Planning new kitchen cabinets and benchtops? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers the essentials for Australian homes — from materials and styles to WA-specific regulations, costs, and timelines. If you’d like personalised help, our experienced Perth kitchen designers can guide your project. Whether you’re designing a shaker kitchen, a sleek modern space, or a hardworking scullery/laundry, you’ll find clear, practical advice to help you decide with confidence.
Core insights for kitchen cabinets and benchtops
- Start with function. Map how you cook and clean. Position prep space, bins, dishwasher, and sink logically to reduce steps at your kitchen counter top.
- Choose materials that suit your household. Benchtop durability, heat resistance, and maintenance vary widely across laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, timber, stainless steel, and solid surface.
- Regulations matter. From 1 July 2024, most Australian states including WA have prohibited the use of engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Always check current guidance before specifying an engineered stone benchtop.
- Plan Australian appliance sizes. 600 mm ovens and 900 mm cooktops are common; allow appropriate clearances, power, and ventilation to AS/NZS guidelines.
- Think whole-home cohesion. Coordinate kitchen cabinets and benchtops with bathroom vanities, laundry benchtop cabinet solutions, wardrobes, and study nooks for a consistent finish.
- Benchtop (bench top / kitchen top / countertop): The horizontal work surface in your kitchen.
- Substrate: The core board beneath a decorative surface (e.g., MR MDF, plywood, particleboard).
- Splashback: The vertical surface behind cooktops/sinks protecting walls.
- Waterfall end: Benchtop material continuing down the sides of an island.
- Sintered stone / porcelain slab: High‑temperature manufactured slabs with excellent heat/UV resistance.
Our renovation and design process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust — for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Here’s how we typically work on kitchen renovations Perth-wide:
1) In-home measure and brief
We assess services, walls, and site access; confirm appliance models and Australian clearances. We’ll discuss styles from shaker to handleless, storage goals, and any scullery or butler’s pantry.
2) Design and selections
We model layouts (galley, U-shape, island) and specify materials (laminate, porcelain, natural stone, solid surface), cabinetry finishes (melamine, 2-pack polyurethane, thermoform), and hardware (soft-close hinges, quality drawer systems).
3) Detailed quote and timeline
Transparent pricing for kitchen cabinets and benchtops, splashbacks, and installation. We’ll also outline electrical/plumbing sequencing to AS/NZS standards.
4) Manufacture and install
Cabinets are made to measure with local cabinet makers. Installation typically takes 3–10 days depending on scope, with benchtop templating and fit-off scheduled precisely.
Materials and finishes for kitchen cabinets and benchtops
Cabinet construction
- Carcases: Moisture-resistant (HMR) particleboard or MR MDF are common; plywood is an upgrade with excellent screw-holding and moisture stability.
- Doors and panels:
- Melamine (cost-effective, robust),
- Thermoformed vinyl (shaker profiles),
- 2-pack polyurethane (premium painted finish),
- Timber veneer or solid timber for warmth and texture.
- Hardware: Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, pull-out pantries, and corner solutions improve daily use. Quality brands ensure longevity.
Benchtop options in Australia
Your choice of kitchen benchtops (also searched as kitchen bench tops, counter tops, kitchen counters) will define both the look and the longevity of the space.
- Laminate: Affordable, stylish, massive decor range. Modern laminates and compact laminate offer realistic stone/timber looks with low maintenance. Great for cheap kitchen benchtops without looking cheap.
- Porcelain / Sintered stone slabs: Ultra hard, heat/UV scratch-resistant, ideal for outdoor kitchens and sunny WA homes; available in large kitchen slab sizes to reduce joins.
- Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite): Unique veining and high heat tolerance (granite); marble needs sealing and care. Select proven slabs for high-heat use near cooktops.
- Solid surface (acrylic/cast): Seamless joins, repairable; moderate heat resistance (use trivets).
- Timber: Warm, renewable; requires oiling/sealing and care around water.
- Stainless steel: Hygienic, heat-proof, popular in commercial-look kitchens and sculleries.
- Concrete: Bespoke look; heavy; needs sealing and crack control.
Most states and territories, including WA, have prohibited the supply, installation and use of engineered stone containing crystalline silica from 1 July 2024. If you’re considering an engineered stone benchtop, check current rules and approved alternatives.
Guidance:
Safe Work Australia and
WorkSafe WA.
If you previously specified an engineered stone benchtop, our team can guide you to compliant alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone with similar aesthetics.
Layouts and styles that work in WA homes
Layouts
- L-shaped with island: Ideal for open-plan living; suits 900 mm cooktops and a generous island kitchen counter top with seating.
- Galley: Efficient for apartments and terraces; keep 1000–1200 mm between runs.
- U-shaped: Max storage and prep, great for families.
- Scullery/Butler’s pantry: Hide small appliances and dishwashing; specify durable benchtop cabinet combinations for heavy use.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen: Timeless profiles with 2-pack or thermoformed doors, classic handles, and stone-look bench tops.
- Coastal/Hamptons: White/soft colours, shaker profiles, tongue-and-groove panelling, and light oak accents.
- Contemporary/Minimalist: Flat-panel, handleless or finger-pull dooring, matte finishes, shadowline details, integrated appliances.
- Mid-century/Warm modern: Timber veneer, rounded corners, and textured kitchen surfaces.
Storage & usability
- Deep drawers for pots, spice pull-outs near cooktop, recycling bins under sink, charging drawer for devices.
- Undermount sink for easy wipe-down; consider a drainer groove in solid materials.
- Task lighting under wall cabinets; LED strip in sculleries and appliance cupboards.
