Thinking about new cabinetry for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobes? This Perth-focused guide explains the real cost of cabinets in Australia, how design choices influence budget, and the smartest ways to get a premium result without overspending.
What “cabinet cost” actually includes
When people ask about the cost of cabinets, they’re usually comparing different scopes. To compare apples with apples, note whether a price includes:
- Design and documentation (measure, 3D drawings, selections)
- Carcasses (the cabinet bodies), doors/drawer fronts, panels and kickboards
- Hardware (runners, hinges, handles, soft-close)
- Benchtops and splashbacks
- Delivery, installation and project management
- Trades (plumbing, electrical, tiling, painting, demolition and disposal)
- Appliances and sinks/taps
Core insights at a glance
- The biggest drivers of cost are finish (melamine vs 2‑pack polyurethane vs veneer), hardware quality and design complexity (curves, integrated appliances, scullery).
- In WA, a fully custom kitchen’s cabinetry typically ranges from $15,000–$35,000+; full kitchen renovations (with benchtops, splashback and trades) often land $25,000–$70,000+ depending on scope.
- Smart design choices—standard module widths, fewer door styles, and targeted storage accessories—deliver premium feel without premium spend.
- From 1 July 2024, engineered stone benchtops containing crystalline silica are prohibited in Australia; consider porcelain/sintered, natural stone, laminate or solid surface alternatives.
- Local compliance matters: use licensed trades and cabinetry that aligns with AS/NZS 4386 and manufacturer clearances for appliances.
Our renovation and cabinetry process (Joyce Kitchens Perth)
- In-home consult — Measure, brief and budget guidance for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
- Design + selections — 3D concepts, layout options (galley, U‑shaped, L‑shaped with island), materials, hardware and colour palettes.
- Fixed, itemised proposal — Clear inclusions for cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and trades.
- Manufacture in WA — Custom cabinetry WA using quality board and hardware from leading suppliers.
- Installation + trades — Managed by our team; licensed Perth electricians and plumbers.
- Aftercare — Warranties, maintenance advice and support.
We work across kitchen renovations Perth and throughout WA, including bathrooms, laundries and built‑in wardrobes.
Materials and finishes explained
Cabinet carcasses
- Melamine on MR board — Cost‑effective, durable and easy to clean; ideal for carcasses in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
- E0 / low‑emission board — Low formaldehyde emissions for better indoor air quality.
Doors and drawer fronts
- Melamine — Budget‑friendly, huge colour/texture range; great for rental stock or cost‑controlled projects.
- Thermolaminate (vinyl wrap) — Allows profiled doors (e.g., shaker kitchen look) at moderate cost; avoid excessive heat from ovens without proper protection.
- 2‑pack polyurethane — Painted finish with crisp profiles, unlimited colour; premium look for shaker or contemporary styles.
- Timber veneer or solid timber — Natural warmth and grain; higher cost and maintenance awareness.
- Acrylic / super‑matt laminates — Smooth, modern and repairable options (e.g., Fenix) for handleless kitchens.
Benchtops (Australia 2025)
- Porcelain / sintered stone — Heat, scratch and UV resistant; excellent for indoor and some outdoor applications.
- Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite) — Unique veining and character; sealant and care needed.
- Solid surface — Seamless joins, repairable; warm touch and hygienic.
- Laminate benchtop — Most cost‑effective; huge range of looks including stone and timber effects.
Hardware and internals
- Soft‑close hinges and runners (e.g., Blum hardware) for smooth operation and longevity.
- Pull‑out pantries, corner carousels and drawer organisers to improve access and storage.
