Choosing the right laundry trough dimensions is the difference between a laundry that simply “fits” and one that truly works. This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s custom cabinetry specialists—covers recommended sink sizes, cabinet allowances, benchtop depths, materials, layouts, costs and practical renovation tips tailored to Australian homes.
Standard laundry trough dimensions in Australia
While there’s no single “standard” mandated by law, most Australian laundry sinks fall into well‑proven size bands. Use these as a starting point, then customise to your space and needs.
Common laundry sink measurements (bowl size)
- Width (side to side): 400–600 mm typical; 450–500 mm suits most households
- Front to back (bowl length): 400–520 mm
- Depth:
- General use: 220–280 mm
- Soak/utility troughs: 280–350 mm
- Capacity:
- 45 L tubs: often around 450 x 450 x 250–270 mm (great all‑rounder)
- 70 L tubs: often around 600 x 500 x 280–320 mm (for larger items/pets)
Cabinet and benchtop sizing that affects laundry tub dimensions
- Benchtop depth: 600 mm is standard in Australia; 620–650 mm if you want deeper benchtops or to flush‑finish with deeper washers/dryers.
- Base cabinet depth: 560–580 mm carcass depth (600 mm with door/face) is typical.
- Benchtop height: 900–920 mm finished height is comfortable for most users.
- Freestanding trough units: usually 500–600 mm wide; height ~870–900 mm.
- Allow at least 50–80 mm clearance behind mixers to the splashback for cleaning and lever movement.
Appliance clearances and Australian fit notes
- Front‑loader washing machines are typically 595 mm wide; depths vary 565–660 mm. Confirm your brand’s spec to avoid door or hose clashes.
- Top‑loaders need overhead clearance—consider a separate set‑down zone if you also want continuous benchtops.
- Leave service space for hoses and traps: 20–50 mm behind machines, plus easy access to isolation valves.
- Plumbing must comply with AS/NZS 3500 (engage a licensed plumber). See HIA and Master Builders WA guidance for renovation compliance and contracts.
Useful authorities:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
WA Building and Energy.
How to choose your laundry sink size
Match the trough to the jobs you do, then use laundry colour schemes to tie sink finish, benchtop and cabinet doors together—especially where the laundry sits off a kitchen or hallway.
Best fits by household type
- Apartment/compact laundry: 400–450 mm bowl, 220–250 mm deep, space‑saving mixer, slimline or undermount sink to maximise bench space.
- Family home: 450–500 mm bowl, 250–300 mm deep; consider a 45 L tub with an integrated drainer or accessories like a colander and washboard.
- Hobby/utility heavy use: 600 x 500 mm bowl, 280–330 mm deep (around 70 L) with a robust top‑mount lip and gooseneck mixer with pull‑out spray.
Undermount vs top‑mount for laundries
- Undermount sink: cleaner lines, great with an engineered stone benchtop; needs accurate cut‑out and sealing.
- Top‑mount sink: highly durable and forgiving; ideal for heavy use and laminate benchtops.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry in WA for laundries, kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes. Here’s how we deliver a laundry that feels purpose‑built:
- In‑home consult and site measure: Confirm walls, services, appliance specs and the ideal laundry sink measurements for your space.
- Concept and 3D design: Layouts that align with your workflow—folding, sorting, soaking—with options like pull‑out laundry hampers and soft‑close drawers.
- Material selections: Benchtops, splashbacks, hardware, and sinks to suit your look—from shaker style to contemporary flat‑panel.
- Local manufacture: Custom cabinetry WA, built to fit (no filler‑heavy compromises).
- Coordination and installation: Licensed trades for plumbing and electrical; work to AS/NZS standards and WA regulations.
- Aftercare: Advice on care for engineered stone, laminate and fixtures, with product warranties explained.
Materials & finishes for benchtops and tubs
Your choice of benchtop influences sink installation, durability and cost. Below is a quick comparison for laundries.
Engineered stone vs laminate (for laundry benchtops)
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Typical thickness | 20 mm (40 mm mitred look optional) | 33–38 mm |
| Heat & moisture resistance | Excellent, but avoid prolonged heat above manufacturer limits | Good; protect from standing water/steam at joints |
| Sink pairing | Undermount or top‑mount | Top‑mount recommended |
| Look & styles | Premium, suits shaker kitchen or contemporary | Huge range, cost‑effective |
| Budget | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe spills promptly | Low; use boards, avoid cutting directly |
Popular sinks/troughs for Australian laundries
- Stainless steel: Tough, easy‑clean, ideal for 45–70 L troughs; good impact resistance.
- Fireclay/ceramic: Timeless farmhouse look; check weight and support for undermounts.