Laminate vs “Engineered Stone” (status in Australia)
Here’s a quick side-by-side on two common benchtop categories. Note: engineered stone containing crystalline silica is now prohibited in most of Australia; see the status row below.
| Feature | Laminate | Engineered Stone (historical products) |
|---|---|---|
| Look/Design | Huge range, convincing stone/timber patterns; square or tight radii edges | Stone-like appearance, consistent pattern |
| Heat/UV | Moderate; use trivets; avoid hot pots | Good heat resistance, but always use trivets |
| Maintenance | Very low; no sealing required | Low; no sealing required |
| Cost | $ (budget-friendly; great for bench tops for sale deals) | $$–$$$ (typically mid–high) |
| Status in Australia (2025) | Freely available | Prohibited in most jurisdictions if containing crystalline silica. Confirm current rules and alternatives. |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, rentals, laundries, families seeking value | Previously used for premium looks; now consider porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone instead |
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Decide on layout and zones (prep, wash, cook, serve).
- Confirm appliances and sizes (e.g., 600 mm oven, 900 mm cooktop, fridge cavity height/width/depth).
- Select cabinet finishes and colour palette for kitchen cabinets and benchtops across kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.
- Choose a compliant benchtop material for WA; verify current rules on engineered stone.
- Plan power and lighting to AS/NZS standards; position task lighting under wall cabinets.
- Consider splashback material (tile, glass, stainless, porcelain) and rangehood ducting.
- Set a realistic budget and a contingency of 10–15%.
- Schedule around lead times (custom benchtop templating, plumbing, electrical).
Costs and timelines for kitchen cabinets and benchtops in Perth
Every project is unique, but the following ballparks help with planning. All prices in AUD and subject to site specifics and selections.
- Cabinetry and standard laminate benchtops: From $12,000–$25,000 for a compact to mid-size kitchen with melamine doors, soft-close hardware.
- Mid-range custom cabinetry with premium finishes: $25,000–$45,000 with 2-pack or thermoform doors, internal accessories, and a porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone bench.
- High-end and large kitchens: $45,000–$90,000+ with feature islands, waterfall ends, integrated appliances, and extensive storage.
Approx. benchtop only (supply & install):
- Laminate: $300–$600 per linear metre (38–42 mm profile). Great option for cheap kitchen benchtops that still look sharp.
- Compact laminate: $450–$800 per linear metre.
- Porcelain/Sintered stone: $900–$1,600 per m² (edge profiles, cut-outs affect price).
- Natural stone: $1,200–$2,500 per m² depending on slab choice.
- Solid surface: $800–$1,400 per m²; seamless joins.
- Timber: $700–$1,400 per m² plus finishing.
Timelines: Design/quoting 1–3 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; on-site installation and fit-off 3–10 days (allow extra for stone templating and splashback tiling).
Tip: Instead of searching “kitchen counter stores near me”, book a consult with our Perth team — we design, manufacture, and install, so your kitchen countertop, cabinets and splashback all work together.
Two WA case-style examples
Case 1: Coastal shaker refresh in Trigg
A family kitchen with shaker doors in 2-pack satin white, soft-close drawers, and a porcelain slab benchtop with a subtle marble vein. We added a scullery with durable laminate bench tops and an undermount sink. The result: timeless, bright, and beach-friendly.
Case 2: Compact galley in a Mount Lawley unit
Handleless flat-panel melamine doors, integrated bin system, and a value-driven laminate kitchen slab in warm terrazzo-look. Clever storage made a small footprint feel generous without breaking the budget.
Why Joyce Kitchens for kitchen cabinets and benchtops
- Local expertise in kitchen renovations Perth-wide and across WA — from custom benchtop solutions to full cabinetry design.
- Materials matched to Australian conditions (heat, UV, coastal air) and appliance standards.
- One team for kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and wardrobes — consistent finishes and efficient scheduling.
- Clear, itemised quotes and project timelines.
Ready to renovate? Book a free design consultation and see samples of laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone and more in our showroom. We’ll help you compare options side-by-side and select the right kitchen cabinet bench height, finishes, and hardware for your home.
Standards and industry references you may find useful:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA, and the
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC).
FAQ
What is the best material for kitchen benchtops in Australia?
There’s no single “best” — it depends on budget, style, and use. For value and low maintenance, laminate is excellent. For premium durability with heat/UV resistance, porcelain/sintered stone is a standout. Natural stone offers unique character; solid surface provides seamless joins. Always confirm current regulations before selecting any engineered stone product.
How much do new kitchen cabinets and benchtops cost in Perth?
As a guide, a compact to mid-size kitchen with laminate benchtops starts around $12,000–$25,000. Mid-range custom kitchens with premium finishes and porcelain/natural stone benches typically run $25,000–$45,000, with large or luxury projects from $45,000–$90,000+. Benchtops alone range roughly from $300–$600 per linear metre for laminate to $900–$1,600 per m² for porcelain/sintered stone, depending on cut-outs and edges.
Are engineered stone benchtops still available in WA?
Engineered stone containing crystalline silica has been prohibited in most Australian jurisdictions, including WA, from 1 July 2024. If you like the look of engineered stone, consider compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone or selected natural stones with similar patterns. Always check current guidance from Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe WA.
How do I choose between shaker and flat-panel cabinets?
Shaker suits classic coastal and Hamptons homes; it pairs well with stone-look bench tops and feature handles. Flat-panel or handleless is ideal for contemporary spaces, offering clean lines and easy cleaning. Your home’s architecture and maintenance preferences usually point clearly to one or the other.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Typical timelines: 1–3 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for manufacture, and 3–10 days on site for cabinetry, benchtops, and fit-off. Allow extra time for stone templating, splashback tiling, and any structural or services upgrades.