- LED strip lighting for task areas and ambient effect, especially in sculleries and butler’s pantries.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate
| Property | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price (installed) | High: approx. $900–$2,000+ per m² | Low: approx. $250–$450 per linear metre |
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; suitable near cooktops and bright WA light | Moderate; use trivets and avoid direct heat |
| Scratch/impact resistance | Very high scratch; edges need care for heavy impact | Good everyday use; avoid cutting directly on surface |
| Seams and joins | Visible but neat; large formats reduce joins | Visible edge treatments; modern edges are discreet |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy to clean | Low; non‑porous, easy to clean |
| Design look | Stone and concrete looks; ultra‑slim options | Huge decorative range, including stone/timber effects |
Layouts and styles that affect cost
Layouts
- Galley kitchen — Efficient with linear cabinetry; can be cost‑effective.
- L‑shaped with island — Popular for entertaining; extra panels and back‑of‑island finishes add cost.
- U‑shaped kitchen — Maximum storage; more corners and benchtop metres.
- Scullery / butler’s pantry — Adds carcasses, benchtop and plumbing; great for hidden prep and storage.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen — Classic framed profile; often 2‑pack or thermolaminate.
- Handleless / finger‑pull — Streamlined look; consider aluminium rails or profiled doors.
- Coastal, modern farmhouse, contemporary — Colour and texture selections drive the look more than cost.
Local note: WA homes often prefer 900 mm ovens and cooktops, 600 mm dishwashers and generous fridge space. Standard benchtop height is ~900 mm, but 920–950 mm can suit taller households. Always check manufacturer clearances and AS/NZS requirements for appliances.
How much do cabinets cost in Australia?
Figures below are indicative for 2025 and reflect typical Perth/WA supply and labour. Final pricing depends on your design, finish and site conditions.
By project type
- Flat‑pack kitchen cabinets (DIY install): approx. $2,500–$8,000 for a small to mid kitchen (carcasses and doors only). Add trade/stone/laminate costs separately.
- Semi‑custom modular (installed): approx. $8,000–$18,000 for cabinetry depending on finish and size.
- Custom kitchen cabinetry (Perth/WA): approx. $15,000–$35,000+ for cabinetry. A full kitchen renovation including benchtops, splashback and trades commonly totals $25,000–$70,000+.
- Laundry cabinetry: approx. $4,000–$12,000+ depending on tall storage, hanging rails, benchtop and appliances.
- Bathroom vanities: approx. $1,200–$6,000+ each (size, drawers vs doors, benchtop type).
- Built‑in wardrobes: approx. $1,500–$10,000+ (hinged vs sliding, internals, mirrored panels).
By specification
- Melamine doors: lowest cost baseline.
- Thermolaminate shaker: typically +10–25% vs melamine.
- 2‑pack polyurethane: typically +20–40% vs melamine.
- Timber veneer/solid timber: +30–60% vs melamine.
- Soft‑close drawers: allow $50–$120 per drawer upgrade depending on runner type.
- Pull‑out pantry systems: approx. $500–$1,500 each.
- Corner solutions: approx. $400–$1,200 each (carousel, LeMans).
- LED strip lighting: approx. $35–$90 per metre plus driver and install.
Benchtops (installed)
- Laminate: approx. $250–$450 per linear metre.
- Porcelain / sintered stone: approx. $900–$2,000+ per m².
- Natural stone: approx. $700–$2,200 per m² depending on stone.
- Solid surface: approx. $650–$1,200 per m².
Trades and installation
- Cabinet installation: usually included in custom quotes; complexity and access can add time.
- Demolition and disposal: approx. $800–$2,000 depending on size and materials.
- Electrical and lighting: approx. $1,000–$3,000 (WA licensed electrician).
- Plumbing and gas: approx. $800–$2,500 (WA licensed plumber/gasfitter).
- Tiling/splashback: varies by tile type and area.
How to keep costs under control
- Favour standard cabinet widths (300/450/600/900 mm) and consistent drawer stacks.
- Use melamine carcasses and pair with a “hero” finish only where it matters (island or upper doors).
- Limit door styles to one or two (e.g., shaker + flat) and keep profiles simple.
- Choose targeted storage accessories for hardest‑to‑reach areas rather than accessorising every cupboard.
