Choosing a 35L laundry tub is a clever way to save space without sacrificing everyday functionality. Whether you’re planning a compact European laundry or refreshing a full laundry room, this expert guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s specialists in custom cabinetry and laundry renovation—covers sizes, layouts, materials, costs and compliance so your project runs smoothly.
Primary focus: 35L laundry tub (also “35 litre laundry tub”) for Australian homes. We also touch on cabinetry, benchtops and design decisions that tie into whole‑home renovations—from kitchens and sculleries to wardrobes and bathrooms.
What is a 35L Laundry Tub?
A 35L laundry tub is a compact sink commonly used in Australian laundries where space is tight. It’s ideal for hand‑washing, pre‑soaking and quick clean‑ups, while leaving more benchtop and storage room than bulkier 45L or 70L troughs.
A sink with an approximate 35‑litre capacity. Typical bowl internal sizes are around 400–450mm (W) x 400–450mm (L) x 200–250mm (D). It commonly suits 500mm or 600mm wide base cabinets.
- Best for: European laundries, apartments, narrow rooms, and combined laundry–mudrooms.
- Common materials: 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless (coastal), composite/granite, ceramic.
- Mounting: Top‑mount (inset) for easy install; undermount for a sleek, benchtop‑led look.
Core Insights for WA Homes
1) Fit and footprint
A 35L tub can often fit a 500mm cabinet, freeing space for soft‑close drawers and baskets. If you prefer a larger soaking area, you’ll likely move to a 600mm cabinet and a 45L tub. We confirm clearances for your washer and dryer (many WA machines are 600–650mm deep) and allow ventilation for heat and moisture.
2) Mounting style: top‑mount vs undermount
- Top‑mount (inset): Easiest to retrofit; works well with laminate benchtops; visible rim protects edges.
- Undermount: Premium look that pairs with porcelain/sintered stone and solid surfaces. Allows wipe‑in cleaning from benchtop to bowl.
A sink fixed under the benchtop, exposing the benchtop edge around the bowl for a seamless appearance and easier clean‑down.
3) Tapware, plumbing and compliance
- Choose a WELS‑rated mixer with a pull‑out rinse for soaking and cleaning (check WELS water ratings).
- Allow space for traps, water hammer arrestors where needed, and any under‑sink storage systems.
- All plumbing must comply with AS/NZS 3500 and be completed by a licensed plumber.
4) Durability in WA conditions
- 304 stainless suits most homes; 316 stainless offers better corrosion resistance near the coast.
- Composite (granite/quartz) and ceramic bowls resist scratching and look premium; check heat/impact ratings.
- For benchtops, note Australia’s changes to engineered stone. Safer modern options include porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, and solid surface. See table below.
For guidance on stone safety, refer to Safe Work Australia.
5) Storage, workflow and style
We tailor custom cabinetry (WA‑made) to your tasks: soaking, sorting, folding and pet care. Combine a 35L tub with tall broom cupboards, finger‑pull doors, Blum hardware, and moisture‑resistant MDF doors in a Shaker kitchen-inspired profile to carry your home’s style into the laundry. Add a practical splashback, open shelving and task lighting.
Our Renovation Process
- Consult, measure and brief: We meet in your home or Perth showroom to review space, services and wish‑list.
- Design & 3D visuals: Layouts, elevations and selections for tubs, mixers, benchtops and finishes.
- Quote & revisions: Transparent pricing for cabinetry, benchtops, trades and installation.
- Site check & approvals: Final measure; we coordinate with your builder where applicable (HIA/MBA contracts). See HIA and Master Builders WA for homeowner guidance.
- Fabrication: Local manufacture to AS/NZS 4386 cabinetry guidelines for carcasses and hardware performance.
- Installation & trades: Cabinetry, benchtops, appliance fit, plumbing and electrical by licensed trades.
- Quality assurance & handover: Final checks, care guide and warranty info.
Materials & Finishes
Choosing the right 35L tub
- Stainless steel: 0.8–1.2mm gauge; look for sound‑deadening pads and radius corners for easier cleaning.
- Composite/silica‑free options: Tough, colour‑fast, premium look; confirm heat and stain resistance.
- Ceramic: Classic aesthetic (think compact Butler/Belfast style); heavy and needs solid support.
The structural body of the cabinet (often white melamine over particleboard). In wet areas, we specify moisture‑resistant substrates and edge‑sealing.
Benchtops for laundries and kitchens
Given Australia’s regulatory changes around engineered stone, many Perth homeowners now compare porcelain/sintered stone with laminate. Here’s a practical snapshot:
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Ultra‑premium, stone/terrazzo/marble looks; seamless undermounts | Huge decor range; great modern or Shaker styles on a budget |
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent heat and UV stability (great for WA sunlight) | Good day‑to‑day; avoid direct heat and prolonged UV |
| Water resistance | Excellent with professional fabrication | Excellent surface; protect edges and cut‑outs from moisture |
| Maintenance | Low; no sealing required | Very low; mild cleaners only |
| Installed cost (guide) | $700–$1,200+ per m² | $200–$400+ per m² |
| Best with 35L tub | Ideal for undermount; crisp modern edges | Ideal for top‑mount (protects laminate edges) |
Note: Some brands historically associated with engineered stone (e.g., Caesarstone) now offer alternative surfaces such as porcelain. We’ll guide you to compliant, long‑life options for your project.
