Design a laundry that actually works for real life. This expert laundry planner from Joyce Kitchens Perth brings together workflow strategy, practical storage, WA-ready materials, costs and timelines—so you can plan with confidence. Whether you’re renovating alongside a new kitchen, refreshing cabinetry, or converting a European laundry, our team delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust.
How to use this laundry planner
Use this page like a guided laundry design tool. If you love apps, we’ll also step you through our in-studio laundry design app and provide a detailed laundry plan and 3D renders during your consult.
- Measure the space (width x depth x ceiling height) and note existing services (GPOs, plumbing, windows, doors).
- List your appliances (washer, dryer, laundry trough/under-mount sink, ironing station, integrated bins, tall storage).
- Choose a workflow and layout, then decide your style (Hamptons style with VJ panelling or a sleek, contemporary look).
- Select materials that suit Perth’s climate and your budget.
- Book a free in-home measure with Joyce Kitchens to finalise your laundry plan and pricing.
Core design insights for a hard-working laundry
Smart workflow beats square metres
Think of your laundry like a mini kitchen: a logical sequence improves efficiency. We map the zones—pre-wash, wash, dry, fold, store— similar to a galley kitchen or U-shape kitchen. Keep hampers near the machine, allow bench space for sorting/folding, and ensure tall storage for brooms and vacuum.
Ventilation and moisture management
- Prioritise externally ducted dryers (especially heat-pump models) or cross-ventilation to control humidity and odours.
- Choose moisture-resistant cabinetry and finishes, silicone seals, and consider a floor waste if feasible.
- LED task lighting under overheads improves visibility for stain treatment and ironing.
Storage that actually fits your life
- Pull-out Hampers, adjustable shelves, and tall cabinets for mops/ironing boards.
- Soft-close hinges and drawer runners for longevity and quiet use.
- Overhead cabinets for chemicals (child-safe), and an under-mount sink with drainer space on the bench.
Power, plumbing and safety
- Plenty of GPOs above bench height; isolated GPOs for washer/dryer; consider a dedicated circuit.
- Quality tapware (WELS-rated) and braided hoses with isolation valves; splashback protection behind sink.
- Compliance with relevant AS/NZS standards for electrical and wet areas; use licensed trades.
The renovation process with Joyce Kitchens
1) In-home measure and brief (Perth metro)
We capture accurate site measurements and your wishlist—often alongside kitchen renovations Perth or a bathroom refresh to streamline trades.
2) Design and selections
We develop a tailored laundry plan with 3D visuals using our in-studio laundry design app. Choose from shaker kitchen styling for a Hamptons vibe, or a minimal, contemporary kitchens Perth look. Benchtops, splashback tiles, handles, and appliances are specified for performance and value.
3) Approvals and scheduling
We prepare documentation and recommended trade scope. For projects needing building work, we align with industry bodies and standards. We suggest homeowners reference HIA resources and engage licensed trades via Master Builders WA where appropriate.
4) Manufacture and installation
Custom cabinetry is crafted for WA conditions with moisture-resistant substrates, high-quality finishes, and soft-close hardware. Installation typically takes 3–7 working days depending on scope.
5) Handover and aftercare
We provide care guides for benchtops, splashbacks, and cabinetry. Ongoing service and minor adjustments are part of our commitment.
Authoritative references and suggested reading:
HIA (Housing Industry Association),
Master Builders WA,
WELS (Australian Government)
Materials and finishes that suit WA conditions
WA’s heat and coastal air call for materials that resist moisture, UV, and daily wear. Below are popular options we specify for laundries and scullery spaces adjoining a butler’s pantry or kitchen.
Benchtops: durability vs budget
Porcelain (sintered stone) excels for heat and stain resistance. High-pressure laminate offers great value. For design consistency with your kitchen, we can match your splashback or choose a complementary tone to an engineered stone benchtop alternative used in the kitchen.
| Feature | Porcelain (Sintered Stone) | Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Excellent; can handle hot pots and irons briefly | Low; use trivets and avoid direct heat |
| Water resistance | Non-porous, highly water resistant | Good surface resistance; protect edges and joins |
| Impact/scratch | Very hard; can chip at edges if struck | Good day-to-day; can scratch and chip under impact |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe with mild detergent | Low; avoid abrasives at edges/joints |
| Cost (indicative) | $$$ | $$ |
| Edge options | Mitred edges; waterfall possible | Square or post-formed edges |
| Sheet size | Large slabs minimise joins | Standard sheets; more joins on long runs |
| Style range | Stone, concrete and terrazzo looks | Huge variety, including timber-look |
Cabinetry and hardware
- Moisture-resistant board with 2-pack, laminate or timber veneer finishes.
- Quality soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers for everyday durability.
- Integrated pull-out bins, adjustable shelves, and tall modules for cleaning tools.
Splashbacks and flooring
- Ceramic or porcelain tile splashbacks; epoxy grout for stain resistance.
- Flooring: porcelain tiles or quality hybrid/vinyl planks with appropriate underlay and perimeter sealing.
- Wall cladding accents like VJ panelling (out of direct splash zones) for Hamptons style charm.
