Step-by-Step Instructions for Laundry Chute Installation

Use a stud finder to locate an area of the floor and wall that is conducive to a chute installation. Using your home's building plans is also an advantage in locating electrical wiring and plumbing.

Measure and mark the opening for the laundry chute duct on the wall with a measuring tape and pencil. The opening should be measured from the floor and up the wall for a length of 42 inches. The width exposes the sides of two adjoining wall studs.

Cut the drywall with a utility knife to allow access for a saw. Cut out the marked area of the wall with a drywall saw. Cut out the 2 by 4 baseboard section between the studs with a reciprocating saw. Remove the wood piece from the wall. Cut a hole through the flooring to create the opening for the chute.

Measure and cut out a piece of 2 by 4 for a new section to frame out the top of the laundry chute. Secure the top of the frame between the studs using a power drill and wood screws.

Snap a 90 degree metal duct elbow into a 3 1/4-inch by 12 or 14-inch rectangular shaped section of galvanized heating duct to secure them together. Snip the surface at the top of the elbow with tin snips to widen it. Cut and fold down the edge of the elbow metal to make it slightly smaller than the size of the chute opening.

Apply duct tape around the seam where the pieces are joined together to cover any sharp edges. If you skip this step, clothing could catch on the sharp edges and get caught in the chute.

Slide the duct into the open space and down through the hole in the floor. Using a drill and sheet metal screws, secure the duct to the wall studs and the block of 2 by 4 at the top of the metal.

Repair the opening in the wall with a new piece of drywall. Attach the section to the studs with wood screws. Apply drywall tape to the seams in the wall. Paint the section of wall to match the room.

Set the laundry chute door in place. Attach each side of the door to the studs with wood screws and a power drill.