Protecting ply/hardwood floors from washing machine leak

[IHGMay]

I will have the builders soon replacing floorboards with plywood and laying engineered wood on top. The washing machine will be concealed in a corner cupboard with a row of built-in Ikea Pax wardrobes right next to it along the wall.

What is the best way to isolate the washing machine, so that any leak either from it, or the cold water and waste pipes, wouldn't spread all around along that plywood/hardwood?

 

[JohnD]

What is under this floor?

 

[IHGMay]

What is under this floor?

Wooden joists under the floorboards. One floor below there is kitchen with a boiler in the corner. I want them to reinforce the floor as well just in case as I'm going to stack a dryer on top of the washing machine – a bit concerned about the total load right above the boiler.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

What is the best way to isolate the washing machine, so that any leak either from it, or the cold water and waste pipes, wouldn't spread all around along that plywood/hardwood?

If you are that concerned install the washing machine in a bund to capture any overflows. They actually sell these in the USA, but basically they are just a shallow shower tray, sized to fit a washing machine, with a low point and a drain in one corner which gets connected to the waste water pipe. They are actually mandated by code in timber built apartment structures in somd states (although many apartmemt buildings have communal laundry rooms which side steps the need). I think they are called "flood savers", but it's 20 years since I was over there and I really can't remember exactly what the generic term is for them. It should be possible to build something like this in plywood, tanked and finished in tile.

 

[IHGMay]

@JobAndKnock thanks, I've found some of these trays online following your advice. Debating now whether I need a drain in it or not, as I'm not so keen on cutting into the existing pipe that proved to be working well...

 

[foxhole]

Your flooring is not suitable for kitchen, there are many sources of spills in a kitchen , all will destroy that flooring .

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Hah! Tell that to the architects and designers who routinely soecify laminate floors for kitchens and bathrooms! (A pet hste of mine, I admit)

We recently purchased a carpet from a well-respected local carpet shop. The lady owner was very helpful and gave us excellent advice on choice of carpet. Whilst I was in the shop I noticed what the manufacturer claimed to be "waterproof laminate" , only to be told that whilst the shop sell it, they won't install it as they don't think the manufacturer's claim is 100% truthful. Maybe the fact that I was still in my working togs meant she felt she could be straight with me. Her own recommendstion was ceramic tile and U/F heating instead - neither of which they supply