Planning a practical, good‑looking laundry countertop? Whether you want a simple washer countertop over your appliances or a full laundry renovation, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry across Perth and WA. Here’s how to get a durable benchtop that works hard, looks great and meets Australian standards.
What matters most for a laundry countertop
Your laundry benchtop endures water, heat from dryers, detergents and daily knocks. For most WA homes, that means prioritising:
- Water and stain resistance for soaking and spot cleaning
- Impact and abrasion resistance for baskets and appliances
- Easy maintenance for family living
- Good ventilation and vibration control around appliances
- Compliance with AS 3740 (wet area waterproofing) and AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules)
Joyce Kitchens can add a washer countertop over side‑by‑side front loaders, or a continuous bench with a stacked dryer using a proper stacking kit and ventilation. We’ll help you balance function and style with options such as Shaker kitchen-style doors, soft-close drawers, LED strip lighting, and durable splashbacks to tie the laundry into your kitchen renovations Perth project.
A benchtop installed over one or more front‑loading appliances to create a continuous work surface. Typically 600–700 mm deep, 20–38 mm thick, and fixed to wall cabinetry or a steel angle—not to the machines.
A composite stone (e.g., Caesarstone) historically used for benchtops. Note: new supply/installation of engineered stone is banned across Australia due to silica risks. Joyce Kitchens specifies safe alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface and laminate for new projects.
Our Perth laundry renovation process
- In‑home consult & measure – We review appliances, services and space, and check benchtop thickness and clearances.
- Design & 3D visuals – Layouts to suit your home: L‑shape, galley, European laundry, or U‑shape with scullery‑style storage.
- Selections – Benchtops (porcelain slab, laminate benchtops, solid surface, timber feature), doors (thermofoil doors or 2‑pack polyurethane), tapware (matte black tapware), sinks (under‑mount sink), splashback options, and hardware.
- Compliance – We coordinate licensed trades. Waterproofing is detailed to AS 3740; electrical to AS/NZS 3000 with RCDs and correct IP ratings around water.
- Manufacture in WA – Precision‑made custom cabinetry WA, including pull‑out hampers and water‑resistant substrate for wet zones.
- Installation & QA – Site protections, dust control, and thorough handover with care instructions.
Before templating your top, sketch simple laundry cabinet plans so carcass widths, appliance gaps and end panels line up perfectly—our DIY resource includes typical modules and clearances.
Helpful Australian references: HIA, Master Builders WA, Australian Building Codes Board.
Materials and finishes for a laundry countertop
Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate
In WA laundries, porcelain/sintered stone and laminate are the most popular benchtop choices. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water/Heat/UV resistance | Excellent. Non‑porous, highly heat and UV resistant—ideal near sunny windows and dryers. | Very good water resistance; moderate heat and UV. Use trivets for hot items. |
| Impact/Scratch performance | High impact/scratch resistance; edges remain crisp. | Good everyday performance; can chip if heavily knocked. |
| Seams & joins | Large slab sizes reduce joins; fine mitred edges possible. | Visible joins on long runs; modern ABS edges are neat and durable. |
| Care | Wipe clean; no sealing. Resists detergents and dyes. | Wipe clean; avoid abrasive powders and harsh solvents. |
| Cost (installed, Perth) | Approx. $900–$1,800 per linear metre, profile dependent. | Approx. $450–$900 per linear metre, edge/profile dependent. |
| Notes | Excellent long‑term value; ideal for premium renovations. | Best for budget refreshes, rentals and secondary laundries. |
Other popular options
- Solid Surface (Acrylic) – Seamless look, easy to repair, warm to touch; great for integrated coved splashbacks.
- Timber Feature – Adds warmth; specify a durable finish and plan for periodic resealing. Not for constant soak zones.
- Natural Stone – Beautiful and heat resistant; requires sealing and mindful care with chemicals.
A moisture‑resistant board (often HMR) used under benchtops and in cabinetry carcasses to limit swelling in wet areas.
Profiles, thickness and edges
- Common benchtop thickness: 20 mm (porcelain/stone), 33–38 mm (laminate).
- Edges: pencil round, sharknose, square or mitred waterfall end panels.
- Undermount or top‑mount under‑mount sink choices to suit cleaning routines.
When you’ve narrowed benchtop materials, compare laundry colour schemes so your counter tone complements cabinet doors, grout lines and fixtures for a seamless finish.
Layouts and styles that work in Australian laundries
Smart layouts
- Side‑by‑side front loaders with a continuous washer countertop for folding.
- Stacked dryer on a front loader via a manufacturer stacking kit, with a full‑length benchtop beside it.
