How to Install a Laundry Chute
Overview
Installing a laundry chute can make laundry day easier and less strenuous. There are two main types of laundry chutes: lateral and multi-story. Lateral chutes move laundry sideways from room to room, while multi-story chutes drop laundry vertically from one floor to another.
Types of Laundry Chutes
Lateral Laundry Chute
A lateral laundry chute is located on a wall shared with the laundry room. The laundry passes sideways through an access door, ending up in a basket or bin on the other side of the wall.
Multi-Story Laundry Chute
A multi-story laundry chute passes laundry vertically from one floor to another floor below it. In-wall chutes are sleek and take up little space, but they are narrow and may not accommodate larger clothing items. Exposed chutes are larger but take up valuable floor space.
Where to Locate a Laundry Chute
The laundry chute should be above or adjacent to the laundry room. It should be in or against an interior wall that runs parallel to the floor joists. A central location in a hallway allows multiple residents to use the chute, while a private location in a bedroom is more suitable for individual use.
Best Time to Install a Laundry Chute
The best time to install a laundry chute is during the framing phase of a remodel or new construction, when the wall studs are exposed and the drywall has not yet been installed.
Codes and Permitting
A building permit may be required to install a laundry chute. Consult with your local building authority for code requirements and permitting.
Safety Considerations
Laundry chutes can be unsafe for small children. Take precautions to keep children away from the chute, such as placing the access door at least 36 inches above the floor and using a child-safe lock.
Materials and Tools
Lateral Laundry Chute
- 1 1-inch by 12-inch by 8-foot white primed finger-joint pine board
- 1 18-inch by 22-inch white cabinet door
- 2-inch strap hinges, pair
- Cabinet door knob
- 6 1 3/4-inch bugle head wood screws
Multi-Story In-Wall Laundry Chute
- 2 14-inch by 3 1/4-inch by 36-inch galvanized wall stack ducts
- 2 14-inch by 3 1/4-inch by 14-inch galvanized 90-degree elbows
- 4 1/4-inch plywood spacer blocks, each 3 1/2 inches by 6 inches
- 1-inch by 2-inch by 8-foot white wood trim board
- 18-inch by 18-inch white cabinet door
- 2-inch narrow utility hinges
- Cabinet door knob
- Duct tape
- Drywall finishing materials
- 1/2-inch pan-head screws
Instructions
How to Build a Lateral Laundry Chute
- Shut off power to the work area.
- Locate two adjacent wall studs and mark them.
- Cut a 14 1/2-inch by 21 1/2-inch square in the drywall, parallel to the studs.
- Cut the drywall on the laundry room side to match the first hole.
- Build the chute using the pine board, cutting it into three 14 1/2-inch boards and two 20-inch boards.
- Install the chute into the wall opening, securing it with screws.
- Attach the access door to the opening.
How to Build a Multi-Story In-Wall Laundry Chute
- Shut off power to both the upper and lower floor areas.
- Remove the baseboard and locate two adjacent studs.
- Cut a 14 1/2-inch by 40-inch rectangle in the drywall, starting at floor height.
- Assemble the chute using the wall stack ducts and elbows.
- Cut the floor base plate and attach blocking inside the studs.
- Slide the chute into the wall opening and secure it with screws.
- Cut a hole in the laundry room wall for the chute opening.
- Attach the chute at the bottom and trim the top and bottom with wood trim.
- Attach the access door to the top of the chute.
When to Call a Professional
If you are uncomfortable with cutting into the walls or floor, consider hiring a carpenter or contractor to install the laundry chute. Larger, air-powered laundry chute systems are also available and require professional installation.
