DIY Laundry Cabinets in Perth & WA: A Practical, Code‑Aware Guide

Thinking about DIY laundry cabinets in Perth or regional WA? This guide covers smart layouts, cabinet sizes, compliant services, moisture-resistant materials and realistic costs. Whether you’re assembling a flat pack laundry or commissioning custom cabinetry WA-wide, you’ll get a practical, code-aware plan for a tidy, durable laundry fit out.

As a leading Perth designer–maker, Joyce Kitchens helps homeowners with kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe solutions. Use this guide to plan with confidence—then decide what to DIY and what to leave to licensed trades and expert installers.

Table of contents

1. Core insights for DIY laundry success
2. People Also Ask: fast answers
3. The renovation process: plan → order → install
4. Materials and finishes that last in WA
5. Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate
6. Layouts, styles and laundry cabinet ideas
7. Costs and timelines in Perth & WA
8. DIY vs custom: when to call Joyce Kitchens
9. Common mistakes and how to fix them
10. Measurement worksheet & planning checklist
11. FAQ

Core insights for DIY laundry success

Standard Australian sizes and service clearances

• Cabinet depth: 560–580 mm carcase for standard fronts; allow 600–650 mm overall with doors/benchtop.
• Benchtop height: 900–920 mm finished height (match your kitchen for continuity).
• Front-loader underbench: most are 600 mm wide x 850 mm high. Leave 10–20 mm each side for air/installation, 75 mm behind for hoses, and vibration clearance.
• Dryer mounting: 600 mm wide typical. For vented models, allow ducting to outside; heat pump dryers reduce moisture but still need airflow.
• Sink base: common 600–800 mm wide. Choose an undermount or drop-in laundry tub with a drainer if folding space allows.
• Tall storage: broom cabinet 450–600 mm wide; linen 600–900 mm wide with 350–450 mm deep adjustable shelves.

Plan storage zones and ergonomics

• Everyday zone: detergents at eye/shoulder height in a 300–400 mm wide wall cabinet or open shelf.
• Wet work zone: place sink close to machine to minimise hose lengths and keep GPOs away from splash areas.
• Tall items: dedicate a cupboard for mops, brooms, vacuum and ironing board with hooks or pull-outs.
• Sorting: pull-out hampers near the machine; soft-close drawers for pegs, stain sticks and microfibre cloths.

Compliance and safety (WA context)

• Electrical: GPOs must comply with AS/NZS 3000. Keep power points out of splash zones and accessible—not directly behind a fixed appliance where they’re hard to isolate.
• Plumbing: tap sets, isolation valves and traps per AS/NZS 3500. Consider a floor waste where practical and discuss overflow provisions with your plumber.
• Waterproofing: laundries are “wet areas”. Refer to AS 3740 for splash zones around tubs and adjacent walls/floors.
• Silica safety: avoid dry-cutting stone. If cutting boards or tiles, use dust controls and PPE.

Useful references: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, and Standards Australia.

Quick WA case examples

• Cottesloe coastal refresh: A compact euro laundry behind bi-fold doors used a 600 mm washer under a 20 mm porcelain slab, HMR melamine cabinets, finger-pull fronts and a pull-out wire hamper. Salt-air resistant hardware and proper dryer venting kept corrosion down.
• Joondalup family upgrade: Galley laundry with 2-pack Shaker fronts, tall broom cupboard and overheads to the ceiling. LED task lighting and a high-arc mixer tap improved usability; kids’ baskets labelled in soft-close drawers helped weekday routines.

• What is the best depth for laundry cabinets? 560–580 mm carcase; 600–650 mm overall with doors/benchtop.
• Can I stack a washer and dryer in a cupboard? Yes—ensure ventilation grilles, correct stacking kits, and external venting where possible.
• Do laundries in WA need a floor waste? Not always, but it’s recommended where feasible to manage accidental leaks.
• What benchtop is most moisture-proof? Porcelain/sintered or stainless steel; laminate is durable with well-sealed cut-outs.

The renovation process: plan → order → install

1) Measure and design

• Laser-measure room width, height to ceiling, window reveals, door swings and service positions (waste, water, GPOs).
• Sketch your laundry cabinet design or request 3D renders. Keep pathways clear (at least 900 mm).
• Decide early: stacking vs side-by-side appliances; sink location; tall storage vs more bench space.
• Map a service void (50–75 mm) behind appliances for hoses, traps and power.

2) Choose supply: flat pack laundry vs custom cabinetry

• Flat pack laundry: budget-friendly, fast. Great for standard widths and simple cupboard laundry designs.
• Custom cabinetry WA: perfect for tricky walls, integrated hampers, bulkheads, bulk storage and premium finishes. Matches existing kitchen or scullery styling for a cohesive home.

3) Install sequence

1. Confirm services with licensed electrician and plumber; rough-in as needed.
2. Assemble carcases; level and fix base cabinets to studs or masonry; scribe fillers to walls.
3. Fit benchtop; cut sink/hob openings with dust control; seal all penetrations.
4. Install doors/drawers, soft-close hinges/runners; adjust reveals.
5. Fit splashback tiles or laminate upstand; silicone edges.
6. Final fix plumbing and electrical; commission appliances; test for leaks.

