Considering a raised washing machine cabinet or a full laundry redesign? This guide explains heights, layouts, storage and finishes that work in Perth and across WA, plus compliance tips, costs and real-world examples. Whether you’re updating a family laundry, a compact apartment or matching a Shaker kitchen aesthetic, you’ll find solutions and raised washer and dryer ideas that reduce bending, protect your back and maximise usable space.
Why raise your washing machine
A raised washing machine cabinet places a front-loader on a sturdy plinth or within custom cabinetry so the drum sits higher. The result: safer lifting, less crouching and smarter storage. It’s a popular choice in kitchen renovations Perth and laundry renovation Perth projects where ergonomics and storage are a priority.
Core benefits
- Better ergonomics: A 250–400 mm plinth typically brings the drum closer to hip height, reducing back strain.
- Extra storage: Add drawers or pull-out hampers beneath the machine.
- Cleaner lines: Integrate with surrounding custom cabinetry WA for a sleek, built-in look.
- Future-ready: Allowances for modern integrated appliances, water-efficient front-loaders and heat-pump dryers.
Key design insights
- Front-loader friendly: Raising works best with front-load machines. Top-loaders require top clearance and aren’t suited to enclosed raised cabinets.
- Match the room: Many clients echo their Shaker kitchen or modern handleless cabinetry in the laundry for a cohesive home look.
- Benchtop height: Standard benchtops are ~900 mm. Keep overall height under this if you want a continuous folding surface.
- Vibration control: Use anti-vibration feet and dense substrates; fix the cabinet to wall studs for dynamic loads (spin cycles).
- Local appliance sizing: Many AU front-loaders are ~595–600 mm wide, 845–870 mm high, 560–650+ mm deep. Allow extra depth for hoses and ventilation.
A rigid platform that raises appliances off the floor. In laundries it may include drawers, a void, or a steel-reinforced frame inside cabinetry.
A dedicated power point. For laundries, position GPOs outside wet zones, typically in an adjacent cabinet void per AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules).
If you’d like to elevate your appliances and add storage at the same time, follow our DIY raised washing machine cabinet walkthrough for planning, materials and installation basics you can tackle over a weekend.
Our renovation and design process
Joyce Kitchens designs and builds purpose-made laundry, kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe cabinetry across Perth and WA. Here’s how we typically deliver a raised washing machine cabinet within a broader renovation.
1) Discovery and measure
- We review your space, appliance models and services (water, waste, GPOs, ventilation).
- Discuss styles (e.g., Shaker, coastal, contemporary) and adjacent spaces such as a scullery or butler’s pantry.
2) Concept design and ergonomics
- We set an optimal plinth height (commonly 250–400 mm) so the drum centre aligns with your hip height.
- Confirm stacking vs side-by-side, benchtop continuity, and storage (pull-out hampers, soft-close drawers, overhead cupboards).
3) Compliance and services
- Coordinate licensed trades for electrical (AS/NZS 3000), plumbing and waterproofing (NCC and AS 3740). See the Australian Building Codes Board for guidance.
- We advise on ventilation and, if ducting a dryer externally, suitable pathways to meet manufacturer instructions.
4) Cabinetry and benchtops
- Engineer a reinforced cabinet carcass and plinth for weight and vibration.
- Select finishes that suit laundry moisture and heat (laminate, porcelain/sintered, stainless).
5) Installation and QA
- Secure fixings into studs, level the plinth, set anti-vibration feet and isolation taps within easy reach.
- Commissioning checks: clearances, hose loops, flood-stop devices and test cycles.
We can work under recognised contracts and recommend established bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA for general homeowner resources.
Materials and finishes
Laundry rooms demand durable, moisture-tolerant materials. Below are practical options for a raised washer cabinet and surrounding benchtops.
Cabinet doors and panels
- Moisture-resistant laminate or melamine in woodgrain or solid colours.
- Thermofoil doors for classic profiles like Shaker or V-groove; ensure heat protection near dryers.
- 2-pack painted doors for colour-matched schemes; pair with soft-close hardware.
Benchtops
If you want a folding surface above appliances, choose tops that handle moisture and vibration. Note: “engineered stone benchtop” now has significant regulatory restrictions in Australia.
A high-heat, mineral-based surface with excellent heat, stain and scratch resistance—ideal for laundries and kitchens.
Porcelain (Sintered Stone) vs Laminate: which suits a WA laundry?
| Feature | Porcelain (Sintered Stone) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water & heat resistance | Excellent; handles hot dryer air and steam well | Good water resistance; use trivets/air gaps near heat |
| Durability | Hard-wearing, scratch and UV resistant | Robust for laundry tasks; can chip if heavily impacted |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; no sealing required | Very low maintenance; simple cleaning |
| Aesthetics | Premium; stone, concrete or terrazzo looks | Wide range; budget-friendly stone or timber looks |
| Indicative supply/fit (1200 mm span) | $$$ | $ |
| Notes for WA | Great in coastal conditions; stable in heat | Ensure sealed edges near sinks and splashback |
Important: Traditional silica-based engineered stone benchtop products are subject to an Australia-wide prohibition. See Safe Work Australia – engineered stone for current guidance and choose alternatives like porcelain/sintered slabs, stainless steel, natural stone (selected types) or compact laminate.
