Thinking about a concrete outdoor kitchen or a custom concrete BBQ bench for your Perth alfresco? Concrete brings rugged durability, on‑trend style, and heat resistance to outdoor cooking. Below, our WA design team share what to know about concrete barbecue benches, finishes, layout ideas, costs, and how Joyce Kitchens delivers a seamless alfresco build—from concept to installation.
Why Choose a Concrete Outdoor Kitchen in WA
A well‑designed concrete outdoor kitchen pairs strength with style—ideal for Perth’s sun, coastal air, and BBQ culture. Whether you want a concrete BBQ island, an outdoor concrete BBQ bench with sink and fridge, or a full alfresco with storage, concrete offers:
- Heat and UV resilience: Concrete handles hot plates and WA sun better than many indoor materials. Proper sealing resists stains from oils, sauces, and red wine.
- Custom shapes and lengths: Create a seamless concrete BBQ benchtop, waterfall ends, or a cantilevered bar for casual seating.
- Industrial to coastal looks: From refined honed finishes to textural aggregate, concrete complements industrial style, Hamptons coastal palettes, and modern-minimal designs.
- Integrated functionality: Plan cut-outs for barbecues, pizza ovens, drop-in sinks, and fridges, with weather-ready custom cabinetry WA beneath.
Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) is a lightweight, high‑strength concrete mix used to fabricate durable outdoor benchtops with slimmer profiles and fewer joins.
A penetrative or topical product applied to concrete to reduce staining and moisture ingress. Outdoor benchtops typically need re‑sealing every 12–24 months, depending on use and exposure.
Two quick WA case examples
Cottesloe alfresco: We designed a 3.2 m straight-run concrete barbecue bench with a built‑in 900 mm BBQ, undermount sink, bar fridge, and marine‑grade handles. The honed, mid‑grey concrete tied in with the home’s coastal palette and exposed aggregate around the pool.
Mount Lawley courtyard: A compact 2.1 m concrete BBQ bench with a cantilevered bar accommodated stools in a small space. We specified GFRC for lower weight on a timber deck and sealed it for easy clean‑ups after weekend grilling.
Note: For indoor spaces (kitchen, bathroom renovation, laundry renovation, wardrobe design), we also specify materials like engineered stone benchtop, laminate benchtop, two‑pack paint cabinetry, and soft‑close drawers—ensuring continuity between your interior kitchen renovations Perth and your alfresco kitchen.
Our WA Design & Renovation Process
- Consultation & site measure: We assess aspect, wind, and utilities, plus BBQ model sizes (common cut-outs 700–900 mm wide).
- Concept & 3D design: Layouts, appliance selections, and finishes (concrete colour, edge profiles, splashback options, LED task lighting, IP‑rated power).
- Specification & compliance: We coordinate with licensed trades to meet Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 5601 for gas installations and AS/NZS 3000 for electrical).
- Fabrication: Precast GFRC or cast in situ, plus weatherable outdoor cabinetry and hardware.
- Installation & sealing: Fit-off, sealing, silicone, and final checks. You receive care and maintenance guidance.
We recommend using reputable WA builders/trades and following guidance from HIA and Master Builders WA. For gas appliances, see WA’s Energy Safety information on gasfitting requirements.
Materials & Finishes for a Concrete BBQ Bench
Concrete options
- Precast (GFRC): High strength, lighter weight, excellent for longer spans and finer edges.
- Cast in place: Poured and finished on site; ideal for monolithic looks or where access is tight.
- Concrete-look porcelain: A porcelain benchtop with concrete appearance—very UV and stain resistant; great where ultra‑low maintenance is key.
Finishes & details
- Honed or matte finishes: Low‑glare surface for outdoors; popular in greys, charcoals, and off‑white.
- Sealing: Outdoor‑rated sealers protect against spatter, oils, and red wine. Expect re‑seal intervals of 12–24 months (usage dependent).
- Edges: Aris, pencil‑round, or chamfered for chip resistance.
- Storage: Weatherable cabinetry, powder‑coated aluminium doors, or marine‑grade board, with drainage and ventilation for appliances.
- Appliances: Ensure BBQs and fridges are outdoor‑rated; allow clearances per manufacturer instructions and standards.
Outdoor benchtop comparison
| Material | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (GFRC or cast) | Customisable, heat tolerant, on‑trend; suits industrial and coastal aesthetics. | Requires periodic sealing; weight and support need planning; patina develops with age. |
| Porcelain (concrete‑look) | Highly UV/stain/scratch resistant; very low maintenance; thin, modern profiles. | Cutting/edge treatment needs specialist fabricators; limited thickness options. |
| Granite | Hardwearing natural stone; classic look; good heat tolerance. | Colour movement varies; sealing still recommended; typically higher cost. |
Note: Many engineered stone benchtop products are not recommended for uncovered outdoor use due to UV and heat; check current regulations and manufacturer guidance before specifying for alfresco areas.
