Turn your garage into a hardworking laundry without sacrificing style. From compact single-wall layouts to mudroom-style set‑ups with custom cabinetry, here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs practical, durable laundries for Australian homes.
Why a Laundry in the Garage Works in Australia
Placing your laundry in the garage frees up valuable internal floor space, reduces noise in living areas, and keeps wet gear, workwear and sports kit out of the main home. In Perth’s climate, a garage laundry paired with outdoor drying is ultra‑practical. With custom cabinetry, quality benchtops and smart ventilation, the space can be just as good‑looking and durable as any kitchen renovation.
Core Design Insights for Garage Laundries
1) Space planning and access
- Standard appliance clearances: allow 600 mm wide for a front‑loader, 600–650 mm benchtop depth, and 900 mm standing/door swing clearance.
- Keep a continuous benchtop over front loaders for folding, and consider a tall broom cupboard or linen tower for vertical storage.
- If parking is tight, consider pocket or sliding doors for tall cabinets to avoid conflicts with car doors.
2) Services, compliance and safety
- Electrical: new GPOs and lighting must meet AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules). Use a licensed electrician and ensure RCD protection.
- Plumbing: trap, waste and hot/cold lines to AS/NZS 3500. Install a flood stop or leak tray where practical.
- Moisture: wet area detailing to AS 3740 is recommended where splashing can occur, particularly around the tub and washer.
- Ventilation: garages can run humid—add an exhaust fan and cross‑ventilation to protect cabinetry.
3) Storage that works as hard as you do
- Pull‑out hampers, soft‑close drawers and adjustable shelves to fit baskets and detergents.
- Overhead cabinetry with task lighting; open shelves for everyday items; hanging rail for delicates.
- Finger‑pull or slim bar handles for easy cleaning; quality hardware such as Blum hinges and runners for longevity.
4) Durability is non‑negotiable
- Moisture‑resistant cabinetry boards and edge‑banding for Perth’s hot summers and coastal air.
- Benchtops that resist heat, stains and impact. Consider porcelain/sintered stone or high‑pressure laminate.
- Flooring: garage‑rated options like sealed concrete or epoxy for easy mopping and chemical resistance.
Our Renovation & Design Process
- Consultation and site measure: we assess your garage structure, services and clearances.
- Design concepts: layout options (single‑wall, L‑shape, concealed), elevations and 3D visuals.
- Selections: cabinetry profiles (Shaker, flat, V‑groove), benchtops, splashback tiles, tapware and appliances.
- Compliance review: electrical, plumbing and ventilation plans aligned to Australian Standards.
- Fabrication: custom cabinetry WA made to fit—no wasted space, better moisture protection.
- Installation and finishing: qualified trades, tidy site, and handover with care instructions.
Materials & Finishes That Last in WA
Benchtops: porcelain/sintered stone vs laminate
In laundry garages, benchtops cop heat, water and abrasion. Porcelain (sintered stone) is incredibly tough; modern laminates deliver excellent value. Choose based on budget, look and the way you use the space.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | High‑Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost (WA) | $$$ – $$$$ | $ – $$ |
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent (suits hot Aussie summers) | Good, avoid direct high heat |
| Water & stain resistance | Excellent | Very good; wipe spills promptly |
| Impact & scratch resistance | Excellent | Good; use boards for heavy work |
| Looks | Stone, concrete, terrazzo effects; matte options | Huge range including timber, marble and concrete looks |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Installation notes (WA) | Requires specialist fabrication and templating | Fast install; budget‑friendly upgrades |
Cabinetry
- Board: moisture‑resistant substrates with durable finishes (melamine, polyurethane). Polytec and similar options perform well.
- Profiles: Shaker kitchen style for a classic look, V‑groove for coastal, or sleek flat panels with finger‑pull rails.
- Hardware: soft‑close drawers, quality runners and hinges to handle weighty detergents and tools.
Sinks, taps and splashbacks
- Deep laundry tubs with integrated baskets; mixer taps with pull‑out spray for rinsing.
- Splashbacks: tiled, compact laminate or acrylic panels for easy wipe‑downs.
- Task lighting: LED strip under overheads to brighten the benchtop.
Floors, walls and ventilation
- Floors: sealed concrete, epoxy coatings, or garage‑rated tiles with fall to drain where feasible.
- Walls: paint in washable low‑sheen; consider wall linings behind appliances for bump and splash protection.
- Ventilation: quiet exhaust fan ducted outside, especially for condenser dryers.
Popular Layouts & Styles
Single‑wall laundry garage
Ideal for narrow garages. Stack dryer above front‑loader, add a 1.8–2.4 m benchtop, overheads and a tall broom cabinet. Keep clear car‑door swing.