Layouts and styles that work in WA
Side-by-side, raised under a benchtop
- Raise the washer on a 250–350 mm plinth with a continuous 900 mm benchtop.
- Include a 45–60 L undermount sink and pull-out laundry hampers.
- Ideal for busy family homes from Joondalup to Rockingham.
Tall stacked cabinet (washer + dryer)
- Place the front-loader at a comfortable height; stack the dryer above on a manufacturer-approved kit inside a ventilated tall cabinet.
- Choose a heat-pump dryer for lower humidity and energy use; provide ventilation grills or ducting.
European laundry behind doors
- Conceal appliances behind bi-fold or pocket doors in apartments or townhouses.
- Pair with handleless cabinetry and a slimline porcelain benchtop.
Styling cues
- Classic: Shaker or V-groove fronts, matte white or light grey, brushed nickel handles, tiled splashback.
- Modern: Flat-panel laminate, soft-close drawers, finger-pull rails, matte black tapware.
- Coastal: Pale woodgrain laminate cabinetry, white tops, rattan baskets—ties nicely to a coastal kitchen or scullery.
Two WA case examples
- Cottesloe family home: We raised a 9 kg front-loader 320 mm with a drawer beneath and a 900 mm continuous benchtop. Result: easier loading, hidden hampers and a calm, coastal look to match their Shaker kitchen.
- Fremantle apartment: Compact European laundry with stacked units in a tall cabinet, porcelain top for folding and ducted dryer exhaust to the exterior—quiet and efficient.
Costs and budgeting
Allowances vary with size, finishes and services. Typical Perth/WA ranges (inc. GST, indicative):
- Raised washer plinth within cabinetry: $1,600–$3,200
- Tall stacked cabinet (washer + dryer): $2,500–$4,500
- Benchtops: Laminate $450–$900; Porcelain/sintered $1,400–$2,800 (per ~1.2 m span)
- Plumbing and electrical (relocations, GPOs, isolation valves): $600–$1,800
- Waterproofing and minor tiling: $350–$1,200
- Full laundry renovation (cabinetry, tops, trades; excluding new appliances): $9,000–$22,000+
Note: Structural changes and high-end finishes may increase budgets. We’ll provide a tailored quote after site measure.
Raised washer and dryer planning checklist
- Appliance models and sizes confirmed (front-loader required for raising)
- Plinth height chosen (usually 250–400 mm) and benchtop height target (~900 mm)
- Cabinet reinforcement and anti-vibration strategy agreed
- Waterproofing scope (NCC/AS 3740) and GPO locations (AS/NZS 3000)
- Ventilation/ducting plan for dryer; grills or external ducting
- Storage: drawers, pull-out hampers, overhead cupboards
- Splashback and sink selection (e.g., 45–60 L undermount sink)
- Finish selection: laminate, porcelain/sintered, stainless
- Door style to match home (e.g., Shaker kitchen or modern flat)
- Lead times and installation schedule
Ready to plan your raised washing machine cabinet?
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs custom laundry, kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe solutions across Perth and WA. From ergonomic plinths and storage to compliant services and stylish finishes, we make the process simple. Enquire today to book your in-home or showroom consultation.
FAQ
What is the ideal height for a raised washing machine cabinet in Australia?
Most Perth homes suit a 250–400 mm plinth, placing the drum centre near hip height and the door rim around 700–850 mm. If you also want a benchtop over, keep overall height under 900 mm.
Can any washing machine be installed in a raised cabinet?
Front-loaders are ideal. Confirm your model’s weight, depth and vibration allowances, use anti-vibration pads, and fix the cabinet to wall studs. Provide easy-access isolation taps, correct hose loops and adequate ventilation. Top-loaders are not suited to enclosed raised cabinets.
Do I need council approval or permits in WA for a laundry renovation?
Internal, non-structural laundry upgrades usually don’t require a building permit, but all works must comply with the NCC, waterproofing (AS 3740) and electrical (AS/NZS 3000). If you move plumbing, change structure or alter external openings/venting, consult your local council and use licensed trades.
How much does a raised washer and dryer platform cost in Perth?
As a guide, cabinetry for a raised washer starts around $1,600–$3,200, stacked tall cabinets $2,500–$4,500, with services and finishes taking typical projects to $2,500–$6,500+. Full laundry renovations commonly range from $9,000–$22,000+.
Is engineered stone still allowed in WA laundries?
Australia has implemented a prohibition on traditional silica-based engineered stone products. Choose alternatives such as porcelain/sintered slabs, stainless steel, compact laminate or selected natural stones, and confirm current rules before ordering.
