Want a cheap outdoor kitchen that stands up to Perth sun, coastal air and weekend BBQs? Here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs affordable alfresco kitchens that look great, perform better and don’t blow the budget.
Why “cheap” doesn’t mean flimsy
In WA, a “cheap outdoor kitchen” should mean smart design and durable materials—never cutting corners. With intense UV, Fremantle Doctor winds and coastal salt, the wrong products fail fast. We focus on value engineering: choosing weatherproof outdoor kitchen solutions that look high-end but are cost-efficient to build and maintain.
- Spend smart on structure: Weatherproof outdoor kitchen cabinets and long-wearing benchtops beat frequent replacements.
- Save on complexity: Keep services in one run and pick standard appliance sizes to reduce trades and cut costs.
- Choose finishes wisely: Opt for UV-stable doors, compact laminate or porcelain benchtops, and corrosion-resistant hardware.
Our WA outdoor kitchen design & renovation process
- Brief & budget: We map your alfresco kitchen goals, cooking style (BBQ, smoker, pizza oven), storage and seating. We confirm target budget for a budget outdoor kitchen or higher-spec custom outdoor kitchen.
- Measure & layout: Site measure plus wind/sun assessment. We propose a simple, service-efficient layout—often a straight run or L-shape.
- Material selection: Outdoor cabinetry, benchtops and splashbacks chosen for WA UV, heat and salt. We’ll guide you on waterproof outdoor kitchen cabinets and best-value benchtops.
- Compliance & services: We coordinate licensed trades to meet AS/NZS requirements (gas and electrics). See “Appliances & services” below.
- Fabrication & install: Cabinets are built locally with soft-close drawers and corrosion-resistant fixings. We install, level, seal and test.
Already handy? We also supply flat pack outdoor kitchen cabinets and outdoor kitchen cabinets kits if you’d like to DIY and save.
Best materials & finishes for outdoor value
Outdoor cabinets that handle WA conditions
- Powder-coated aluminium carcasses with compact laminate doors: light, corrosion resistant, low-maintenance. Great for Perth’s coastal suburbs.
- HDPE or PVC-based cabinetry for waterproof performance; wipe-clean and robust for family use.
- 316 stainless hardware and fixings near the coast (304 inland). Soft-close drawers remain standard for a quality feel.
We avoid standard indoor particleboard outdoors. If you’re considering a used outdoor kitchen, check for swollen substrates or rusted hinges before buying.
Outdoor benchtops that won’t blow the budget
For a cheap outdoor kitchen, benchtops must resist heat, UV and spills. Two strong-value options in WA are Porcelain/Sintered Stone and Compact Laminate:
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Compact Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Weather & UV resistance | Excellent; UV-stable and heat-resistant | Very good; UV-stable grades available |
| Heat near BBQ | Excellent (check brand clearances) | Good; use heat shields near hot zones |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous, easy clean | Low; wipe clean, avoid harsh abrasives |
| Edge options | Square or mitred; modern look | Square; sleek and cost-effective |
| Typical installed cost | $$–$$$ (still great value outdoors) | $–$$ (budget hero) |
Note for homeowners: fabricated high-silica engineered stone benchtops are no longer permitted for new fabrication in Australia. For outdoor projects, choose porcelain/sintered stone, granite, or compact laminate instead.
Appliances & services (WA compliance)
- BBQs & appliances: Select outdoor-rated units sized to standard cabinet modules to avoid custom costs. Provide ventilation for built-in BBQs.
- Gas: Work by a licensed gasfitter per AS/NZS 5601 and WA Building & Energy guidance.
- Electrical: Outdoor GPOs, lighting and appliances per AS/NZS 3000. Use IP-rated fittings suitable for exposure.
- Ventilation & clearances: Observe the BBQ manufacturer’s minimum side/back clearances and heat shielding requirements.
Layouts & styles that save money
Layouts
- Straight run (galley): Cheapest to build; easy for flat pack outdoor kitchen and outdoor kitchen cabinets kits.
- L-shape: Adds prep space without major extra cost if services stay in one corner.
- BBQ niche + side pantry: Compact, great for small patios and inexpensive outdoor kitchen ideas.
Styles
- Modern handleless with matte UV doors for a sleek alfresco kitchen.
- Shaker kitchen profile doors in weatherproof materials for a coastal Hamptons look.
- Textured timber-look compact laminates pair well with light porcelain for a contemporary WA style.
We match your alfresco to your interiors—kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe designs—so your whole home feels designed as one.
Cost guide: inexpensive outdoor kitchens in Perth
- DIY outdoor kitchen (flat pack): approx $2,500–$6,000 for cabinets, compact laminate benchtop and basic sink. Add appliances separately.