Layouts & Styles That Suit a 35L Tub
Compact European Laundry
- Bi‑fold or pocket doors conceal a washer/dryer stack.
- 35L top‑mount tub over a 500–600mm cabinet to save width.
- Laminate benchtop, finger‑pull doors, and open shelf for detergents.
Galley Laundry with Folding Zone
- Long run of benchtop with undermount 35L tub for sleek look.
- Custom cabinetry WA‑made with soft‑close drawers and pull‑out hampers.
- Glass or tiled splashback to tie in with your kitchen renovations Perth.
Hamptons/Shaker Style
- Two‑pack Shaker doors, cup handles, and a ceramic or stainless 35L tub.
- White or pastel palette; tongue‑and‑groove feature panels.
- Matches a classic Shaker kitchen across the home.
Scandi Minimal
- Light timbers, matte laminate, finger‑pulls, and a composite 35L bowl.
- Clean lines and task lighting beneath wall cabinets.
Costs & Timeframes in Perth
- 35L laundry tub: $120–$450+ (stainless) or $350–$850+ (composite/ceramic), brand and finish dependent.
- Cabinet for tub (500–600mm): $600–$1,200+ installed, depending on materials and hardware.
- Plumbing (retrofit): $350–$750+ for remove/reconnect and mixer/trap, subject to site.
- Benchtops: Laminate $200–$400+ per m²; porcelain/sintered $700–$1,200+ per m²; solid surface $700–$1,000+ per m².
- Full laundry renovation (Perth): From ~$6,500–$18,000 for compact spaces; $18,000–$35,000+ for mid‑size or premium finishes.
- Timeframes: Design/selections 1–3 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; install 1–3 days (plus trades). Lead times vary with season and material choice.
We’ll provide a fixed, itemised proposal and coordinate trades to HIA/Master Builders WA best practice.
Two WA Case‑Style Examples
Case 1: European Laundry in a Subiaco Apartment
Brief: Hide laundry behind hallway doors and keep a folding surface. Solution: 500mm cabinet with a 35L top‑mount stainless tub, laminate benchtop, washer/dryer stack, and slim pull‑out hamper. Result: 1.3m wide cupboard now handles daily washing, with improved storage and soft‑close hardware.
Case 2: Hamptons Refresh in Fremantle
Brief: Match a Shaker kitchen renovation and add soaking capacity. Solution: 600mm base cabinet, ceramic‑look 35L bowl undermounted into porcelain benchtops, Shaker doors and feature splashback. Result: Cohesive styling across kitchen and laundry with durable, water‑resistant finishes for a coastal home.
Practical Pre‑Start Checklist
- Choose your mounting: top‑mount (budget‑friendly) or undermount (premium).
- Confirm cabinet width: 500mm or 600mm based on tub and appliance clearances.
- Pick a mixer with WELS rating and pull‑out spray if you hand‑wash often.
- Select benchtop: laminate (top‑mount) or porcelain/solid surface (undermount).
- Plan storage: pull‑out hampers, broom cupboard, open shelves, soft‑close drawers.
- Allow for services: trap, power points, ventilation for dryer, door swing.
- Match finishes to your kitchen/bathroom—Shaker, finger‑pulls, or minimal profiles.
- Book licensed trades and confirm compliance (AS/NZS 3500 plumbing).
Thinking beyond the laundry? Our team designs and installs kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, sculleries and more—bringing the same attention to detail to every room.
FAQ
Is a 35L laundry tub big enough for most Perth homes?
Yes—if space is at a premium or you mainly pre‑soak and hand‑wash smaller items. For large soaking tasks or bulky gear, a 45L tub gives extra depth and width. Many clients pair a 35L tub with better storage and benchtop space for everyday convenience.
What are the standard cabinet sizes for a 35 litre laundry tub?
Most 35L bowls suit a 500–600mm wide base cabinet. A 500mm cabinet maximises space in European laundries, while 600mm adds elbow room and makes appliance clearances easier. Always check the cut‑out template and plumbing space beneath the bowl.
Should I choose undermount or top‑mount for a 35L tub?
Top‑mount is cost‑effective and perfect with laminate benchtops. Undermount looks sleek and is easy to wipe into, but it needs a solid surface like porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface. We’ll recommend based on your budget, materials and cleaning preferences.
What benchtop works best around a 35L laundry sink in WA?
For long‑term durability, porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface are excellent—especially for undermount sinks. Laminate is a great value option and pairs best with a top‑mount tub to protect the cut‑out edges from moisture.
How much does a 35L laundry tub and install cost in Perth?
Expect roughly $120–$450+ for a stainless 35L bowl or $350–$850+ for composite/ceramic, plus $350–$750+ for plumbing. Including cabinetry and benchtops, compact laundry revamps typically start around $6,500 in Perth, depending on finishes and scope.
