If you’re comparing kitchen prices and wondering “new kitchen, how much?”, this expert guide explains exactly what impacts the cost, typical price ranges in Australia, and how to plan a stylish, functional kitchen that fits your budget. As Perth-based design specialists in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, we’ve included WA-specific insights, practical examples, and a simple cost calculator to help you move forward with confidence.
What drives kitchen prices?
Kitchen prices vary with scope, materials and trades. Typical cost drivers include:
- Size and layout: galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island bench or peninsula, plus scullery or butler’s pantry.
- Cabinetry: custom cabinetry (WA-made) vs flat-pack kitchens; door style (Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, contemporary); internal storage.
- Benchtops: laminate, solid timber, engineered stone benchtop, porcelain/sintered stone, or natural stone.
- Hardware and details: soft-close drawers, premium hinges, pull-out pantries, finger-pull or handleless profiles, LED strip lighting.
- Appliances: 600mm or 900mm oven, induction/gas cooktop, rangehood clearances, integrated fridge/dishwasher.
- Trades and installation: demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, plaster/paint, flooring, ventilation, certification.
- Access and complexity: apartments, restricted delivery, wall removal, new windows/doors, level/straight walls.
- Finishes and extras: splashback (tiled, glass, slab stone), under-mount sink, waterfall edges, feature panels, tall pantry modules.
A budget allowance in your quote for yet-to-be-selected items (e.g., tapware, sink, appliances). If your final selections cost more or less than the PC allowance, the contract price is adjusted accordingly.
An estimate for work where the exact scope is uncertain at quotation time (e.g., unforeseen structural work after demolition). The final amount is based on actual cost plus margin.
A premium painted finish for cabinet doors/panels, factory-cured for durability and a seamless look. It offers crisp profiles (great for Shaker) with higher cost and lead time than standard melamine.
Kitchen renovation process and timing
- Design consultation and measure: discuss goals, budget, appliances and layout options.
- Concept and selections: 3D design, door profiles, benchtop, splashback, hardware, colours.
- Detailed quote and contract: inclusions, PC/PS items, program, payment milestones.
- Site check and final drawings: verify services, levels, ventilation and access.
- Manufacture: custom cabinetry and benchtops are fabricated to spec.
- Installation: cabinets, benchtops, appliances, splashback, fit-off and silicone.
- Handover and aftercare: cleaning, warranties, care instructions.
Indicative timeframes: design and selections 2–4 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks (longer for two-pack/stone); installation and trades 1–3 weeks for a straightforward project. Complex builds with structural work can extend to 4–6+ weeks on site.
Materials and finishes that impact cost
Cabinet doors and carcasses
- Melamine (thermo-laminated board): cost-effective, durable, wide colour range; excellent for family and rental kitchens.
- Two-pack polyurethane: premium smooth or Shaker profile, colour-matched; higher cost and lead time.
- Veneer/solid timber: warm, natural grain; requires sealing and care; premium price point.
- Vinyl wrap: sculpted look at a mid price; check heat resistance near ovens and sunny WA exposures.
Benchtops
- Laminate: the best-value option with improved textures; modern square edges look sharp.
- Engineered stone: classic, consistent look; note evolving Australian regulations—see “WA note” below.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: highly heat and UV resistant; excellent for Perth’s sunny conditions; premium cost.
- Solid timber: warm, repairable; needs periodic oiling; avoid prolonged wet areas.
WA note on heat and UV
West Australian homes often have strong sun and high summer temps. Consider heat-resistant splashbacks near gas cooktops, ensure adequate rangehood extraction, and allow expansion joints for long benchtop runs. Verify appliance cut-out sizes—many WA clients choose 900mm ovens and cooktops, which affect cabinet modules and costs.
Hardware and storage
- Soft-close drawers, premium hinges and pull-outs improve daily use and add value.
- Corner solutions, integrated bins, spice inserts and pantries increase functionality.
- Handleless or finger-pull doors create a minimalist look; push-to-open systems add cost and precision requirements.