- Composite/granite: Scratch‑resistant; check colourfastness and heat resistance ratings.
Tip: If you prefer a porcelain or ceramic benchtop, double‑check the manufacturer’s sink‑cut recommendations and heat ratings—Australia’s summer sun via windows can raise temperatures on dark tops.
Layouts & styles that maximise space
Smart layouts
- Single wall: Place the trough close to washing machine inlets; keep 600 mm clear bench for folding.
- L‑shape: Put the sink on the shorter run to maintain long, continuous prep/fold space.
- Hidden European‑style: Bi‑fold doors with an undermount sink and slim mixer for a clean look.
- With a scullery or butler’s pantry nearby: Match door profiles and splashback for a cohesive home look.
Design details we see Perth clients love
- Shaker cabinet doors with finger‑pull rails for a classic‑meets‑modern vibe.
- LED task lighting under overheads for stain‑spotting and safety.
- Soft‑close drawers with dividers for pegs, stain sticks and sewing bits.
- Integrated pull‑out laundry hampers near the trough.
- Matching hardware to kitchen renovations Perth for whole‑home consistency.
Costs, allowances and timelines
- Laundry sinks/troughs:
- Stainless 45 L: $150–$450
- Stainless 70 L/utility: $350–$900
- Ceramic/composite: $500–$1,500+
- Mixers/tapware with pull‑out spray: $200–$800+
- Benchtops:
- Laminate: from $250–$450 per linear metre
- Engineered stone: from $700–$1,300 per linear metre (profile dependent)
- Custom cabinetry WA (laundry scale): from $4,500–$12,000+ depending on size, storage, and finishes.
- Plumbing/electrical: allow for relocation of taps, GPOs, and appliance points to meet code.
- Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks from final sign‑off to install, depending on materials and workload.
Note: Prices are indicative for Perth/WA and vary with material selection, access and scope. Always confirm a detailed written quote. Refer to HIA/Master Builders WA resources for contracts and consumer advice.
Quick checklist: Measure and plan
- Confirm appliance specs (width, depth, door swing, hose positions).
- Choose your bowl size: 45 L all‑rounder or 70 L heavy‑duty.
- Verify cabinet module: 450, 500 or 600 mm wide to suit the sink.
- Decide undermount vs top‑mount and match benchtop material.
- Mark tap location and ensure 50–80 mm splashback clearance for mixer levers.
- Plan storage: pull‑out laundry hampers, tall broom cupboard, overheads for chemicals.
- Select finishes to align with kitchen style (shaker kitchen, flat‑panel, or coastal).
- Book a site measure and 3D design with Joyce Kitchens for a precise fit.
Real WA examples
Mount Lawley family laundry
We replaced a narrow 400 mm sink with a 500 x 500 x 280 mm (approx. 55 L) top‑mount trough, added an engineered stone benchtop and two pull‑out hampers. Result: more soaking capacity and 1.6 m of uninterrupted folding space.
Fremantle apartment refresh
A compact European‑style laundry gained a 440 mm undermount sink in a laminate benchtop using a reinforced top‑mount adaptor rim. The new mixer with pull‑out spray and soft‑close drawers transformed day‑to‑day use without increasing footprint.
FAQ
What are standard laundry trough dimensions in Australia?
Most Australian laundry troughs fall between 400–600 mm wide, 400–520 mm front to back and 220–350 mm deep. Popular sizes are 45 L tubs (around 450 x 450 x 250–270 mm) and 70 L tubs (around 600 x 500 x 280–320 mm). Choose based on your space, benchtop depth and tasks like soaking or pet washing.
How deep should a laundry sink be for soaking?
For regular soaking and utility work, aim for 280–330 mm depth. If you only rinse light items, 220–250 mm is usually sufficient. Deeper bowls need careful tap height and splashback clearance planning—allow 50–80 mm behind mixers.
What cabinet size do I need for a 45 L or 70 L tub?
A 45 L tub typically suits a 450–500 mm cabinet module. A 70 L tub usually needs a 600 mm cabinet. Always check the manufacturer’s cut‑out template and allow for clips, sealant and waste position inside the cupboard.
Is an undermount or top‑mount sink better in a laundry?
Undermounts look seamless and pair well with engineered stone; they require precise fabrication. Top‑mounts are robust and forgiving—ideal with laminate and for heavy‑duty use. Choose based on benchtop material, budget and how hard you are on the sink.
Can I fit a washer and dryer under a benchtop with a trough?
Yes, in most straight runs. Standard benchtop depth is 600 mm; many front‑loaders are 595 mm wide and 565–660 mm deep. Keep the trough close to services, ensure door clearance, and leave hose access. Engage a licensed plumber to comply with AS/NZS 3500.