- European laundry behind bifold or pocket doors, featuring shallow custom cabinetry and a slim porcelain slab.
- U‑shape or L‑shape with tall storage and a scullery‑like sorting zone including pull‑out hampers.
Style notes to match your home
- Shaker kitchen door profiles in 2‑pack polyurethane for a timeless look.
- Modern flat doors in thermofoil with soft-close drawers and matte black tapware.
- Ceramic or glass splashback with LED strip lighting under wall cabinets.
Local WA appliance sizing and clearances
- Most AU front‑load washers/dryers are ~600 mm wide; allow 5–10 mm side clearance and 20 mm rear clearance for hoses.
- Typical laundry countertop height is 900–920 mm; depth 600–700 mm to suit appliances and cabinetry.
- Allow 10–20 mm vertical clearance above appliances; use anti‑vibration pads to reduce noise.
Short case examples (Perth)
Mt Lawley character home: We replaced an old laminate with a 20 mm porcelain slab, introduced a shaker profile, under‑mount sink and coved splashback. Result: easy‑clean, light‑filled space with classic details.
Fremantle coastal unit: Compact European laundry with side‑by‑side 600 mm appliances, 33 mm laminate benchtop, mirrored wall cabinets and LED strip lighting. Budget‑friendly, brighter and highly functional.
Costs in Perth and WA
Indicative supplied‑and‑installed pricing (GST incl.). Final quotes vary with size, access, cut‑outs, edging and services.
- Laminate benchtop: $450–$900 per linear metre
- Porcelain/sintered stone: $900–$1,800 per linear metre
- Solid surface (acrylic): $700–$1,200 per linear metre
- Timber feature: $400–$1,000 per linear metre (plus finishing)
- Cabinetry package (typical laundry): $6,000–$15,000+
- Full laundry renovation Perth: $9,000–$25,000+ depending on scope
Note on engineered stone benchtops: due to Australia’s ban, Joyce Kitchens specifies compliant alternatives such as porcelain slabs, solid surface and premium laminates that deliver the same great look without silica risk.
Practical planning checklist
- Measure wall‑to‑wall width, preferred benchtop depth (600–700 mm) and height (target 900–920 mm).
- Confirm appliance models, widths, depths and stacking kit compatibility.
- Decide on sink position, tapware, and splashback height (consider full height behind sink).
- Choose material and edge profile; confirm benchtop thickness and overhang (20–25 mm typical).
- Plan ventilation around dryers and ensure compliant GPO locations per AS/NZS 3000.
- Nominate storage features: pull‑out hampers, basket shelves, vertical broom cupboard.
- Select door style and finish to match adjacent kitchen/bathroom (e.g., shaker, 2‑pack polyurethane, thermofoil).
- Book licensed waterproofing to AS 3740 and silicone sealing at the sink/splashback junctions.
Why choose Joyce Kitchens for your laundry countertop
- Custom cabinetry WA manufacturing and local installers
- Experienced designers across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe projects
- High‑performance, compliant materials and hardware
- Seamless project management with clear timelines
Ready to upgrade your laundry countertop? Contact Joyce Kitchens to book a design consultation and measure.
FAQ
What is the best material for a laundry countertop in Perth?
For most WA laundries, porcelain or sintered stone is the best all‑rounder thanks to water, heat and UV resistance. Laminate is a strong budget option, while solid surface offers seamless looks and easy repair. Timber adds warmth but needs regular sealing away from constant splash zones.
Can I put a benchtop over my washer and dryer?
Yes—use front‑loading appliances with 10–20 mm clearance above and between units. Fix the benchtop to wall brackets or cabinetry (never to the machines), include vibration pads, and leave access for servicing. If stacking, use a manufacturer‑approved kit and keep a continuous bench beside the appliances.
What is the standard height and depth for a laundry countertop in Australia?
Common heights are 900–920 mm to suit most Australians, with a depth of 600–700 mm to cover appliances. Typical benchtop thickness is 20 mm for porcelain/stone and 33–38 mm for laminate, with a 20–25 mm overhang in front.
Do I need to waterproof behind the laundry benchtop?
Yes—treat the laundry as a wet area. Waterproof and detail splash zones to AS 3740, ensure compliant electrical work to AS/NZS 3000, and seal junctions with quality silicone. A tiled or full‑height splashback behind the sink is recommended.
How much does a new laundry benchtop cost in Perth?
As a guide, laminate is $450–$900 per linear metre installed, porcelain/sintered stone $900–$1,800 per linear metre, and solid surface $700–$1,200 per linear metre. Final costs depend on size, cut‑outs, profiles and site access.