Engineered stone vs laminate benchtops (comparison)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look/feel | Premium, consistent patterns; suits contemporary and Hamptons/Shaker styles. | Good variety of colours/textures; modern laminates mimic stone/timber convincingly. |
| Indicative installed cost | $700–$1,200 per m² (edges, cut-outs extra). Subject to product availability and regulation. | $450–$650 per m² installed; excellent value. |
| Heat and stain resistance | Good, but use trivets; avoid direct heat shock. | Moderate; always use trivets and chopping boards. |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous and easy to clean. | Low; avoid harsh abrasives and prolonged water ingress. |
| WA/regulatory note | Engineered stone products are subject to evolving Australian rules. Many clients now choose porcelain/sintered stone alternatives. Check current WA guidance before selecting. | No special restrictions; widely used in renovations and rental upgrades. |
Tip: If you love a stone look but want higher heat and UV tolerance, consider porcelain/sintered stone. If you want maximum value, a premium laminate with a great splashback can look superb.
Popular layouts and styles in WA
Layouts
- Galley kitchen: efficient for apartments and narrow spaces; ideal for cooks.
- L-shaped with island: perfect for open-plan family living; easy traffic flow.
- U-shaped: maximum storage and bench space; consider 1,000mm minimum between runs.
- Island bench or peninsula: social prep area; check power to island for appliances/charging.
- Scullery/butler’s pantry: hides mess; adds plumbing and cabinetry cost but boosts functionality.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen / Hamptons: two-pack doors, feature handles, farmhouse sink, tiled splashback.
- Contemporary minimalist: handleless, matte finishes, integrated appliances, lineal LED lighting.
- Coastal or modern Australian: warm timber accents, light benchtops, easy-clean surfaces.
- Industrial: darker palettes, open shelf moments, concrete-look benchtops.
Kitchen costs and simple calculator
Average kitchen cost in Australia
- Basic refresh (retain layout, value finishes): $8,000–$20,000
- Mid-range new kitchen (custom cabinetry, quality hardware): $20,000–$45,000
- Premium custom (two-pack, porcelain/sintered stone, integrated appliances): $45,000–$90,000+
- Luxury architectural (bespoke joinery, structural changes): $90,000–$150,000+
In Perth/WA, the average price of a new kitchen typically falls in the $25,000–$50,000 range for a mid-sized, mid-spec renovation. Actual new kitchen prices depend on scope and selections.
Kitchen installation cost and trades
- Cabinet installation: commonly included in cabinetry pricing for custom work.
- Plumbing (rough-in + fit-off): $1,000–$2,500+
- Electrical (RCDs, new circuits, lighting): $1,200–$3,000+
- Demolition and disposal: $800–$3,000+ (asbestos testing/removal extra if applicable)
- Tiling/splashback: $800–$2,000+ (plus materials)
- Plaster/paint and making good: $1,000–$2,500+
Tip: Allow a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen items. For rental or budget-led projects, favour durable melamine cabinetry and a laminate benchtop, then upgrade appliances later.
Cost of kitchen cabinets
- Custom melamine cabinetry with soft-close hardware: commonly $1,200–$2,200 per linear metre installed (doors/drawers, standard internals).
- Two-pack Shaker or premium finishes: $1,800–$2,800+ per linear metre installed.
- Specialty internals (corner pull-outs, bin systems, larder units): typically $200–$1,200 per unit extra.
Benchtop and splashback guide
- Laminate benchtop: $450–$650 per m² installed
- Engineered stone 20mm: $700–$1,200 per m² installed (subject to current AU regulations)
- Porcelain/sintered stone: $1,200–$2,200 per m² installed
- Glass splashback: $400–$750 per m²; Tiled splashback: $90–$160 per m² + labour
Appliance allowances (typical)
- Value package (cooktop, oven, rangehood, dishwasher): $2,500–$4,500
- Mid-range: $5,000–$9,000
- Premium/integrated: $10,000–$20,000+
Simple kitchen renovation cost calculator (Australia)
Use this quick rule-of-thumb to sanity-check your budget (ex GST where applicable):
- Cabinetry: total linear metres x chosen finish rate
- Benchtops: total square metres x material rate (+ edges/cut-outs)
- Splashback: area x material + tiling/glass labour
- Appliances: allowance based on package level
- Trades and installation: 15–30% of the above combined
- Contingency: add 10–15%
This isn’t a substitute for a detailed measure and itemised quote, but it’s a helpful kitchen renovation cost calculator approach for early planning.