Popular laundry layouts and styles
Small laundry layout / European laundry
Perfect for apartments or townhouses. Stack a 600 mm front-loader and heat-pump dryer; add a 300–450 mm utility cabinet. Use a fold-down ironing board and shallow overheads. This approach aligns well with open-plan living in compact spaces.
Galley and L-shape laundries
Galley suits narrow rooms: machines on one side, bench/sink and overheads opposite. L-shape maximises corners for hampers or a dog-wash station. Both work well beside a scullery or mudroom zone off a butler’s pantry/kitchen entry.
U-shape laundry for bigger households
Outstanding for families—separate wash, fold and store areas, plus tall linen storage. Add LED task lighting under overheads for stain spotting.
Style cues that pair with your kitchen
- Shaker kitchen doors, porcelain benchtop and satin brass pulls for a Hamptons style.
- Slimline finger pulls, matte splashback, and integrated hampers for a contemporary kitchens Perth look.
- Coastal: pale timbers, white surfaces and breathable open shelves.
Typical costs in WA
Every space is different, but these guide figures help your budget. Prices are indicative for Perth and include custom cabinetry, benchtops and install. Building works, plumbing/electrical, and tile/painting are typically additional.
- Refresh/basic: $6,000–$12,000 (laminate benchtop, melamine doors, simple splashback).
- Mid-range: $12,000–$22,000 (porcelain or compact laminate benchtop, 2-pack or premium laminate doors, tiled splashback, pull-outs).
- Premium: $22,000–$40,000+ (porcelain/sintered stone, custom features, tall linen, integrated drying rail, feature splashback).
Allowances (typical): plumbing $600–$1,800; electrical $600–$1,500; tiling and splashback $1,000–$3,000; flooring $1,000–$3,000. Timelines vary with scope and lead times.
Two quick WA case-style examples
Case 1: City Beach family, coastal durability
Brief: sand, sport gear, and a Labrador. We delivered a galley layout with porcelain benchtop, under-mount sink, tall broom/linen, and pull-out hampers. Hybrid flooring and epoxy grout made clean-up easy. Result: faster turnaround of school uniforms with dedicated folding space.
Case 2: Fremantle apartment, European laundry
Brief: hide away laundry in an open-plan living area. We stacked 600 mm appliances behind shaker doors, integrated LED task lighting, and added a compact folding surface. Result: a silent, concealed laundry that complements the client’s kitchen renovations Perth palette.
Practical laundry planner checklist
- Appliances: width, depth and vents confirmed (stacking kit if required).
- Workflow: pre-wash, wash, dry, fold, store zones defined.
- Bench space: minimum 900 mm continuous for folding/treatments.
- Storage: tall cabinet for broom/vac; two pull-out hampers; chemical storage up high.
- Sink: under-mount or drop-in; consider drainer grooves or board.
- Lighting: LED task lighting under overheads; general ceiling lighting.
- Power: dedicated GPOs for washer/dryer; extra for irons and cordless vacs.
- Ventilation: external ducting or window; manage moisture to protect cabinetry.
- Finishes: porcelain or laminate benchtop; splashback protection; moisture-resistant board.
- Compliance: use licensed trades; follow relevant AS/NZS wet area and electrical standards; consider HIA contract templates.
Once your measurements and zones are mapped, use our DIY laundry cabinetry resource to translate the plan into made‑to‑fit cupboards, shelves and tall units you can install yourself.
Ready to plan your laundry?
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs laundry, kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe solutions across Perth. Book a free in-home measure and let us turn your laundry plan into a beautiful, hard-working space.
FAQ
What size should I allow for a washer and dryer in Australia?
Most front-load washers and heat-pump dryers are 600 mm wide, with 600–650 mm depth. Allow 75 mm behind for hoses/vents and door swing. For stacking, plan around 2000–2050 mm height including a stacking kit. Top-loaders often need 650 mm+ depth and overhead clearance for the lid.
Do I need waterproofing in a laundry?
While requirements vary by project, waterproofing is strongly recommended around the laundry trough, splash zones and floor perimeters, with compliant membranes and correct falls where a floor waste is installed. Your licensed contractor should follow relevant AS/NZS wet area standards and local regulations in WA.
What materials are best for a laundry benchtop in WA?
Porcelain (sintered stone) is highly heat, stain and UV resistant. High-pressure laminate is excellent value. Compact laminate and solid-surface options are also popular. Note that high-silica engineered stone is restricted in Australia; we specify safe, durable alternatives for laundries and kitchens.
How much does a new laundry cost in Perth?
As a guide: $6,000–$12,000 for a basic refresh; $12,000–$22,000 mid-range; and $22,000–$40,000+ premium. Plumbing, electrical, tiling and flooring are typically additional. We provide an itemised quote after your measure and design session.
How long does a laundry renovation take?
Design and selections usually take 1–3 weeks. Manufacture is roughly 3–5 weeks depending on materials. On-site installation often runs 3–7 working days, plus extra time if you’re re-tiling, flooring or moving services.
Tip: For standards guidance and licensed trades, see HIA and Master Builders WA. For water-saving products, visit the WELS site.
