Smart laundry bench tops transform a chore space into a hard‑working zone for sorting, treating and folding. Whether you’re planning a stand‑alone laundry, a European laundry in an apartment, or a mudroom‑laundry combo, this expert guide from Joyce Kitchens will help you choose the right benchtop and layout for everyday life in WA.
Why your laundry bench top matters
The right laundry bench top delivers a durable, water‑resistant work surface and ties the whole room together. It also dictates appliance placement, sink choice, storage, and the way you move through your chores. For families in Perth and across WA, we often design bench tops to:
- Span a front‑loader washer and dryer for a full folding surface.
- Include an undermount sink or trough for soaking and stain treatment.
- Integrate pull‑out hampers, tall broom cupboards and open shelves above the splashback.
- Match adjacent spaces (e.g., a shaker kitchen or handleless cabinetry in an open‑plan area).
Local note: Many WA homes have side‑by‑side 600 mm appliances; allow 50–100 mm ventilation clearances and check doors and hose routes. Heat in Perth summers means extra value in UV‑stable, heat‑resistant benchtops and splashbacks.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Consult and measure: We confirm appliance sizes (including top‑loader clearance), plumbing points and door swings.
- Design and select: Choose materials, edge profiles, splashback and custom cabinetry WA homeowners love—soft‑close hinges, finger‑pull drawers and practical storage.
- Compliance check: We work with licensed trades to meet AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing), AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) and relevant cabinetry guidance such as AS/NZS 4386.
- Production: Precision manufacturing of benchtops and cabinets in our Perth network.
- Installation: Fit the benchtop, cut‑outs for sinks/taps, seal edges and install splashback. We coordinate tiler Perth and other trades if required.
- Handover: Final quality check, care instructions and warranty information.
Helpful resources: See industry guidance from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA.
Best laundry benchtop materials (and what’s allowed in Australia)
Your laundry benchtop must handle moisture, detergents and daily knocks. Below are the most popular options we specify in kitchen renovations Perth projects and dedicated laundries.
Top materials at a glance
- Porcelain / sintered stone: Highly heat, UV and stain resistant; excellent for Perth’s sunny conditions.
- Solid surface (acrylic): Seamless joins and integrated sinks; warm to touch and repairable.
- High‑pressure laminate: Cost‑effective, stylish decors; great value for rental or investment properties.
- Stainless steel: Commercial‑grade durability, ideal around troughs and pet‑wash zones.
- Timber/ply with durable finish: Beautiful warmth; needs diligent sealing in wet zones.
- Natural stone (granite, some marbles): Classic look; seal regularly and avoid harsh chemicals.
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | High‑Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water & stain resistance | Excellent; non‑porous and chemical resistant | Very good; use proper edging and seal cut‑outs |
| Heat & UV performance | Outstanding; suitable for sunny WA conditions | Good; avoid placing very hot items directly |
| Looks | Stone, concrete, marble and solid colour effects | Wide decor range, including timber and stone looks |
| Repairs | Chips require specialist repair/replacement | Localised replacement usually easier and cheaper |
| Typical installed cost (Perth) | $1,200–$2,500 per lm (incl. cut‑outs) | $450–$800 per lm (incl. cut‑outs) |
| Best for | Premium, high‑use laundries; strong sun exposure | Value‑driven builds, rentals, DIY laundry benchtop projects |
Edges, sinks and splashbacks
- Edge profiles: Pencil‑round is popular for a clean look. Waterfall edges are possible in porcelain/sintered stone and create a furniture‑like finish.
- Sinks/troughs: Undermount sinks deliver a flush wipe‑in surface. In laminate, choose top‑mount to protect the substrate.
- Splashbacks: Tiled, porcelain slab or glass; choose grout and silicone that handle detergents and bleach splashes.
Layouts and styles that work in Australian laundries
Common layouts
- Single wall / galley: Ideal for European laundry behind bifolds; continuous bench over front‑loaders with overheads and a drying rail.
- L‑shaped: Adds corner storage; place the sink on the short run and keep a long folding bench clear.
- U‑shaped: Maximum surface area and storage for family homes; consider a tall broom cupboard and a pull‑out hamper tower.
Side‑by‑side vs stacking
Side‑by‑side front‑loaders allow a full bench top. Stacking saves floor space but reduces bench length. If you own a top‑loader, allow lid clearance and avoid low overheads.
Style notes
- Shaker style cabinetry: Classic, pairs with a light stone‑look benchtop and subway splashback.
- Handleless cabinetry: Contemporary finger‑pull or push‑to‑open drawers for a seamless look that ties to a modern kitchen or scullery.
- Two‑pack or thermo‑laminate doors: Durable finishes that handle moisture and frequent cleaning.
- Colour: Coastal whites/greys, eucalyptus greens and warm timber accents feel at home in WA.
