Thinking about a DIY kitchen remodel (or a kitchen redo DIY) in Western Australia? Here’s an expert, no-nonsense guide from Joyce Kitchens to help you plan, design and deliver a beautiful, compliant, value-adding kitchen that suits local conditions, appliances and building standards.
Core insights for Australian DIY renovators
- Plan for compliance in WA: licensed trades are required for electrical, gas and most plumbing. Allow for certificates and lead times.
- Design to Australian appliance sizes: 600 mm ovens are standard, 900 mm cooktops/rangehoods are common; check fridge ventilation clearances.
- Choose heat- and UV-suitable materials for WA conditions, especially in sunlit coastal homes; prioritise durable finishes in high-use areas.
- Custom cabinetry WA-made can deliver a better fit for older Perth homes with uneven walls and floors than generic flat-pack.
- Stage your DIY: do the safe cosmetic tasks yourself; bring in licensed trades at the right time to keep the schedule tight.
Definition: Work triangle vs. work zones
The classic “triangle” links fridge, sink and cooktop. Modern “work zones” add specialised areas like prep, cooking, cleaning and pantry to suit island benches and open-plan living.
Definition: Shaker kitchen
A shaker kitchen uses a simple, framed door profile that suits Hampton style and classic Australian homes. It’s timeless, easy to clean and pairs well with modern hardware.
The renovation process: step-by-step
1) Measure, brief and budget
- Measure the room, ceiling height, window/door openings, and existing services.
- List must-haves: island bench, butler’s pantry/scullery, pull-out pantry, soft-close drawers, bin drawers, LED strip lighting, undermount sink.
- Set a realistic budget with a 10–15% contingency.
2) Engage design expertise early
Even for a DIY kitchen remodel, a professional design consult can prevent costly mistakes around clearances, ergonomics and storage. Joyce Kitchens’ Perth designers can tailor custom cabinetry to fit unique WA homes and coordinate with laundry, bathroom vanity and wardrobe designs for a cohesive look.
3) Order materials and appliances
- Confirm appliance sizes (e.g., 600/900 mm cooktops, integrated dishwashers) before finalising cabinet widths.
- Allow lead times for custom cabinetry, engineered alternatives (like porcelain or sintered stone), laminate benchtops, splashback tiles and rangehood ducting.
4) Demo and prep
Carefully remove old cabinets, isolate services, cap plumbing, and repair walls/floors. In older Perth homes, expect to straighten walls or pack floors before install.
5) Install cabinetry
- Level and fix base cabinets, then wall units. Check plumb, level and square at every step.
- Fit panels, fillers and kickers for a built-in look; consider finger-pull or handleless cabinetry for a clean contemporary kitchen.
6) Benchtops and splashback
Template, fabricate and install benchtops. Choose a splashback (tile splashback, glass splashback, or matching porcelain) that suits heat and cleaning needs near an induction cooktop or gas burners.
7) Services, compliance and finishing
- Electrical and gas: must be performed by licensed trades in WA (AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 5601 Gas Installations).
- Plumbing: sink, tap, dishwasher connections require a licensed plumber.
- Fit doors/drawers with soft-close hinges and runners (e.g., quality Blum hardware), adjust reveals, and seal all edges.
Compliance note: Always use licensed tradies in WA for electrical, gas and plumbing. See Building and Energy WA for guidance. Non-structural kitchen renovations typically don’t need council approval, but structural changes, window/door alterations or apartments/strata often do.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Choosing the right finishes ensures a long-lasting result in our sunny, coastal climate.
Cabinetry
- Doors and drawers: melamine, thermo-laminate/vinyl wrap, or 2-pack polyurethane for a premium, smooth finish.
- Carcasses: moisture-resistant board for longevity around sinks and dishwashers.
- Profiles: shaker kitchen doors for Hampton style, or flat for modern minimalism.
Benchtops
- Laminate benchtop: budget-friendly, huge design range, low maintenance.
- Porcelain/sintered surface: excellent heat/UV resistance; great alternative to high-silica engineered stone.
- Natural stone or timber: beautiful, requires sealing and mindful care.
Important update on engineered stone: From 1 July 2024, most high-silica engineered stone has been banned from manufacture, supply and installation in Australia. Existing installations remain legal. Always confirm current WA regulations and discuss alternatives such as porcelain or low-silica options with your supplier.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops
| Engineered Stone (check 2024+ regulations) | Laminate |
|---|---|
| Typical installed cost: historically $500–$1,200 per m²; availability subject to ban/alternatives. | Typical installed cost: ~$180–$350 per m²; most budget-friendly. |
| Heat resistance: good, still use trivets. | Heat resistance: moderate; avoid hot pots directly. |
| Maintenance: low; avoid harsh chemicals. | Maintenance: very low; wipe clean. |
| Durability: hard-wearing; chips can be difficult to repair. | Durability: improved modern laminates; edges are the vulnerable point. |
| Looks: stone-like patterns and solids. | Looks: vast range including stone, timber and concrete décors. |
| Compliance: subject to Australia-wide ban (2024); check WA rules and safe handling requirements. | Compliance: widely available and straightforward. |
| Repairability: specialised. | Repairability: economical to replace. |
| Lead time: variable due to regulatory changes. | Lead time: generally short. |
| Sustainability: varies by product; check certifications. | Sustainability: lightweight, lower transport impact; check low-VOC panels/adhesives. |
Note: Discuss current options with a Joyce Kitchens designer. Many clients are selecting porcelain/sintered stone or premium laminate with a waterfall edge look.
