Kitchenette Cost in Australia (WA): How Much to Add a Kitchenette? | Joyce Kitchens

What drives kitchenette cost

In WA, a kitchenette is typically priced by a mix of size (linear metres), cabinetry quality, benchtop selection, appliances, and the amount of plumbing/electrical work required. Here are the key drivers:

• Size and storage: More linear metres, overhead cabinets and tall pantry units increase materials and labour.
• Cabinetry specification: Flat-pack kitchen options cost less than custom cabinetry WA built to fit, with extras such as soft-close drawers, handleless cabinets and internal organisation.
• Benchtops and splashbacks: Laminate benchtop is budget-friendly; porcelain benchtop (sintered stone) and natural stone cost more. Options include tile splashback or glass splashback.
• Appliances: Compact units (e.g., 30 cm “domino” induction cooktop, 45 cm dishwasher, convection-microwave) suit small spaces and can reduce services demands.
• Services and compliance: Adding or moving plumbing, drainage and power, and meeting AS/NZS standards, adds cost. Gas and electrical must be done by licensed trades.
• Finish level: Two‑pack polyurethane, vinyl wrap or high-end hardware will change the price compared to melamine cabinets.
• Access and site conditions: Apartments, tight stairwells or outbuildings can increase installation time.

The WA renovation process

1) Consult and measure

Book a design consult with Joyce Kitchens. We confirm your brief, measure the space, check services, and discuss styles from shaker kitchen to sleek handleless.

2) Design and selections

We develop a functional layout (single-wall, galley or L-shape), then help you select cabinetry finishes, benchtops, hardware, tapware, sink and appliances that suit a compact footprint.

3) Compliance and documentation

Where applicable, we help coordinate certified trades and ensure work aligns with WA requirements and relevant standards (e.g., AS/NZS 3000 for electrical, AS/NZS 5601 for gas). Consider engaging HIA or Master Builders WA resources for contract and project guidance.

4) Manufacture

Your custom cabinetry is manufactured locally for WA conditions, including precise fit for older homes and apartments.

5) Installation and fit-off

Our installers coordinate delivery, install cabinetry and benchtops, then licensed trades complete plumbing and electrical fit-off. We keep disruption minimal — most kitchenettes install in 1–3 days plus trades.

Useful authorities: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, Building and Energy WA.

Materials and finishes

Benchtops for kitchenettes

• Laminate: Cost-effective, wide colour range, modern square edges. Great for rentals and secondary spaces.
• Porcelain/sintered slab: Highly heat- and UV-resistant, premium look, thin profiles suit compact designs.
• Natural stone (granite/marble): Beautiful and durable; requires sealing and careful maintenance in heavy-use areas.
• Solid timber: Warm and tactile; needs oiling/sealing and careful use around sinks.
• Stainless steel: Hygienic and robust, excellent for alfresco or coastal applications.

Cabinet doors and panels

• Melamine: Hardwearing and cost-effective; broad colour/texture options.
• Vinyl wrap (thermoformed): Offers shaker profiles without the cost of solid timber.
• Two-pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish in any colour, ideal for Hamptons or Scandi looks.

Splashbacks

• Tiled: Classic and cost-effective. Choose mid-size tiles to minimise grout in small spaces.
• Glass: Seamless and easy to clean; reflects light to make compact rooms feel bigger.
• Compact laminate or stainless: Durable options for rental or commercial-style spaces.

Compact appliance ideas (Australian sizing)

• 30 cm “domino” induction cooktop or two-burner gas (check AS/NZS 5601 clearances).
• 45 cm dishwasher or single DishDrawer.
• Convection-microwave in place of a 600 mm oven, or a 450 mm compact oven.
• Underbench 450–600 mm fridge or an integrated bar fridge for a seamless look.
• Recirculating or ducted rangehood — ducting preferred for performance in WA heat.

Comparison: Engineered Stone (legacy) vs Laminate

Note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is prohibited for new installations across Australia. The table below is provided to explain why laminate and alternative surfaces (e.g., porcelain/sintered) are now common choices.

Layouts and styles that work

Popular compact layouts

• Single-wall (one-wall kitchen): Most economical; ideal for 1.8–3.0 m runs. Use overhead cabinets to boost storage.
• Galley: Efficient for narrow studios; keep 900–1000 mm clear walkway.
• L-shape: Adds corner storage; consider a LeMans or lazy susan to access dead corners.
• Under-stair/alcove: Custom cabinetry maximises tricky spaces in period homes.
• Laundry-kitchenette combo: Integrate an undermount sink with a washer/dryer behind pocket or bifold doors.

