Thinking about taking the laundry outside? From a compact side-passage hub to an alfresco cupboard, here are smart, durable outside laundry ideas tailored for WA conditions. As a Perth specialist in kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades, laundry design and custom cabinetry, Joyce Kitchens helps homeowners create beautiful, compliant and low‑maintenance outdoor laundry solutions.
Why choose an outdoor laundry?
Creating a laundry room outdoor can free up indoor floor space, reduce noise, and keep damp clothes and cleaning gear out of high‑traffic areas. With the right roof cover, cabinetry and services, an outdoor laundry can be just as functional and long‑lasting as an internal room—and it pairs beautifully with an alfresco or mudroom layout.
- Space saving: reclaim room for a larger pantry, shaker kitchen island, study nook or extra wardrobe design.
- Cleaner indoors: manage mess at the back door with a trough, pull‑out hampers and shoe storage.
- Drying efficiency: harness Perth’s sunshine with a wall‑mounted line while keeping a heat pump dryer handy for winter.
- Resale appeal: a tidy, weatherproof outdoor laundry reads as smart, low‑maintenance amenity for buyers.
Core design insights for Australian backyards
1) Location and orientation
- Choose a semi‑sheltered spot: a verandah, breezeway or side passage with a solid roof and good cross‑ventilation.
- Think sun and salt: on the coast, specify marine‑grade hardware and UV‑stable finishes; in the hills, check your BAL rating for materials.
- Plan the workflow: direct path from back door to washer, bench and line; keep bins and BBQ access clear.
2) Services and compliance
- Plumbing: hot/cold supply, isolation valves and a trapped floor waste; follow AS/NZS 3500 (Plumbing and Drainage).
- Electrical: outdoor‑rated GPOs, RCDs and appropriate IP ratings; follow AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
- Structure: compliant roof/cover and splash protection to suit the NCC (Building Code of Australia). In WA, consult a licensed contractor.
3) Weatherproofing and ventilation
- Specify water‑resistant cabinetry, sealed benchtop edges and corrosion‑resistant hinges.
- Vent dryers properly—heat pump dryers reduce humidity and energy use, and avoid venting lint across the alfresco.
- Allow for falls to the drain, slip‑resistant outdoor flooring and a drip tray under appliances if semi‑exposed.
WA case examples
Case 1 – Cottesloe courtyard: We converted a narrow side passage into a single‑wall outdoor laundry with custom cabinetry WA in powder‑coated aluminium, a stainless 316 sink, compact laminate doors and a stacked washer‑dryer. The client gained a bigger pantry in their kitchen renovations Perth project.
Case 2 – Fremantle terrace breezeway: A breezeway laundry with porcelain benchtops, soft‑close drawers and pull‑out hampers. We added a louvred screen for privacy and an IP‑rated task light—perfect for late‑night laundry runs after the kids’ sport.
Our renovation process
1) Consult and measure
We visit your home to assess exposure, services and access. We’ll review where to recess a floor waste and how to safely run plumbing and power.
2) Concept design and selections
Choose a style—Hamptons with shaker doors, contemporary flat panels, or coastal. We’ll guide you on weatherproof finishes, splashback tiles, and storage like broom cupboards and integrated appliances.
3) Approvals and documentation
Where required, we prepare drawings for minor works, coordinate licensed trades and work to the NCC. We recommend checking general guidance from industry bodies like the HIA and Building and Energy WA.
4) Build and install
Our team fabricates cabinetry, installs benchtops, appliances and ventilation, and ensures waterproofing and drainage are correct. We commonly coordinate with broader bathroom renovations Perth and wardrobe upgrades for a cohesive whole‑home result.
5) Handover and care
We walk you through care of exterior‑grade finishes and seals, and provide maintenance notes for hardware and benchtops.
Materials and finishes that survive outdoors
Cabinetry
- Powder‑coated aluminium frames with composite or compact laminate doors—excellent for salt air and full sun.
- Marine‑grade plywood with exterior coatings in semi‑protected areas.
- Compact laminate door/drawer fronts—dense, water‑resistant and UV stable.
- Hardware: stainless steel 316 screws, outdoor‑rated soft‑close hinges and runners.
Benchtops
- Porcelain/sintered stone: UV and heat resistant; great for semi‑exposed benches.
- Stainless steel 316: ideal near the coast; integrates a welded sink for easy cleaning.
- Compact laminate: cost‑effective and durable; seal cut edges well.
Benchtop comparison for outdoor laundries
| Benchtop | Pros | Considerations | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Sintered stone | UV/heat/stain resistant; low maintenance | Requires specialist fabrication; higher upfront cost | Semi‑exposed benches, premium alfresco laundries |
| Compact laminate | Budget‑friendly; water resistant; many colours | Seal edges; avoid prolonged ponding | Covered side passages and enclosed cupboards |
Note: While many homeowners know the term engineered stone benchtop, Australian regulations now restrict high‑silica engineered stone. Ask us about compliant alternatives that achieve a similar look.
Fixtures and fittings
- Trough/sink: deep stainless bowl with an extendable mixer; add a bucket shelf.
