What Ga Metal is a Dryer Cabinet? A Comprehensive Guide

A dryer cabinet is an enclosure that houses a clothes dryer, protecting it and hiding it away while also providing storage and improving airflow. Dryer cabinets are typically constructed out of sheet metal, making them durable and long-lasting. The gauge or thickness of the metal used in dryer cabinet construction plays an important role in the cabinet’s durability, ease of installation, and ability to dampen noise. Let’s take a deeper look at what ga metal is commonly used for dryer cabinets and why.

Typical Metal Gauges Used in Dryer Cabinet Construction

Dryer cabinets are subjected to high heat and humidity over years of use. They need to stand up to these conditions without warping, denting, or corroding. Most dryer cabinets are made from galvanized steel sheeting with a baked enamel finish. Popular metal gauges include:

20 Gauge

• 20 gauge steel is 0.0359 inches thick, making it lightweight yet sturdy.
• Widely used for low-cost dryer cabinets and DIY installations.
• Prone to denting over time. Not ideal for heavy residential use.
• Easy for one person to maneuver into place. Reduces installation labor costs.

18 Gauge

• 18 gauge steel is 0.0478 inches thick, a good midweight option.
• Provides a balance of affordability and durability for most homes.
• Resists dents better than 20 gauge while still being DIY-friendly.
• The most common metal thickness used for dryer cabinets.

16 Gauge

• 16 gauge steel is 0.0598 inches thick, adding extra resilience.
• Recommended for heavy-use laundry rooms in large households.
• Resists dents and corrosion better than thinner gauges.
• Sturdy yet can be harder to install without two people.

14 Gauge

• 14 gauge steel is 0.0747 inches thick, very rugged and dent-resistant.
• Often used in commercial dryer enclosures built to withstand high traffic.
• Heavy and more challenging to install than lighter gauges.
• Provides maximum durability where budget allows.

So in summary, 20 gauge provides an affordable DIY option, 18 gauge delivers the best balance for most homes, 16 gauge adds heavy-duty resilience, and 14 gauge maximizes strength for commercial applications.

Noise Dampening Abilities

One benefit of enclosing a dryer in a metal cabinet is noise reduction. Thicker steel gauges inherently provide more sound dampening. Other noise-blocking additions include:

• Sound-dampening insulation – Fibreglass or mineral wool insulation panels absorb noise.
• Tight door seals – Tight seams and compressed gaskets prevent sound from escaping.
• Vibration-reducing feet -Rubberized leveling feet isolate vibrations.
• Quiet cooling fans – Slow, low power fans don’t add excess noise.

With features like these, a high quality dryer cabinet can reduce operational noise by 50% or more compared to an exposed machine. This allows running the dryer at night or during naps without disturbance. Sticking with a sturdy 16 gauge or 18 gauge steel construction ensures noise remains muffled.

Rust Resistance

Dryer exhaust introduces substantial moisture into a dryer cabinet over time. Without proper rustproofing, the enclosure could corrode, weaken and develop leaks. Manufacturers prevent this through:

• Galvanized steel – Zinc coating enables galvanized steel to resist rust far better than regular cold-rolled steel. This is why it’s the go-to choice for dryer cabinets.
• Baked enamel finishes – A dryer cabinet’s exterior and interior are coated in a baked-on enamel finish that further seals out moisture to prevent rust. White is common, but stainless steel-look finishes are also available.
• Stainless steel options – Some high-end cabinets offer a full 304 stainless interior. This provides supreme corrosion resistance, albeit at a premium price.

Regular cleaning and maintenance coupled with galvanized steel construction ensures a dryer cabinet provides rust-free service for many years before requiring replacement. Going with heavier 16 or 18 gauge thicknesses provides extra insurance against rust over thinner 20 gauge steel.

Available Widths and Layout Options

Dryer cabinets come in a range of widths to match common dryer sizes:

• 27-Inch Cabinets – For compact 24-inch wide dryers. Allows dryer to be stacked above a matching 24-in washer.
• 29 to 30-Inch Cabinets – Fits standard 29-inch wide dryers in a side-by-side washer-dryer layout.
• 33-Inch Cabinets – For larger capacity 30-inch dryers. Provides added interior space.

Door and Drawer Configuration

Cabinet layout includes:

• Single door – A front load dryer with full cabinet access from one side. Can include storage drawer underneath.
• Side-swing doors – Doors hinged on each side for easy loading access in narrow spaces.
• Bi-fold doors – Doors fold in half to open without taking up aisle space.
• Drawers and storage – Multiple drawers for sorting clothes instead of an underside cabinet.

So in addition to matching dryer size, also consider desired door access style and storage options when selecting a dryer cabinet configuration.