Splashbacks
- Tiles (e.g., subway tiles): classic, repairable, grouted.
- Glass: sleek, easy to clean, colour-matched to your scheme.
- Porcelain sheet: minimal joins, high heat tolerance.
Hardware and lighting
- Soft-close drawers and doors for longevity.
- Pull-out pantry and corner carousels (e.g., LeMans) to maximise storage.
- LED task lighting under overheads; warm-white for inviting tones.
Layouts and styles that maximise your space
Popular Australian layouts
- Galley kitchen: efficient for apartments and terrace homes; keep 1,000–1,200 mm between runs.
- L-shaped kitchen: suits open-plan; add an island bench for seating and prep.
- U-shaped kitchen: superb storage; ensure 1,000 mm internal clearance minimum.
- Island with scullery/butler’s pantry: great for entertainers; hides small appliances in an appliance garage.
Style directions
- Hampton style: shaker doors, soft whites and blues, brushed nickel hardware.
- Contemporary kitchen: handleless, finger-pull cabinets, matte black tapware, two-tone cabinetry.
- Scandinavian: pale timbers, clean lines, bright task lighting.
Local case-style examples
Subiaco villa refresh: A 1990s kitchen facelift with new laminate benchtops, soft-close drawers, white shaker doors and a tile splashback. DIY cabinet install over two weekends; licensed sparkie fitted new LED lighting and a 900 mm rangehood. Cost-conscious, big visual impact.
Fremantle townhouse galley: Space-savvy redesign with custom cabinetry WA-made to fit uneven walls, an undermount sink, pull-out pantry and porcelain benchtops. Result: more bench space, better workflow and a durable finish for coastal living.
Costs and budgeting (Australia/WA)
- DIY cosmetic refresh (paint, handles, tap, laminate tops): $5,000–$15,000
- Mid-range redo (new custom cabinetry, laminate/porcelain tops, new appliances): $15,000–$35,000
- Premium renovation (bespoke cabinetry, porcelain/sintered or natural stone, integrated appliances): $35,000–$80,000+
Typical cost drivers
- Cabinetry and storage systems (soft-close hardware, pull-outs)
- Benchtop material and thickness (waterfall edges, undermount sink cut-outs)
- Splashback complexity (large-format porcelain vs tiled)
- Service moves (relocating sink/cooktop), and compliance testing
- Appliances (induction cooktop, 900 mm oven, ducted rangehood)
Practical pre-start checklist
- [ ] Confirm appliance sizes and power/gas requirements
- [ ] Finalise cabinet plan, fillers, panels and scribe details
- [ ] Choose benchtop and splashback with WA heat/UV in mind
- [ ] Book licensed electrician, plumber and gasfitter
- [ ] Order sinks, tapware, bins, handles, LED lighting
- [ ] Plan waste removal and site protection (floors, walkways)
- [ ] Allow 10–15% budget contingency
Standards to be aware of: AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies), AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 5601 (Gas installations). Your licensed trades will advise and certify compliance.
Why Joyce Kitchens
Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry across Perth and WA. From classic shaker kitchens to sleek handleless designs, plus coordinated laundry renovations, bathroom vanities and wardrobe fitouts, we help you make confident decisions and avoid costly rework. Ready to start? Book a design consultation and bring your measurements or plans.
Helpful Australian resources
- Building and Energy WA — licensing and compliance
- Safe Work Australia — engineered stone ban updates
- HIA Home Owners — renovation guides and contracts
FAQ
What can I legally DIY in a WA kitchen remodel?
You can paint, assemble/install flat-pack cabinets, lay floating floors and tile splashbacks. In WA, all electrical, gas and most plumbing must be done by licensed trades, with certificates provided (AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5601). Structural changes or apartment/strata work may also require approvals.
How much does a DIY kitchen redo cost in Australia?
As a guide, a cosmetic refresh is $5,000–$15,000, a mid-range redo $15,000–$35,000, and premium $35,000–$80,000+. Big drivers are cabinetry, benchtops, appliance choices and whether you move services. Always allow a 10–15% contingency.
How long does a DIY kitchen remodel take?
A surface-level refresh can be done over 1–2 weekends. New cabinetry and benchtops typically take 2–4 weeks depending on lead times. If you’re coordinating multiple licensed trades and inspections, allow 4–8 weeks end-to-end.
What benchtop is best for Aussie homes now?
Given the 2024 engineered stone ban, many WA homeowners choose porcelain/sintered surfaces for heat/UV resistance or high-quality laminate for budget-friendly durability. Natural stone and well-sealed timber are also options. Confirm current regulations and supplier availability.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation?
Most non-structural kitchen renovations don’t need council approval. You’ll need approvals for structural changes, external openings, and often for apartments/strata. Electrical, gas and plumbing must be completed and certified by licensed trades regardless.