Real-world WA examples
Case study 1: Mt Lawley 1930s bungalow (Shaker upgrade)
Scope: keep footprint, add island, two-pack Shaker doors, porcelain benchtops, tiled splashback, new 900mm oven. Cost: approx. $38k installed including trades. Result: timeless Hamptons look, brighter prep zones, better storage.
Case study 2: Baldivis family home (value-led galley)
Scope: galley with island, melamine cabinets, laminate benchtop, glass splashback, upgrade to induction later. Cost: approx. $24k installed with essential trades. Result: durable, easy-clean family space with a future-proof layout.
Kitchen budget and selections checklist
- Set a target budget and 10–15% contingency.
- Confirm appliances early (600mm vs 900mm affects modules and services).
- Select door finish (melamine vs two-pack) and profile (Shaker, flat, V-groove).
- Choose benchtop material (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, engineered stone subject to regulations, timber).
- Lock in splashback (tile, glass, slab) and grout/colour choices.
- Plan storage: drawers vs doors, bins, pantry, corner solutions, cutlery/dividers.
- Lighting: task, ambient and strip LEDs; power to island if needed.
- Compliance: rangehood clearances, RCDs, GPO locations, gas/electrical standards.
- Timeline: design, manufacture, installation; book trades early.
- Aftercare: cleaning, warranties, surface care instructions.
Permits, standards and compliance
Most like-for-like kitchen renovations don’t require a building permit. Structural changes (removing walls), new windows/doors, or significant plumbing/gas/electrical modifications may need approvals and must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS/NZS standards (for example, AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 5601 for gas). Engage licensed WA trades and check with your local council or an experienced builder.
Useful Australian resources:
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – contracts, guides and consumer advice.
- Master Builders WA – member directory and building resources.
- Australian Building Codes Board (NCC) – codes and standards overview.
Ready to plan your kitchen?
From compact apartments to large family kitchens with sculleries, our team designs, manufactures and installs custom solutions across Perth and WA. Talk to us about design, selections, and a clear, itemised quote that aligns with your budget and timeline.
Turn ballpark numbers into firm pricing—use our kitchen quotation guide to brief and compare quotes.
See how door profiles influence price and look—compare options in our kitchen cabinet doors guide.
FAQ
How much does a new kitchen cost in Australia?
A basic refresh can be $8,000–$20,000, a mid-range new kitchen is commonly $20,000–$45,000, premium custom $45,000–$90,000+, and luxury architectural $90,000–$150,000+. Your final price depends on layout, cabinetry finish (melamine vs two-pack), benchtops (laminate vs porcelain/sintered stone), appliances and trades.
What is the average price for a new kitchen in Perth/WA?
For a mid-sized renovation with custom cabinetry, quality hardware and a good benchtop/splashback combo, the average price of a new kitchen in Perth is typically $25,000–$50,000. Complex builds, structural changes or premium finishes will push higher.
How can I reduce kitchen prices without losing quality?
Keep the existing layout and services; choose durable melamine doors with soft-close hardware; use laminate benchtops with a feature splashback; prioritise drawers over niche gadgets; select a value appliance package now and upgrade later; and obtain an itemised quote with PC/PS allowances to avoid surprises.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Design and selections often take 2–4 weeks, manufacture 3–6 weeks, and on-site installation 1–3 weeks for straightforward projects. Allow extra time for two-pack finishes, porcelain/sintered stone, or structural work like wall removal.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Like-for-like replacements usually don’t need a building permit. If you’re removing or altering structural walls, changing windows/doors, or relocating major plumbing/gas/electrical, you may need approvals and must comply with the NCC and relevant AS/NZS standards. Always use licensed trades and confirm requirements with your local council or builder.