Tip: Align laundry finishes with nearby spaces for a cohesive renovation—especially if you’re also planning kitchen renovations Perth or a wardrobe fit‑out.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Prices vary by material, thickness, fabrication, edge detail and number of cut‑outs. Typical installed laundry benchtop ranges in Perth (incl. measure, fabricate, install):
- Laminate: $450–$800 per linear metre
- Solid surface (acrylic): $900–$1,800 per linear metre
- Porcelain / sintered stone: $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre
- Stainless steel: $900–$1,800 per linear metre
- Natural stone: $1,200–$2,200 per linear metre
- Timber (sealed hardwood): $600–$1,200 per linear metre
Full laundry refresh with custom cabinetry, benchtop, sink/tap and splashback typically lands between $8,000 and $18,000+. Larger custom spaces with mudroom storage can reach $20,000–$30,000 depending on scope, appliances and finishes.
Compliance note: Use licensed tradies for plumbing and electrical in line with AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS 3000. You can search registered contractors via the WA Building Commission or relevant bodies.
Laundry benchtop planning checklist
- Measure space and confirm appliance sizes (depth and door/lid clearance).
- Decide side‑by‑side vs stacking; plan ventilation and service access.
- Choose benchtop material suited to moisture, heat and UV in WA.
- Confirm sink type (undermount vs top‑mount) and tap height for buckets.
- Plan splashback and silicone/grout type for detergents/bleach.
- Add storage: pull‑out hampers, tall broom cupboard, ironing centre.
- Allow task lighting under overheads; place a hanging rail for drip‑dry.
- Confirm edges, thickness and overhang; protect dishwasher/washer tops from vibration.
- Check door swings and pathway clearances in small European laundries.
- Book licensed trades and confirm compliance with HIA/AS/NZS guidance.
WA case examples
Subiaco terrace – European laundry
We created a 1.7 m single‑wall European laundry with a laminate benchtop over a 600 mm washer/dryer combo, an undermount compact trough and handleless overheads. A porcelain splashback and a warm oak‑look cabinet finish tied it to the adjacent living room. Result: full folding space, zero door conflicts.
Joondalup family home – mudroom‑laundry
This U‑shaped laundry features a sintered stone bench top with coved splashback, pull‑out hampers and a tall cupboard for sports gear. Stainless steel around the trough handles pet‑wash duty. The shaker kitchen renovation next door used coordinating colours for a cohesive whole‑home feel.
DIY laundry benchtop vs hiring a pro
For a budget DIY laundry benchtop, laminate is the easiest to cut and install, provided you carefully seal edges and cut‑outs. Always use a template for sinks and follow manufacturer instructions.
Hire a pro when you want stone/porcelain, an undermount sink, waterfall ends, integrated drainer grooves or complex layouts. These require specialist tools, lifting and compliance knowledge. A professional team like Joyce Kitchens coordinates stone mason Perth partners, tilers and licensed trades to deliver a neat, warrantied result.
Regulatory note: Australia’s engineered stone ban is in force—choose alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or laminate. Keep up to date via Safe Work Australia or the Australian Building Codes Board.
Ready to design your laundry bench top?
Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom laundry, kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe solutions across Perth and WA. From compact European laundries to spacious mudroom‑laundry combos, we’ll help you choose the right materials, layout and finishes—on time and on budget.
Book a design consultation and see how your laundry can work harder, look better and last longer.
FAQ
What is the best benchtop material for a laundry in Australia?
For most WA homes, porcelain/sintered stone is the top performer for heat, UV and stain resistance, followed by solid surface for seamless wet‑area detailing. Laminate is a great value choice if edges and cut‑outs are properly sealed. Stainless steel excels around troughs and pet‑wash zones.
Can I DIY a laundry benchtop, and what should I avoid?
You can DIY a laminate laundry benchtop with careful measuring, accurate cut‑outs and thorough edge sealing. Avoid DIY on porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface with integrated sinks, or any undermount sink in laminate—these need specialist fabrication and licensed trades for safe, compliant results.
How much does a laundry benchtop cost in Perth?
Typical installed ranges are: laminate $450–$800 per linear metre, solid surface $900–$1,800 per lm, porcelain/sintered stone $1,200–$2,500 per lm, stainless steel $900–$1,800 per lm and natural stone $1,200–$2,200 per lm. Complex shapes, sink cut‑outs and splashbacks add to the total.
Should I put the washer and dryer under the benchtop or stack them?
Side‑by‑side under‑bench gives you a continuous folding surface and is ideal for larger families. Stacking saves floor space in compact European laundries but limits bench length; ensure proper ventilation and service access either way. Top‑loaders need lid clearance, so stacking or a split bench may be better.
Is engineered stone still allowed in Australia?
Australia has introduced a nationwide prohibition on engineered stone due to silica health risks. For new laundry benchtops, choose compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate, stainless steel or natural stone, and confirm current rules with your installer.