- Tapware: WELS‑rated mixers; consider a pull‑out spray for soaking.
- Storage: pull‑out hampers, adjustable shelves and tall broom cupboards.
Flooring, drainage and waterproofing
- Exterior porcelain tiles with R10–R11 slip ratings or sealed concrete with a clear fall to a linear drain/floor waste.
- Waterproofing membranes behind splash zones, sealed penetrations and silicone joints maintained yearly.
- Storm‑safe: avoid ponding by planning gutters and overflows above the work zone.
For trade and compliance info in WA, also see Master Builders WA.
Layouts and styles
Popular outside laundry ideas
- Single‑wall along the fence: Slimline custom cabinets with a porcelain top, stacked washer‑dryer and a tall cupboard.
- Side‑passage galley: Two short runs facing each other—one for the trough and machines, one for storage and bench space.
- Alfresco cupboard: Bifold or sliding doors hide a full laundry when not in use, perfect beside the outdoor kitchen.
- Mudroom‑laundry hybrid: Inside/outside transition zone with bench seating, hooks and shoe trays near the back door.
Style notes to match your home
- Hamptons/Shaker: shaker‑profile doors, brushed nickel handles and light splashback tiles.
- Contemporary: flat-panel doors, push‑to‑open hardware, charcoal compact laminate.
- Coastal/industrial: stainless tops, open shelves and black hardware to pair with concrete pavers.
Coordinating the laundry style with your kitchen and bathroom renovations helps your outdoor areas feel intentional and adds value.
Appliance choices and sizing
- Washer/dryer: Front loaders (600 mm wide) stack neatly; allow 50–75 mm for hoses and ventilation. Heat pump dryers suit outdoor cupboards—no external vent needed.
- Ventilation: If using a vented dryer, duct outside and use a weather hood.
- Power and water: Place GPOs to the side (not directly behind) appliances; fit anti‑hosing valves and accessible isolation taps.
- Clearances: Check manufacturer recommendations and ensure doors can open fully without fouling walls or screens.
Costs and budgeting in Perth, WA
Every site is different, but these ballparks help you plan an outdoor laundry or laundry room outdoor conversion in WA:
- Design and documentation: $1,500–$5,000+
- Services (plumbing/electrical): $2,000–$6,000+
- Cabinetry and storage: $4,000–$12,000+
- Benchtops: $1,500–$6,000+
- Appliances (each): $800–$3,000+
- Enclosure/roof works: $3,000–$15,000+
- Tiling/drainage/waterproofing: $2,000–$8,000+
Typical total: $12,000–$35,000+, depending on exposure, materials and whether the project is part of broader kitchen renovations Perth. We’ll provide a fixed‑scope quote after measure and design.
Outdoor laundry planning checklist
- Choose a covered location with good airflow and lighting.
- Confirm plumbing points, floor waste and falls to drain (AS/NZS 3500).
- Specify IP‑rated electrical, RCDs and safe GPO placement (AS/NZS 3000).
- Select exterior‑grade cabinetry, stainless or porcelain benchtops and UV‑stable finishes.
- Pick stackable appliances; decide on a heat pump dryer for closed cupboards.
- Add storage: pull‑out hampers, broom cupboard, shelves for detergents.
- Plan privacy screening and weather protection (louvres, bifolds, roller doors).
- Ensure slip‑resistant flooring and a robust waterproofing membrane.
- Coordinate colours with your kitchen/bathroom/wardrobe design for a cohesive look.
- Book regular seal and hardware maintenance—especially near the coast.
FAQ
Can you put a laundry outside in WA?
Yes. With a roof or enclosure, correct drainage and outdoor‑rated services, an outdoor laundry is practical and compliant. Plumbing must follow AS/NZS 3500, electrical work must follow AS/NZS 3000, and any structural work must align with the NCC (Building Code of Australia). A licensed plumber and electrician are essential, and local council input may be needed for new roofs or walls.
What materials are best for an outdoor laundry?
Choose exterior‑grade materials: powder‑coated aluminium or marine‑grade cabinetry, compact laminate doors, porcelain/sintered stone or stainless steel 316 benchtops, and stainless hardware. Use UV‑stable finishes and seal all cut edges and penetrations to keep moisture out.
How do I protect appliances from weather and salt air?
Place appliances under cover, use enclosure doors or louvres, and keep hoses and power away from direct wet zones. In coastal suburbs, choose corrosion‑resistant fittings and schedule regular rinsing of exposed metal. Heat pump dryers reduce lint and moisture without exterior venting—ideal for cupboard installations.
How much does an outdoor laundry cost in Perth?
Most projects fall between $12,000 and $35,000+ depending on exposure, cabinetry, benchtops and whether we’re doing broader renovations. Services, drainage and any new roof or enclosure works drive cost. We provide a detailed quote after site measure and design.
Do I need special drainage and waterproofing outdoors?
Yes. Plan a trapped floor waste or linear drain with appropriate falls, waterproof splash zones and sealed joints. This prevents ponding, protects cabinetry and meets AS/NZS 3500 requirements. Slip‑resistant exterior tiles or sealed concrete add safety underfoot.