Style ideas

• Shaker/Hamptons: Vinyl wrap shaker fronts in whisper white, subway tile splashback, satin brass tapware.
• Modern handleless: Matte black or white two‑pack, finger-pull rails, porcelain benchtop, integrated fridge.
• Scandi: Light timbergrain melamine, white laminate tops, open shelving.
• Industrial: Charcoal doors, stainless benchtop, concrete-look splashback panels.

WA case examples

Mount Lawley studio: 2.4 m one-wall kitchenette with melamine cabinets, laminate benchtop, 30 cm induction and convection-microwave. Installed in 2 days; total project (with trades) approx. $9,400 incl. GST.

Fremantle granny flat: 3.0 m L-shape, shaker vinyl doors, porcelain benchtop, tiled splashback, 45 cm dishwasher and underbench fridge. Installed over 3 days; total approx. $14,800 incl. GST.

Kitchenette cost guide (2025)

So, how much does a kitchenette cost in Australia — and specifically in Perth and wider WA?

Typical price ranges (incl. GST)

• Basic: $3,000–$7,000 — compact run, laminate benchtop, melamine doors, minimal services changes.
• Mid-range: $8,000–$15,000 — custom cabinetry, premium laminate or porcelain top, splashback, compact appliances.
• Premium: $15,000–$25,000+ — designer finishes (two‑pack), porcelain/sintered, integrated appliances, detailed storage.

Per linear metre guide

$1,500–$3,500+ per linear metre depending on specification, excluding major building works.

Typical line-item allowances (WA)

• Cabinetry and hardware: $1,800–$6,000+
• Benchtops: Laminate $150–$400/m²; Porcelain/sintered $900–$2,200/m²; Natural stone $1,200–$3,000/m²
• Splashback: Tiles or glass $300–$1,200
• Appliances (compact set): $1,200–$3,500
• Plumbing: $650–$1,800 (more if relocating wastes)
• Electrical: $600–$1,600 (GPOs, lighting, appliances)
• Installation and fit-off: $1,500–$4,000
• Contingency: 10–15% for hidden issues in older homes

How much to add a kitchenette? If you are creating a kitchenette from scratch in an empty room, allow for the mid-range bracket ($8,000–$15,000) for a quality, durable result in WA. Converting sheds/garages may require waterproofing, ventilation, or subfloor drainage which can add significantly to cost.

All prices are indicative for Perth/WA as at 2025 and vary by access, selections and scope. Trades must be licensed for plumbing, gas and electrical.

Practical planning checklist

• Measure wall length(s), ceiling height and window/door positions.
• Confirm water in/out locations, electrical capacity and ventilation path.
• Choose layout (one-wall, galley, L) and storage mix (drawers vs shelves).
• Select durable finishes: melamine doors, laminate or porcelain benchtop.
• Pick compact appliances: 30 cm induction, 45 cm dishwasher, underbench fridge.
• Plan lighting: task lighting under overheads; warm ambient lighting.
• Allow for compliance: clearances to cooktops, splashback materials, GPO locations (per AS/NZS and manufacturer specs).
• Set a contingency budget (10–15%).
• Book a professional design consult with Joyce Kitchens to streamline selections and scheduling.

Ready to design your kitchenette?

Joyce Kitchens creates functional, beautiful compact kitchens for homes across Perth and WA — from studios and granny flats to alfresco and guest suites. Our team can also coordinate kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and custom wardrobes.

Speak with a designer today to lock in your scope, selections and timeline.

FAQ

How much does a kitchenette cost in Australia (WA)?

Most WA kitchenettes fall between $3,000–$7,000 (basic), $8,000–$15,000 (mid-range), and $15,000–$25,000+ (premium), including GST. Expect $1,500–$3,500+ per linear metre depending on cabinetry, benchtops, appliances and services. Trades (licensed plumbing/electrical) and site conditions can move the final price.

How much to add a kitchenette to a granny flat or studio?

Allow $7,000–$18,000 for a mid-range granny-flat or studio kitchenette in WA, assuming modest services upgrades. If you’re converting a garage or outbuilding, extra waterproofing, drainage, insulation and ventilation can add significantly to the total.

Do I need council approval for a kitchenette in WA?

If you’re installing a kitchenette within an existing dwelling without structural changes, a building permit may not be required; however, plumbing, gas and electrical must be carried out by licensed trades, and ancillary dwellings may trigger approvals. Check your local council and see Building and Energy WA for guidance.

Can a kitchenette have a cooktop or oven?

Yes. Many kitchenettes use a 30 cm induction domino or a compact 450 mm oven. Ensure clearances, ventilation and GPO placement meet AS/NZS and appliance manufacturer requirements. Some councils place limits on cooking facilities in ancillary accommodation, so confirm rules before ordering.

How long does it take to design and install a kitchenette?

Typical timelines are 2–4 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for manufacture, and 1–3 days for on-site installation plus plumbing/electrical fit-off. End-to-end, allow 4–10 weeks depending on scope and materials.