DIY laundry fit out checklist

• Confirm appliance specs and clearances (width, height, venting, hose reach).
• Use HMR or better for carcases; seal raw edges with waterproof edging.
• Place GPOs above benchtop or in adjacent cabinets, not behind the washer.
• Vent dryers externally or choose a heat pump model; add a door undercut/grille for airflow.
• Protect wet zones: tile or resilient vinyl floor; silicone at junctions; splashback behind sink.
• Allow 20–40 mm scribe panels at walls for out-of-square rooms.
• Install anti-tip fixings for tall cabinets into studs.
• Engage licensed trades for electrical and plumbing; keep compliance certificates.

Materials and finishes that last in WA

Cabinet carcases and doors

• Melamine HMR carcases: cost-effective, easy-clean, moisture resistant.
• Doors:
  • Melamine (textured woodgrain or matte for value).
  • Thermoformed/vinyl wrap (profiled looks without the 2-pack price).
  • 2-pack painted Shaker for classic Hamptons/coastal style.
  • Plywood (sealed) for a natural look and high moisture tolerance.
• Hardware: Soft-close drawers, quality runners (e.g., Blum) and moisture-resistant hinges are worth it in a laundry.

Benchtops and splashbacks

• Laminate: affordable, wide decor range, easy to replace. Use tight radius edges or square-edge with ABS for a cleaner look.
• Porcelain/sintered slabs: highly heat, scratch and stain resistant; low water absorption; excellent for heavy-use countertops.
• Stainless steel: integrated sinks, super durable for utility spaces.
• Tiles: classic splashback solution; pick epoxy grout for stain resistance.

Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate

Layouts, styles and laundry cabinet ideas

Popular WA layouts

• Galley: opposite walls or a single run; efficient for narrow rooms.
• L-shaped: adds corner storage; fit a carousel for cleaning supplies.
• U-shaped: maximum bench; suit bigger rooms with windows/doors.
• Euro laundry cupboard: bi-fold/pocket doors concealing a stacked set and slim cabinets—ideal for apartments.

Styles to match your home

• Shaker / Hamptons coastal: 2-pack profiles, matte whites, brushed nickel handles; ties in with a Shaker kitchen.
• Contemporary handleless: flat melamine or FENIX-style matte, finger-pull rails, integrated LED task lighting.
• Scandi warmth: ply accents, soft whites, tiled splashback, open shelf for plants.

Laundry cupboard ideas that work

• Pull-out wire hampers underbench (2–3 compartments for sorting).
• Fold-out ironing board in a 400–500 mm cabinet.
• Adjustable overheads to ceiling with a bulkhead to stop dust.
• Hanging rail beneath overheads for drip-dry shirts.
• Shallow 200–300 mm cleaning caddy next to the tub for sprays/sponges.
• Magnetic panel inside door for lint filters and small tools.

Costs and timelines in Perth & WA

• Flat pack laundry cabinets: from $1,200–$3,000 for a basic run with benchtop, excluding trades.
• Custom cabinetry + install: typically $4,500–$9,500 for a mid-range laundry (HMR carcases, soft-close hardware, quality fronts), more with premium benchtops or tall storage walls.
• Benchtops: laminate $300–$600 per linear metre installed; porcelain/sintered $1,200–$2,200 per linear metre fabricated and installed.
• Trades (indicative): electrical $350–$900; plumbing $400–$1,100; tiling/splash $700–$1,800 depending on area and tile.

Note: Prices vary by site conditions, access, and selections. Always obtain written quotes and confirm scope with licensed trades. See YourHome (Aust. Govt) for broader renovation guidance.

Typical timeline

• Planning & selections: 1–2 weeks (measure, layouts, finishes).
• Ordering lead times: Flat pack 1–2 weeks; custom 3–6+ weeks depending on finish.
• On-site install: 1–3 days for cabinetry and tops (laminate); add 1–2 days for porcelain/sintered and splashback.
• Trades & commissioning: 0.5–1.5 days for plumbing/electrical, then test and seal.

DIY vs custom: when to call Joyce Kitchens

DIY laundry cabinets are great for straightforward spaces and tight timelines. Choose custom when you have uneven walls, awkward niches, integrated hampers, premium profiles, or you want the laundry to seamlessly match your kitchen, scullery or butler’s pantry. Joyce Kitchens provides end-to-end design, 3D visuals, local manufacturing and professional installation across Perth.

• Design to suit your appliances and storage goals
• Moisture-tough materials built for WA conditions
• Coordinated trades and a tidy, on-time install

Explore more: Kitchen renovations Perth • Laundry renovations • Wardrobes Perth

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• GPO behind the washer: Move it above bench or into an adjacent cabinet with a cut-out for cords.
• No dryer venting: Add external ducting or select a heat pump dryer; include a door undercut and vent grille.
• Cabinets not level: Use a laser level and adjust feet; pack to studs and re-check before fixing benchtops.
• Unsealed cut-outs: Seal all raw edges around sink/tap holes with suitable sealant and edging.
• Zero scribe allowance: Plan 20–40 mm fillers to handle out-of-square walls for a neat finish.

Measurement worksheet & planning checklist

Quick measurement worksheet

• Room W × D × H; ceiling type and bulkheads.
• Window/door positions and swings; skirting height.
• Water inlets, waste, and tap height; floor waste location.
• Existing GPOs, lighting, and switch positions.
• Washer/dryer model numbers, vent route, hose reach.

Pre-order checklist

• Select carcase material (HMR/plywood), door finish (melamine/vinyl/2-pack), and hardware grade.
• Confirm benchtop material and edge profile; splashback type and grout.
• Decide on hamper modules, pull-outs, and hanging rails.
• Book licensed electrician/plumber; confirm AS/NZS requirements.
• Plan delivery access and clear working area before install day.

FAQ