L‑shape with mudroom bench
Use a corner for laundry on one leg and a bench with shoe storage and hooks on the other—perfect for schools and sporting families.
Concealed laundry behind doors
Hide everything behind sliding or bi‑fold doors with pocket lighting. Great for premium homes or when the garage doubles as a gym or workshop.
Style notes
- Coastal: white Shaker doors, matte black hardware, timber‑look laminate top, white kit‑kat splashback.
- Modern: flat matte grey doors, finger‑pulls, porcelain benchtop in concrete look, integrated LED strip.
- Classic: warm white cabinetry, stone‑look laminate top, subway tiles and polished chrome tapware.
WA case examples
Case 1: Coastal family in Cottesloe — We converted a rear garage wall into a single‑run laundry with a porcelain benchtop, tall linen cabinet and epoxy floor. Ventilation and LED task lighting keep the space bright and fresh.
Case 2: Downsizers in Mount Lawley — A concealed laundry behind sliding doors with flat matte doors and a timber‑look laminate top. Soft‑close drawers and a pull‑out hamper created a premium feel on a tight budget.
Costs & Timeframes in Perth
- Concept design and documentation: $800 – $2,000 depending on scope.
- Custom cabinetry, hardware and install: $3,500 – $9,500+ based on size and finish.
- Benchtops: laminate $500 – $1,800; porcelain/sintered stone $2,800 – $6,000+ (installed).
- Plumbing and electrical: $1,200 – $3,000 (site dependent, licensed trades only).
- Flooring/painting/tiling: $800 – $3,000 depending on substrate and finishes.
Typical total for a Perth garage laundry: $6,500 – $16,000+. Straight swaps with laminate tops sit at the lower end; concealed or mudroom builds with porcelain tops and tall storage trend higher. Install timelines are commonly 2–5 weeks after approvals and material lead times.
Practical Checklist: Plan Your Garage Laundry
- Measure the clear wall length, ceiling height and car‑door swing zones.
- Confirm appliance sizes (most front‑loaders are 600 mm wide; check depth and height for stacking kits).
- Decide on layout: single‑wall, L‑shape, or concealed behind doors.
- Choose benchtop: porcelain/sintered stone for durability or laminate for value.
- Select cabinetry style: Shaker, flat or V‑groove; pick handles or finger‑pulls.
- Plan storage: overheads, pull‑out hampers, broom/linen tower, hanging rail.
- Ventilation and lighting: exhaust fan, LED strips under overheads.
- Compliance: licensed electrician and plumber; allow for GPOs, traps and waterproof detailing.
- Floor upgrade: epoxy or seal for easy cleaning.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens consultation for design, selections and a fixed quote.
Why Joyce Kitchens for Garage Laundries
Since 1990, Joyce Kitchens has delivered quality kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust—plus bathrooms, wardrobes and laundries. Our custom cabinetry WA approach ensures a perfect fit, durable materials and a finish that elevates your entire home.
Ready to explore garage laundry ideas for your place? Book a design consult and see how we can blend style, storage and resilience into one smart space.
Helpful authorities and resources in Australia:
Garages demand toughness and smart storage—DIY laundry cupboards built from moisture‑resistant board with simple slab doors can deliver a clean, durable setup without the price premium.
FAQ
Can I put a laundry in the garage in WA?
Yes. Many Perth homes include a laundry in the garage. You’ll need compliant plumbing and electrical work (AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS 3000), adequate ventilation, and moisture‑resistant finishes. Check with your local council or builder for any approvals if you’re adding new walls, drains or altering the building envelope.
How much does a garage laundry cost in Perth?
Most projects range from $6,500 to $16,000+ depending on cabinetry size, benchtop material, services and whether you conceal the laundry behind doors. Laminate benchtops keep budgets tight; porcelain/sintered stone and tall storage push to the higher end.
What is the best layout for a small single garage?
A single‑wall layout is the most space‑efficient: stacked washer/dryer, a continuous 1.8–2.4 m benchtop, overhead cabinets and a tall broom or linen tower. Use sliding or pocket doors if you’re close to the car‑door swing.
Which benchtop is best for a garage laundry?
Porcelain (sintered stone) offers top‑tier heat, stain and UV resistance. High‑pressure laminate is budget friendly and durable for everyday use. Avoid exposing any benchtop to direct, intense heat and always follow care guidelines.
Do I need waterproofing and an exhaust fan?
Recommended. A moisture‑tolerant wall finish and localised waterproof detailing around the tub and appliances help protect cabinetry. An exhaust fan reduces humidity from dryers and keeps the garage fresher year‑round.