Thinking about a contemporary outdoor kitchen that’s perfectly suited to Perth and WA conditions? This expert guide covers modern outdoor kitchen ideas, best-practice materials, layouts, costs, and the design–build process—so your alfresco becomes the most-used “room” in the house.
What makes a contemporary outdoor kitchen?
A contemporary outdoor kitchen blends clean lines, durable materials, and practical storage with the seamless flow Australians love between indoors and the alfresco. It’s minimalist, hard-wearing, and designed for year-round entertaining—think crisp cabinetry, weather-smart benchtops, integrated BBQs and pizza ovens, and clever lighting. Many Perth homeowners also carry their indoor style outside, whether that’s modern coastal, a shaker kitchen look, or a fully handleless, matte-finish setup.
- Streamlined custom cabinetry with soft-close drawers and weather seals
- Durable benchtops (porcelain/sintered stone, 316 stainless steel, compact laminate)
- Outdoor-rated appliances: 900 mm BBQs, rangehoods, fridges, and sinks
- Task and ambient lighting (LED strip, downlights)
- Smart storage: pull-out bins, bottle pull-outs, scullery-style organisation
Local tip: In coastal suburbs (Cottesloe, Scarborough, Rockingham), prioritise salt-resistant finishes like 316 stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium.
Our design and renovation process
Joyce Kitchens has designed premium kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and alfresco cabinetry for decades. Here’s how we deliver a stress-free, high-quality outdoor kitchen for WA homes.
- Consult – We discuss your brief, site conditions (sun, wind, coastal exposure), appliances and budget. If you’re doing kitchen renovations Perth-wide or a whole-home refresh, we’ll align styles across spaces.
- Measure & Plan – Detailed site measure. We plan services (gas/electrical/water) to AS/NZS codes and set the footprint for BBQs, smokers or pizza ovens.
- Design – 3D renders, layout options (L-shape, straight, galley, island), and selections: cabinetry finishes, benchtops, splashback, handles or finger-pull, undermount sink, tapware.
- Selections & Compliance – Materials confirmed for UV, heat and moisture performance. Gas and electrical works specified for licensed trades under AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000.
- Manufacture – Precision-built custom cabinetry WA, fit for outdoor conditions, with weather-resistant components.
- Install – Coordinated install with appliance fit-off, splashbacks, and final checks. We provide care guides for your finishes.
For project planning guidance, you can review advice from industry bodies like the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes for WA conditions
WA’s UV, heat and coastal air can be harsh. Choose materials that are heat-resistant, colourfast and moisture-proof. Below are proven options we specify for a modern outdoor kitchen.
Cabinetry
- Powder-coated aluminium frames and doors – low maintenance, UV-stable, ideal for exposed alfresco areas.
- Marine-grade plywood substrates with exterior laminates – robust, sealed edges, great under cover.
- 316 stainless steel – maximum corrosion resistance; consider for coastal installations or BBQ surrounds.
- Compact laminate – dense, water-resistant, excellent for doors and panels.
Benchtops
- Porcelain / Sintered stone slabs (e.g., Dekton-type) – high heat, UV and stain resistance; ideal outdoors.
- 316 stainless steel – hygienic, food-safe, seamless splashback integration.
- Granite or quartzite – strong natural stones; choose textured finishes to reduce glare and slipping.
- High-pressure laminate (HPL) on exterior-grade substrate – budget-friendly under cover; not for high-heat zones.
Splashbacks
- Porcelain/ceramic tiles or slabs – easy care, heat tolerant behind BBQs (with adequate clearances).
- Stainless steel – durable, easy to clean; great for commercial-style outdoor cooklines.
- Glass – use toughened glass with compliant clearances from burners.
Flooring & surrounds
- Non-slip porcelain pavers – cool underfoot, R10–R12 slip ratings suit pool-adjacent alfrescos.
- Composite decking – low maintenance; check BBQ clearance and ember resistance (BAL ratings if applicable).
- Louvred or insulated roof panels – extend seasonal use and protect finishes from UV.
Appliances (Australian sizing and ratings)
- BBQs: 900 mm and 1200 mm modules are common; ensure ventilation and heat shields to manufacturer specs.
- Rangehoods: choose outdoor-rated, > 2000 m³/h for large grills; duct externally.
- Fridges: Outdoor-rated IP protection; allow ventilation gaps as per Australian appliance manuals.
- Sinks & taps: Choose 316 stainless sinks and UV-stable tapware finishes (e.g., PVD, marine-grade powder-coat).
Comparison: Engineered/Sintered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered/Sintered Stone Surfaces | High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Use compliant products only (high-silica engineered stone is being prohibited). Porcelain/sintered stone are approved alternatives. | Generally compliant; ensure exterior-grade substrate and sealing. |
| Heat resistance | Excellent; suitable near BBQs with clearances. | Moderate; avoid direct heat, best under cover. |
| UV stability | High for porcelain/sintered surfaces. | Good in shade; prolonged UV can fade colours. |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous, easy to clean. | Low; avoid abrasive cleaners, reseal edges. |
| Typical cost (Perth) | $$$–$$$$ (premium) | $–$$ (budget to mid) |
| Appearance | Large-format, stone/concrete looks, minimal joins. | Wide range of timber-, stone- and solid-colour decors. |
| Outdoor longevity | Excellent when installed to spec. | Good under cover; not for intense exposure. |
Case examples (WA)
Cottesloe Coastal Terrace: Powder-coated aluminium cabinetry, 316 stainless top around a 1200 mm BBQ, porcelain splashback, outdoor fridge, and LED strip lighting. Result: zero-rust, low-maintenance cooking zone metres from the ocean.