- Hybrid (DIY assembly + pro benchtop): approx $5,000–$10,000 depending on benchtop and appliance choices.
- Custom made outdoor BBQ kitchen: approx $8,000–$25,000+ for tailored cabinetry, porcelain/sintered stone, and integrated BBQ/fridge.
- Appliances: Built-in BBQs $800–$5,000+, outdoor fridges $600–$2,000+, sinks/taps $300–$1,200.
- Trades & services: Allow for licensed gas/electrical, waterproofing and minor building works if enclosing or roofing.
Going “cheap” doesn’t mean basic forever—design a core you can expand: start with storage and bench space, add the pizza oven or smoker later.
Cheap simple outdoor kitchen ideas
- Build your own outdoor kitchen with flat pack modules and a compact laminate top.
- Use a freestanding BBQ parked between cabinets; upgrade to a built-in later.
- One-water-point sink and no dishwasher to reduce plumbing cost.
- Short splashback behind the BBQ only; paint the rest with exterior-grade paint.
- Choose stock sizes for doors and drawers to avoid custom surcharge.
- Consider a used outdoor kitchen for appliances; have us supply new cabinets and tops around it.
- Shelter smart: A simple pergola or shade fixes weather issues and extends material life.
Looking for cheap outdoor kitchens for sale? Our display and ex-showroom specials change seasonally—ask our team for current deals.
Need more DIY outdoor kitchen ideas? See independent guides from HIA and Master Builders WA on engaging licensed trades and permits.
Quick WA case examples
Case 1: Small patio, big value – Bayswater
A young family wanted an inexpensive outdoor kitchen for midweek grilling. We supplied flat pack outdoor cabinetry with compact laminate benchtop, a drop-in sink and a standard freestanding BBQ between modules. Total project under $6k installed (BBQ existing). Result: neat, durable and easy to expand later.
Case 2: Coastal Hamptons style – Scarborough
For a townhouse near the beach, we used powder-coated aluminium cabinets with shaker-style compact laminate doors, 316 stainless handles and a porcelain benchtop. Built-in 4-burner BBQ and outdoor fridge. Total under $17k. The look matches their indoor shaker kitchen without worrying about salt spray.
Budget Outdoor Kitchen Planning Checklist
- Measure space, wind direction, sun exposure and existing services.
- Pick a simple layout (straight or L-shape) and stick to standard cabinet widths.
- Select weatherproof outdoor cabinetry and corrosion-resistant hardware.
- Choose compact laminate or porcelain/sintered stone for benchtops.
- Confirm BBQ clearances and ventilation; plan heat shields if needed.
- Bundle appliances to standard sizes to avoid custom fabrication.
- Book licensed gas and electrical per AS/NZS standards for WA.
- Stage upgrades: start with storage and bench space; add extras later.
- Ask Joyce Kitchens about display specials or package pricing.
Why Joyce Kitchens
We’ve been crafting custom cabinetry in WA for decades—kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—combining practical design, bespoke joinery and smart budgeting. Whether you want a flat pack outdoor kitchen, a quick refresh, or a fully custom outdoor kitchen to match your interiors, our designers will deliver durable value.
Ready to plan your alfresco kitchen? Visit our Perth showroom or book an in-home consult. We also design and renovate interiors—kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom makeovers, laundry cabinets and wardrobe fitouts—so everything ties together.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen in Perth?
The cheapest approach is a straight-run layout using flat pack outdoor kitchen cabinets, a compact laminate benchtop and a freestanding BBQ between modules. Keep services to one side, choose standard-size appliances and use outdoor-rated materials. You can upgrade to a built-in BBQ or porcelain top later.
Are outdoor kitchen cabinets waterproof?
Yes—when specified correctly. Waterproof outdoor kitchen cabinets use powder-coated aluminium, HDPE or compact laminate doors with corrosion-resistant hardware. Standard indoor particleboard swells and should be avoided outdoors, especially in coastal WA.
Can I DIY an alfresco kitchen or do I need tradies?
You can assemble cabinets and benchtops DIY, but gas and electrical must be done by licensed trades to comply with AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) and WA Building & Energy requirements. Plumbing also needs a licensed plumber.
What benchtop is best for a budget outdoor kitchen?
Compact laminate is the best budget all-rounder. For more heat resistance near BBQs, porcelain/sintered stone is excellent value. Note that new fabrication of high-silica engineered stone is not permitted in Australia—choose porcelain, granite or compact laminate outdoors.
How do Joyce Kitchens keep costs down without cutting corners?
We design with value in mind: simple layouts, outdoor-rated materials, standard modules and appliance sizes, and staged upgrades. Our local manufacturing and proven suppliers help us deliver durable alfresco kitchens at a fair price.