- Balance the budget: if you invest in a porcelain benchtop, consider melamine or thermo for doors.
Perth case examples
Case 1 — Mt Lawley “Modern Shaker” with scullery: 2‑pack shaker fronts, soft‑close drawers, porcelain benchtop, LED strips, integrated bins, scullery sink and open shelving. Cabinetry approx. $28k; total with benchtops, splashback and trades approx. $52k.
Case 2 — Scarborough apartment galley refresh: Melamine doors, laminate benchtop, new drawer internals, finger‑pull rails, upgrade to LED task lighting. Cabinetry approx. $9k; total incl. trades approx. $18k.
Guides only. Request a tailored quote after site measure.
Practical checklist for your quotes
- Confirm scope: cabinets only, or full renovation with trades?
- Layout and appliance sizes: 600 mm vs 900 mm oven/cooktop; fridge width and depth; dishwasher type.
- Preferred door finish and colour: melamine, thermolaminate, 2‑pack, veneer.
- Benchtop: laminate, porcelain/sintered, natural stone or solid surface.
- Hardware: soft‑close everywhere, drawer internals, pull‑outs, bins, LED lighting.
- Style direction: shaker kitchen, handleless, coastal, contemporary.
- Compliance and standards: AS/NZS 4386 cabinetry; licensed trades; appliance clearances per manufacturer.
- Timeline: allow design/fabrication lead time; typical 6–10 weeks from final measure to install.
- Budget range: set a realistic range and prioritise “must‑haves”.
Local compliance and useful Australian resources
We recommend working with licensed WA trades and cabinetry built to recognised standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386). For renovation contracts and consumer advice, see:
Ready to plan your cabinetry?
Whether you’re refreshing a galley kitchen, adding a scullery, or coordinating bathroom, laundry and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry across Perth and WA. Book a design consult and we’ll map the best layout, materials and budget for your home.
FAQ
How much do kitchen cabinets cost in Australia?
For Perth and WA in 2025, flat‑pack cabinets for a small to mid kitchen might total $2,500–$8,000 for boxes and doors only. Semi‑custom installed cabinetry commonly ranges $8,000–$18,000. Fully custom kitchen cabinetry typically starts around $15,000 and can exceed $35,000 depending on finish and complexity. A full kitchen renovation with benchtops, splashback and licensed trades often lands between $25,000 and $70,000+.
What affects the cost of cabinets the most?
The biggest cost drivers are your door finish (melamine, thermolaminate, 2‑pack, veneer), hardware specification (soft‑close drawers, pull‑outs, corner solutions), and design complexity (islands, curves, integrated appliances, scullery). Benchtop choice also matters—porcelain/sintered or natural stone cost more than laminate. Scope (cabinetry‑only versus full renovation with trades) further impacts the total.
Are custom cabinets better value than flat‑pack?
Flat‑pack is the lowest ticket price but can compromise on fit, internals and long‑term durability. Custom cabinetry maximises every millimetre, integrates appliances cleanly and uses robust hardware. If you plan to stay in the home or want a premium result, custom cabinets usually deliver better value over time through functionality, finish and resale appeal.
What’s the typical timeline for a kitchen renovation in Perth?
After design approval and final measure, allow 4–8 weeks for manufacturing depending on finish, plus 1–2 weeks on site for install and trades. End‑to‑end from first consult to completion, 6–10 weeks is a common window, subject to material lead times and appliance availability.
Which cabinet materials are most durable for WA homes?
For carcasses, melamine on moisture‑resistant board is durable and cost‑effective. For doors, 2‑pack polyurethane and quality thermolaminate perform well; timber veneer adds warmth with extra care. For benchtops, porcelain/sintered delivers excellent heat and scratch resistance, while laminate is a budget‑friendly, low‑maintenance option.
Renovating multiple rooms? Pair your cabinet budgeting with our cost to install new shower guide for bathrooms.
For context on where the budget goes, browse kitchen renovation ideas before and after to see real‑world outcomes.
