Why renovate your laundry on a budget?

A smartly planned laundry makeover doesn’t need to be expensive. With clever storage, robust materials and the right layout, the laundry can double as a mudroom, pet-wash zone or linen station — adding everyday convenience and resale appeal. The sweet spot is choosing finishes that look premium but deliver affordable laundry renovations performance.

The Joyce Kitchens approach

We bring the same design rigour we apply to bespoke kitchens and sculleries to laundries — measuring precisely, recommending durable finishes, and tailoring custom cabinetry WA to your appliances. Whether you’re after a Shaker kitchen-inspired laundry, ultra-modern finger-pull doors or a coastal look, our designers balance aesthetics, budget and buildability.

• Design-first: space planning that fits 600 mm appliances, a 45 L trough and tall storage.
• Compliance-minded: guidance around AS/NZS electrical and plumbing requirements.
• Value-focused: options from cheap laundry renovation refreshes to budget-friendly custom.

Step-by-step renovation process

1. Measure & brief: Note appliance sizes (most front loaders are ~600 mm wide, 850 mm high). Plan for 20–30 mm side clearance and ventilation for dryers, especially heat-pump models.
2. Design & selections: Choose cabinetry, benchtops, splashback tiles, sinks and hardware. Consider soft-close drawers and pull-out hampers for ergonomics.
3. Quote & value engineering: We present good-better-best options that hit your budget without sacrificing durability.
4. Approvals & compliance: Electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000; cabinetry should follow AS/NZS 4386. Engage licensed trades via reputable bodies like HIA or Master Builders WA.
5. Manufacture & install: Our installers coordinate with plumbers and sparkies to keep downtime minimal.
6. Aftercare: We’ll show you how to care for your benchtop and doors so your laundry room renovation lasts.

Useful authorities:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
Building and Energy WA.

Materials and finishes that save money

Choosing cost-effective finishes is the fastest way to lower your laundry renovation cost while keeping a high-end look.

Cabinetry

• Carcasses: Moisture-Resistant (MR) particleboard or MR MDF is great value for laundries.
• Doors & panels: Durable melamine, vinyl wrap doors, or 2-pack paint. Shaker-style profiles deliver that classic shaker kitchen look in a laundry.
• Hardware: Soft-close hinges, pull-out baskets, broom cupboard dividers, and finger-pull rails for a sleek, modern feel.

Benchtops (2025-compliant)

• Laminate: The most budget-friendly; modern stone-look laminates are convincing and easy-care.
• Compact laminate: Dense, water-resistant and tough — great over washing machines and troughs.
• Porcelain or sintered stone: Heat, stain and UV resistant, and compliant with current Australian regulations.

Note on “engineered stone benchtop” options: Traditional quartz-based engineered stone products with crystalline silica have been banned nationally from 2024/2025. We specify compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered surfaces, solid surface, natural stone, or laminate to keep your project safe and legal in WA.

Splashbacks

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles: Cost-effective and resilient; consider larger formats to reduce grout lines.
• Acrylic panels: A budget alternative to glass; quick installation and easy to wipe clean.

Flooring

• Porcelain or ceramic tiles: Classic and durable; choose a non-slip finish (P3–P4) for safety.
• Waterproof vinyl plank: Warm underfoot and budget-friendly, with realistic timber looks.

Stretch your spend further by building budget-friendly DIY laundry cabinets—our guide explains where to save (carcasses, shelving) and where to invest (hinges, runners, moisture‑resistant boards).

Layouts and styles for small laundry renovations

Popular WA layouts

• Galley: One wall of cabinetry with a continuous bench over a front-loader and dryer (side-by-side or stacked).
• L-shaped: Adds a short return for a 45 L trough and extra bench space.
• European laundry: Hidden behind bi-folds or pocket doors in apartments or hallways — ideal for small laundry renovations.
• Combined laundry-mudroom: Add seating, hooks and shoe storage for family functionality.

Style ideas

• Hamptons/Shaker: Shaker doors, matte white or soft greys, subway splashback and classic knobs — it pairs beautifully with a scullery or butler’s pantry nearby.
• Modern coastal: Timber-look laminates, white benchtops, VJ panels and black finger-pull rails.
• Minimalist: Flat-front melamine, integrated handles, and clean lines with LED task lighting.

Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate

Tip: For a balanced budget, many WA homeowners choose laminate for the laundry and reserve porcelain/sintered surfaces for the kitchen.

Laundry renovation cost in Perth & WA: what to budget

Every home is different, but these ballpark figures will help you plan an affordable laundry renovation. Prices reflect typical 2025 Perth/WA rates and include GST.