Electrical Requirements

A dryer cabinet simply encloses the machine without powering it, so no special electrical hookup is needed. However, electrical capacity should be considered:

• Most modern electric dryers require 30 amp, 240 volt service. Gas dryers need 120 volt electricity plus gas.
• With electric dryers, 4 wire connections are recommended over 3 wire to enable balanced 220v loads.
• Dryer circuits should use 10 gauge wiring with the shortest run possible from the breaker box.
• Dryer receptacles must match the plug style on the dryer’s power cord. Newer dryers often use NEMA 14-30 plugs.
• The electrical outlet can be placed inside the cabinet or externally on a nearby wall.

When installing both a washer and dryer, separate dedicated circuits are ideal to prevent tripping breakers. Electrical connections and outlets should be handled by a qualified electrician. Cabinet installation is fairly simple as long as power requirements are addressed.

Installation Tips

Proper dryer cabinet installation ensures safety, functionality and optimal performance. Here are best practices:

• Level cabinet – Use a bubble level and shims to level the enclosure if floor is uneven.
• Secure cabinet – Anchor to studs or masonry for stability using screws or toggle bolts.
• Check venting – Ensure back vent hole aligns with dryer vent outlet.
• Seal gaps – Caulk gaps between cabinet and walls to prevent moisture and pests.
• Slide dryer in – Carefully slide dryer into cabinet, plug in power cord, and connect vent.
• Limit vibration – Use rubber feet on washer and dryer to prevent vibration transmission.
• ADA compliance – Keep cabinet height accessible and install side-swing doors for wheelchair access if needed.

Taking time to plumb, level, seal and secure a dryer cabinet ensures safe function and reduces noise. If handy with tools, most homeowners can handle DIY installation. Alternatively, hire an appliance repair technician for expert assembly.

Advantages of Enclosing Your Dryer

Installing a dryer cabinet offers homeowners several helpful benefits:

Safety

• Doors and drawers prevent accidental contact with hot dryer surface.
• Enclosure guards against fire hazards.
• Locking cabinets keep laundry chemicals safely out of children’s reach.

Noise Reduction

• Cabinet muffles operational noise by up to 50% for quieter laundering.

Energy Savings

• Tighter spacing allows exhaust heat to circulate back into laundry room.
• Cabinet retains heat to reduce dryer run times and energy consumption.

Adds Storage

• Cabinets provide accessible storage for laundry supplies and linens.
• Storage drawers allow sorting and folding clothes right out of the dryer.

Improved Appearance

• Conceals ugly venting and provides a built-in finished look.
• Custom cabinetry matches washer and coordinates with laundry room decor.

Increased Property Value

• Upgraded laundry room appeals to home buyers and gives properties a premium feel.

For easiest installation and best performance, choose an 18 gauge or 20 gauge galvanized steel dryer cabinet sized to fit your machine and laundry space. With the right cabinet, you can enjoy quieter, more energy-efficient drying along with extra laundry room storage and style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dryer Cabinets

Q: Do dryer cabinets require any special electrical hookups?

A: No, dryer cabinets simply enclose the appliance and do not require their own electrical connections. However, proper voltage, amperage, wiring, and outlets are needed to safely operate the dryer itself per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Q: Should I vent my dryer cabinet to the outdoors?

A: Yes, proper external ventilation is strongly recommended to remove lint, moisture and heat the dryer produces. Venting kits can route ductwork from the dryer out an exterior wall or roof cap. Never vent dryer exhaust into the living space.

Q: How do I clean and maintain a dryer cabinet?

A: Use a household cleaner to wipe down the interior occasionally when lint builds up. Clean the exterior as needed with mild soap and water, then dry. Avoid harsh abrasives. Check and clean the exhaust duct periodically and ensure vents remain unblocked.

Q: Can dryer cabinets be installed in garages?

A: Yes, although the cabinet must be sealed properly to prevent exhaust fumes from entering living areas. The dryer and cabinet should be raised off cold concrete floors and protected from car impacts.

Q: What are the best practices for installing a dryer cabinet?

A: Fully level the cabinet, secure to framing, caulk gaps, connect venting, slide in dryer, plug into outlet, confirm door seal, test operation safely, and make any needed adjustments. Having an appliance technician install the cabinet is recommended to ensure proper assembly.

Q: How much weight can dryer cabinet shelves hold?

A: Most cabinets have shelves rated to safely hold around 20-30 lbs when evenly distributed. Heavier items should go in lower cabinets or drawers. Overloading shelves could cause them to sag, break or pull loose.

Q: Can dryer cabinets be made out of materials other than metal?

A: While metal is most common, dryer enclosures can also be constructed from materials like wood, plastic or composites. However, metal offers the best durability, fire resistance and heat tolerance for long-term safe performance.

Conclusion

Investing in a dryer cabinet creates a safer, quieter laundry room while adding storage and a touch of style. Selecting the right metal gauge ensures your cabinet offers the optimal blend of strength, noise dampening, and ease of installation. With standard features like galvanized corrosion-resistant steel and baked enamel finishes, dryer cabinets provide homeowners with lasting laundry room upgrades. Partner your dryer with a properly sized and well-vented cabinet to enjoy this convenient laundry appliance to its fullest.