So this means the dryer must always be on top?

If stacked, I guess so. Mine are not stacked.

What counter material? How will the counter be supported other than the 2x4's on the other side? Will the washer hot and cold turn offs be accessible? Will the units be able to be pulled all the way out to allow service should it be needed? Will you be able to clean out the dryer vent pipe?

Put any top you please over your dryer.

I think there is conflicting info otherwise you only have one way to stack. I couldn't come up with any thing other than build your shelf. What type of shelf? I read other post here that couldn't find a replacement dryer as newest versions were taller than her original eliminating her shelf.

Hi Vinmarks, the counter will be laminate over plywood, supported by cleats nailed to the studs along the walls and a center 1 x 4 gable support. Water turnoffs above counter height, machines can be pulled out for repair and vent cleaning. If you need any more structural info before answering my question, I'll have to get my husband involved; my job is to find out how much ventilation an electric dryer genuinely needs around it. Can you tell me?

Hi Joseph, we are not planning just to lay a top on the machine. Since the counter will be flush to the wall behind and next to the machine it will cut off airflow from those angles. I am trying to learn whether that is a problem, in the view of pros like yourself. What do you think?