Whether you’re renovating in Perth or building new across WA, the right kitchen drafting software can save weeks of guesswork and thousands in rework. This guide shows you how homeowners use professional and free kitchen design tools to plan kitchens, laundries and wardrobes with confidence—then partner with Joyce Kitchens to bring it to life with custom cabinetry made in WA.
Explore our kitchen design Perth services to see how local expertise, in-house drafting and WA-made cabinetry turn your digital concepts into build-ready plans.
What is kitchen drafting software?
Kitchen drafting software (also called a kitchen design software app or kitchen visualiser) is a digital tool that lets you create a floor plan, add cabinets and appliances, and generate accurate 3D views before you renovate. Pros use it to produce scaled drawings and shop drawings for fabrication; homeowners use it to explore layouts, colours and benchtops safely—no sledgehammer required.
- Work triangle: The practical relationship between cooktop, sink and fridge; good designs keep each leg roughly 1.2–2.7 m.
- Carcass: The structural cabinet box; quality moisture-resistant board is essential in WA’s climate.
- 2D vs 3D: 2D plans show measurements; 3D renders help you visualise heights, shadows, lighting and clearances.
How to choose the right kitchen design software app
There’s a spectrum—from free kitchen drawing software to advanced CAD used by cabinetmakers. Here’s how to pick a tool that suits your project and budget.
Good options for homeowners
- Free kitchen design software / kitchen design program free: Handy for concept planning and a quick kitchen visualiser. Look for metric support, 600/900 mm appliance defaults, WA standard benchtop heights (typically 900 mm) and exportable PDFs.
- Kitchen design tool app (mobile): Great for quick sketches and mood boards. Combine with accurate site measurements later.
- Kitchen drawing program free (desktop): Often gives better control of walls, windows and cabinet modules than mobile apps.
- 3D laundry planner: A bonus if the app lets you design laundries and wardrobes so the whole home matches.
When to use professional software
Professional kitchen design computer programs allow cabinet-level accuracy, custom modules, service cavities and cut-lists. If you want custom cabinetry WA-made to fit perfectly, a professional designer at Joyce Kitchens will draft, cost and build exactly what’s on screen.
Accuracy tips (Australia-specific)
- Use metric units and set wall thicknesses typical in WA (e.g., 90 mm studs + plasterboard).
- Apply Australian appliance sizes: common ovens are 600 mm, cooktops 600/900 mm, dishwashers 600 mm, fridges 850–1000 mm wide. Leave extra ventilation clearances per brands’ specs.
- Confirm clearances that align with AS/NZS guidance and manufacturer manuals, especially for gas cooktops and rangehoods.
Our Perth renovation process using digital design
Here’s how Joyce Kitchens blends kitchen drafting software with craftsmanship for kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust.
1) Measure and brief
We laser-measure the space, note services (plumbing, electrical), and discuss your style—Shaker kitchen, coastal Hamptons, modern handleless, or a hybrid. We also scope laundries and wardrobes so the joinery flows throughout.
2) Kitchen drawing and 3D visuals
Your designer produces scaled floor plans, elevations and 3D renders. You’ll see island options, pantry solutions (pull-out larders, butler’s pantry), and lighting like under-cabinet LED strip lighting.
3) Materials, appliances and hardware
We specify finishes (e.g., porcelain or sintered stone benchtop, compact laminate, acrylic doors, 2-pack), appliances (induction cooktop, undermount sink), and premium soft-close hardware.
4) Costing and timeline
You’ll receive a transparent quote with cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, installation and any building works. We coordinate trades and schedule to minimise downtime.
5) Fabrication and installation
Custom cabinetry is built locally for WA homes. Our installers fit with millimetre accuracy so what you approved in the kitchen design app is what you get onsite.
Case example – Mt Lawley: A family wanted a classic Shaker kitchen with a durable, heat-resistant benchtop. We replaced their initial engineered stone brief with a porcelain slab (due to Australia’s engineered stone ban) and added a 900 mm induction cooktop for safer, faster boiling in summer heat.
Case example – Fremantle apartment: In a 2.4 m wide galley, our 2D plan and 3D render showed that 600 mm deep pantry doors would clash. We switched to shallow pantry modules and a pocket door appliance garage—zero clashes, smoother workflow.
Materials and finishes for WA homes
West Australian homes face heat, UV and coastal air. Prioritise finishes that balance durability, cost and style.
Benchtops: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate
Note: Australia introduced a national ban on engineered stone containing crystalline silica above 1% in 2024. Many renovators now choose porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone or laminate. Discuss current compliance and safe handling with your designer and supplier.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Excellent; handles hot pots better. Trivets still recommended. | Moderate; avoid direct heat to prevent warping or burns. |
| Scratch / stain resistance | Very high scratch and stain resistance. | Good everyday durability; use cutting boards and wipe spills. |
| Looks | Stone, marble and concrete effects; matte or polished. | Huge decor range, from timber-look to solid colours. |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous. No sealing required. | Low; non-porous. Gentle cleaners only. |
| Installed cost (Perth) | $$$ premium | $ budget-friendly |
| Compliance | Complies with engineered stone restrictions (silica-free). | Compliant; very safe for homes and rentals. |
Cabinetry and doors
- Carcasses: Moisture-resistant board is wise for kitchens and laundries.
