, or a shallow niche, choose 65 to 70 cm. Always measure first.
What are the standard dimensions of a washing machine cabinet?
Common sizes are height 200 to 240 cm, width 65 to 135 cm (single, double, or stacked setup), and depth 60 to 70 cm. The best size depends on your appliances and space. See the complete overview in Dimensions of a washing machine cabinet.
Need help with the right size?
Unsure whether to choose 62, 65, or 70 cm depth for your washing machine cabinet? Our guides help you measure and plan step by step. Wasdroom supplies sturdy, stable cabinets for single, side-by-side, and stacked setups, with a 5-year warranty and friendly support in the Netherlands and Belgium. That way you can be sure your choice fits, performs, and lasts a long time.