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Q I grew up in a house with a laundry chute in the hallway. My current home doesn’t have one and I miss the convenience. What’s the simplest way to install a chute between the first floor and the downstairs laundry?
A Installing a laundry chute can be a breeze if you have an unobstructed path between the floors—or impossible if you encounter wires, plumbing or other obstacles.
The best place for a chute is often a hallway. The job is easier if the wall runs parallel to the floor joists or the studs in the wall are “stacked” directly on top of the floor joists below. Use a stud finder to locate two studs, then bore a small exploratory hole to check for obstructions.
To make the chute, use ordinary 3-1/4 in. x 12- or 14-in. galvanized heating duct. You’ll also need a 90-degree elbow with a 6-in. register opening and a pre-assembled laundry chute door. These materials are available in the plumbing and heating sections at most lumberyards and home centers. The total cost will be about $30.
[P.S. Some communities have strict fire codes that prohibit or limit the installation of laundry chutes, especially those that are two stories tall and present an unobstructed pathway for smoke and fire to spread. Check with a local building inspector before starting the project. ]
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