- Doors: 2-pack satin for a Hamptons/Shaker kitchen; thermofoil or acrylic for sleek, contemporary; timber veneer for warmth.
- Details: Finger-pull or shadowline for handleless looks; traditional handles for character. Soft-close drawers improve longevity.
Splashbacks & lighting
- Consider porcelain splashbacks to match benchtops or a glass splashback for easy cleaning.
- Task lighting under wall cabinets and LED strip lighting in pantries and wardrobes improve usability.
For building standards and guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For compliance on the engineered stone ban, refer to Safe Work Australia.
Layouts, styles and inspiration
Layouts that work
- Galley: Efficient in apartments; keep 1000–1200 mm between runs.
- L-shaped with island: Ideal for open-plan living; add a 300–400 mm overhang for seating.
- U-shaped: Maximises storage; watch corner access with smart pull-outs.
- Butler’s pantry: Hide small appliances and prep; great in family homes.
Styles Australians love
- Shaker kitchen: Framed doors, classic hardware, porcelain benchtop and subway tiles.
- Coastal/Hamptons: Light palettes, V-groove panels, brushed nickel taps.
- Contemporary: Flat doors, integrated fridges, induction cooktop, undermount sink.
If you’re also planning a laundry or wardrobes, the same kitchen drafting software can mirror profiles and finishes for a cohesive home. Our designers use a 3D laundry planner to perfect appliance stacking, broom storage and benchtop heights for Aussie machines.
Costs and budgets in Perth
Indicative ranges for custom cabinetry and installation (final pricing depends on size, materials and scope):
- Kitchen: Basic $18k–$28k; Mid-range $28k–$45k; Premium $45k–$90k+
- Laundry: $6k–$18k depending on storage, benchtop and tiling
- Wardrobes: $3k–$12k+ per room depending on internals and doors
Costs are influenced by benchtop selection, appliance package, splashback, and any structural or electrical/plumbing changes. Your kitchen visualiser plan helps us quote accurately before the first screw turns.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure walls, windows, ceiling height and note service points (GPOs, plumbing, gas).
- Decide main appliances (widths: 600 or 900 mm cooktop? 600 mm oven? Fridge size?).
- Select a style direction (Shaker, Hamptons, contemporary) and 2–3 finish swatches.
- Choose a compliant benchtop (porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, or natural stone).
- List storage must-haves: pull-out bins, spice drawers, tray dividers, tall pantry.
- Plan lighting: task, ambient and feature pendants over the island.
- Confirm ventilation and minimum clearances per appliance makers and AS/NZS guidance.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens design consult to turn your kitchen drawing into build-ready plans.
Ready to get started?
Bring your free kitchen drawing software concept to our Perth showroom and we’ll refine it with professional kitchen drafting software, engineer the details and build custom cabinetry locally. From kitchens to laundries and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens delivers design, manufacture and installation under one roof.
FAQ
What is the best kitchen drafting software for Australian homes?
The best choice depends on your goal. For concepts, a free kitchen design software app or kitchen visualiser is fine. For build-ready accuracy, professional kitchen design computer programs used by designers and cabinetmakers (like those at Joyce Kitchens) produce precise 2D/3D drawings, elevations and cut-lists suited to Australian appliances and AS/NZS guidance.
Is there free kitchen design software that’s accurate?
Yes—free kitchen drawing software can be accurate for room sizing and layout tests if you input exact measurements and use metric modules. However, free tools may not handle custom cabinet sizes, service voids or door swing conflicts. We recommend using them for ideas, then letting a designer create detailed shop drawings.
Can I plan a laundry or wardrobe with the same app?
Usually, yes. Many kitchen design tool apps include a 3D laundry planner and wardrobe modules. This keeps profiles, colours and handles consistent across spaces. Joyce Kitchens can import your concept and finish it with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.
How precise are online kitchen visualisers compared with a professional design?
Online visualisers are excellent for style and layout exploration, but they rarely manage all the details—like appliance ventilation, benchtop overhangs, toe-kicks, or exact hinge clearances. A professional design aligns the 3D render with buildable details so the installation matches the plan.
What benchtop materials comply with the engineered stone ban in Australia?
Porcelain and sintered stone surfaces, natural stone with appropriate fabrication controls, stainless steel and laminate are popular options. Australia’s ban targets engineered stone with crystalline silica above 1%. Confirm the current rules and safe handling with your designer and supplier.