Wanneroo Family Alfresco: Compact laminate doors, sintered stone benchtop, 900 mm grill with rangehood, pull-out bins and a scullery-style tall pantry. Result: durable family hub that matches their indoor shaker kitchen style.
Layouts, styles and modern outdoor kitchen ideas
Popular layouts
- Straight run – space-efficient against a boundary wall.
- L-shape – adds prep space and a return for bar seating.
- Galley – parallel benches for serious cooks and entertainers.
- Island + back bench – sociable; ensure overhead cover and ducting for BBQ placement.
- U-shape – maximum storage; great for large patios.
Modern outdoor kitchen ideas
- Handleless doors with shadowline finger-pulls for a minimalist vibe.
- Porcelain slab splashbacks in terrazzo or concrete looks for texture.
- Integrated outdoor fridge and ice drawer, plus a bar sink for drinks.
- Concealed bin drawers, spice pull-outs and tray dividers (a scullery’s smarts, outdoors).
- Matte black or brushed stainless tapware to match your indoor palette.
- Ceiling fans and louvred roofs to tame summer heat; strip heaters for winter evenings.
- Feature lighting: warm-white LEDs under benchtop overhangs and shelves.
Outdoor Kitchen Planning Checklist
- Confirm BBQ size (e.g., 900 mm) and ventilation requirements.
- Choose a UV- and heat-resilient benchtop (porcelain/sintered or stainless).
- Select cabinetry fit for exposure (aluminium, 316 stainless, compact laminate).
- Specify outdoor-rated fridge, GPOs and weatherproof switches (IP-rated).
- Plan a compliant gas connection with a licensed gasfitter (AS/NZS 5601).
- Allow for rangehood ducting and make-up air (manufacturer specs).
- Decide on splashback material behind heat sources.
- Include pull-out bins and soft-close drawers for daily usability.
- Think shade and rain protection (pergola, louvres, insulated panels).
- Match finishes to your indoor scheme for a seamless flow.
Costs and budgets in Perth and across WA
Budgets vary with size, exposure, appliances and finish level. As a guide for a contemporary outdoor kitchen in WA:
- Compact straight run (under cover): $8,000–$15,000+
- Mid-range L or galley with rangehood: $15,000–$30,000+
- Premium island + back bench, porcelain/sintered tops, 316 SS: $30,000–$50,000+
- Appliances: BBQs $1,500–$6,000+, outdoor fridge $800–$2,500+, rangehood $1,200–$4,000+
- Trades & compliance: Electrical and gas fit-off vary by site; allow for licensed contractors and certification.
Costs can be optimised by using HPL on verticals under cover, specifying compact laminate for doors, and reserving premium materials where heat/UV is highest. If structural work or a new roof is involved, check with your local council and consult industry guidance from HIA or Master Builders WA.
Ready to design your modern outdoor kitchen?
From concept to installation, Joyce Kitchens designs and builds outdoor kitchens, indoor kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes that suit WA living. Book a consult at our Perth showroom or request an in-home visit. We’ll bring samples, discuss options like engineered stone benchtop alternatives, and tailor a solution that lasts.
FAQ
What defines a contemporary outdoor kitchen?
A contemporary outdoor kitchen features clean-lined cabinetry, durable and UV-stable benchtops, outdoor-rated appliances and smart storage. It focuses on minimalism, easy maintenance and seamless flow between indoor and alfresco spaces.
Which materials last best in Perth’s sun and coastal conditions?
For cabinetry, powder-coated aluminium, compact laminate and 316 stainless steel excel. For benchtops, choose porcelain or sintered stone, 316 stainless, or selected natural stones like granite. These options handle heat, UV and salt air better than standard indoor materials.
How much does a modern outdoor kitchen cost in WA?
As a guide: compact straight runs from $8,000–$15,000+, mid-range L or galley $15,000–$30,000+, and premium island configurations $30,000–$50,000+. Appliances and licensed trade works (gas/electrical) are additional.
Do I need approvals or certifications for an alfresco kitchen?
Most cabinetry projects don’t require council approval, but roofs, walls or plumbing changes might. Gas must comply with AS/NZS 5601 and electrical with AS/NZS 3000, installed by licensed trades who provide certification. Always follow appliance manufacturer clearances.
Can you retrofit an outdoor kitchen into my existing alfresco?
Yes. We assess services, shade, and ventilation, then design cabinetry and benchtops around your space and appliances. We can match your indoor style—shaker or handleless—for a consistent look.
For cohesive living spaces, pair your kitchen with complementary wardrobe design Perth to ensure consistent finishes and smart storage throughout your home.