Layouts & Styles
Popular alfresco layouts
- Straight run: Slimline concrete barbecue bench for compact courtyards or balcony kitchens.
- L‑shape: Adds prep space and a natural corner for a sink or fridge.
- U‑shape or galley layout: For larger patios, with zones for prep, cook, and serve.
- Island with bar overhang: Ideal for entertaining and pass‑through to indoor kitchens.
Styling cues
- Industrial style: Exposed blockwork, black tapware, concrete BBQ benchtop, and stainless appliances.
- Hamptons style: Soft greys, shaker kitchen doors inside the home, white or pale concrete outdoors for cohesion.
- Modern coastal: Honed mid‑grey concrete, timber accents, and white weatherable cabinetry.
To tie inside with outside, we can echo your indoor palette—think shaker cabinetry, a butler’s pantry or walk‑in pantry inside, and matching hardware outdoors. Our Perth team designs kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes, and alfresco spaces so the whole home reads as one.
Costs & Timeframes in Perth
- Concrete BBQ benchtop (supply & install): From approx $450–$900 per linear metre edge finish plus slab thickness; full top pricing commonly $800–$1,600+ per m² depending on thickness, finish, and cut‑outs.
- Concrete barbecue bench (2–3 m run): From $3,500–$8,500+ including slab, basic cabinetry, and install. Appliances excluded.
- Complete concrete outdoor kitchen: Typical Perth projects range $12,000–$35,000+, depending on size, appliances, cabinetry, stone/porcelain inclusions, and site access.
- Timeframes: Design and selections 1–3 weeks; fabrication 3–6 weeks; installation 1–3 days plus curing/sealing as specified.
Prices are indicative and vary with design complexity, access, selected finishes, and appliance brands. We provide an itemised proposal after your in‑home consult and measure.
Practical Planning Checklist
- Confirm BBQ brand/model and cut‑out sizes before fabrication.
- Decide on concrete type (GFRC vs cast in place) and finish (honed/matte).
- Plan services: gas, power (RCDs, IP‑rated outlets), water, and drainage.
- Allow ventilation for fridges and BBQs; follow manufacturer clearances.
- Choose weatherable cabinetry and hardware for coastal conditions.
- Include splashback protection behind the cook zone.
- Schedule sealing and set reminders for maintenance (12–24 months).
- Consider shading: pergola, louvres, or umbrellas to improve comfort.
- Think entertaining: bar overhang, ice well, or pull‑out bins.
- Ask us to coordinate your indoor kitchen renovations Perth for a cohesive look.
Why Joyce Kitchens for Outdoor and Indoor Projects
- Local expertise: Perth‑based design team, WA manufacturing partners, and trusted trades.
- End‑to‑end detail: From alfresco planning to indoor shaker kitchens, wardrobes, and laundries.
- Quality materials: Concrete, porcelain, weatherable cabinetry, two‑pack finishes, and soft‑close hardware.
- Compliance: We coordinate licensed trades to meet AS/NZS standards and council requirements where applicable.
Ready to plan your concrete outdoor kitchen or concrete barbecue bench? Book a consult with our kitchen designers Perth and we’ll design around the way you cook, entertain, and live—coordinating indoor and outdoor finishes, appliances, and licensed trades for a seamless build.
FAQ
Is concrete good for an outdoor kitchen in Perth?
Yes—concrete is durable, heat tolerant, and suits Perth’s climate. When properly detailed and sealed, a concrete outdoor kitchen resists UV, splatter, and the coastal environment. Expect a developing patina over time that adds character.
How much does a concrete BBQ bench cost in WA?
As a guide, a simple 2–3 m concrete BBQ bench starts around $3,500–$8,500+ installed (appliances extra). Full alfresco kitchens typically range from $12,000–$35,000+ depending on size, finish, and appliance selection.
Do I need council approval for an alfresco kitchen?
Often no for a straightforward fit‑out under an existing roof, but gas and plumbing must be installed and certified by licensed trades. Check with your local council and follow AS/NZS standards and manufacturer clearances.
What maintenance does a concrete BBQ benchtop need?
Clean with pH‑neutral products, wipe spills promptly, avoid abrasive pads, and re‑seal every 12–24 months depending on exposure and use. We’ll provide a care guide tailored to your finish.
Can Joyce Kitchens design my indoor and outdoor spaces together?
Absolutely. We coordinate alfresco kitchens with your indoor shaker kitchen, engineered stone or laminate benchtops, bathroom and laundry upgrades, and wardrobe storage for a cohesive, practical result.