• Cosmetic refresh: paint, new handles, tapware, basic shelves — $1,000–$3,000 (great DIY laundry option).
• Flat-pack upgrade: new cabinets, laminate benchtop, tiled splashback — $3,500–$8,500.
• Small custom laundry (1.8–2.4 m): made-to-measure cabinetry, compact or laminate top — $7,500–$14,000.
• Mid-size family laundry (3–3.6 m): extra storage, sink upgrades, premium benchtop — $12,000–$22,000.

Typical line items

• Cabinetry & hardware: $2,500–$7,000
• Benchtop: Laminate $350–$650/LM; Compact laminate $650–$1,100/LM; Porcelain/sintered $1,200–$2,200/LM
• Splashback tiles: $40–$120/sqm tiles + $50–$80/sqm laying
• Plumbing (licensed): $400–$1,200
• Electrical (licensed): $400–$1,200 — GPOs, lighting, appliance circuits
• Flooring: Vinyl plank $35–$60/sqm (+ $30–$50/sqm laying); Tiles vary by selection

Cost of small laundry renovation note: tight spaces can cost less overall, but custom solutions (e.g., stacking kits, slide-out hampers) may lift the per-metre spend. We’ll value-engineer to suit your budget.

DIY vs professional: what you can (and shouldn’t) do

Good DIY laundry renovation tasks

• Remove old shelves, paint walls and ceilings.
• Assemble and install flat-pack cabinets (check plumb/level).
• Install simple shelving and hanging rails.
• Tile splashbacks if you’re confident, or use stick-on options in rentals.

Leave to licensed pros in WA

• Electrical: All fixed wiring, new GPOs and lighting must comply with AS/NZS 3000 and be done by a licensed electrician.
• Plumbing: Trough, mixer, waste relocation and appliance connections require a licensed plumber.
• Benchtop fabrication: Porcelain/sintered cutting and installation should be done by trained fabricators.

Hiring qualified trades through bodies like HIA or Master Builders WA helps protect warranties and safety.

Real WA makeovers on a budget

Case 1: Compact inner-city apartment, Mount Lawley

Scope: European laundry behind bi-fold doors. Spec: Flat-pack melamine cabinets, stone-look laminate benchtop, acrylic splashback, compact sink, LED strip. Outcome: 2-week turnaround, storage doubled. Budget: ~$6,800 installed. A tidy cheap laundry renovation with a premium look.

Case 2: Family laundry-mudroom, Cottesloe

Scope: L-shaped layout with bench over front loader and heat-pump dryer, tall broom/linen, seat and hooks. Spec: Shaker doors, compact laminate top, porcelain tile floor. Outcome: Kid-proof and easy clean. Budget: ~$12,400 installed — an affordable laundry renovation that ties in with their new kitchen and scullery.

Pre-renovation checklist

• Measure room and appliance sizes (W x D x H) and note door swings.
• Decide: side-by-side vs stacked washer/dryer; under-bench vs freestanding.
• Confirm services: water in/out, drainage fall, ventilation, number of GPOs.
• Choose a layout: Galley, L-shape, European laundry, or laundry-mudroom.
• Pick finishes: cabinet colour, door profile, benchtop, splashback, flooring.
• Select hardware: soft-close hinges, pull-out hampers, hanging rail.
• Set budget tiers: must-haves vs nice-to-haves; allow 10–15% contingency.
• Plan compliance: book licensed electrician and plumber.
• Schedule: order times for cabinetry and benchtops; allow for lead times.

Ready to plan your laundry?

From DIY laundry upgrades to fully managed laundry room renovation projects, Joyce Kitchens can match quality to budget. We also design bathrooms, wardrobes, and kitchens — delivering cohesive style throughout your home. Book a free measure and design consult with our Perth team today.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to renovate a laundry in Australia?

The cheapest path is a cosmetic refresh: paint, new handles, a laminate benchtop, and a simple tiled or acrylic splashback. Keep plumbing and electrics in the same location, use flat-pack cabinets, and choose stone-look laminates for a premium feel on a budget.

How much does a small laundry renovation cost in WA?

A small laundry renovation in Perth/WA typically ranges from $3,500–$8,500 for a flat-pack upgrade, and $7,500–$14,000 for custom cabinetry. Your final cost depends on benchtop selection, trades, and whether appliances are stacked or under-bench.

Can I DIY my laundry renovation?

Yes, you can DIY painting, shelving, and assembling flat-pack cabinets. However, electrical (AS/NZS 3000) and plumbing work must be completed by licensed trades in WA. For porcelain/sintered benchtops, use professional fabricators.

What benchtop is best for budget laundries?

Laminate gives the best value and widest style range, especially in rentals and small laundry renovations. For extra durability, compact laminate is a great mid-tier step; porcelain/sintered surfaces suit higher-wear family spaces.

How long does a laundry renovation take?

Simple makeovers can be done over a weekend. Flat-pack upgrades usually take 3–7 days once materials arrive. Custom laundries generally take 2–3 weeks on site, plus lead time for cabinetry and benchtops.