Planning an outdoor kitchen sink for your alfresco? In Western Australia’s hot, coastal climate, the right outdoor kitchen sink can make prep, cooking and clean‑up outdoors effortless year‑round. Below, Joyce Kitchens’ Perth designers share how to choose the right outdoor sink, what to expect during renovation, the best finishes for WA conditions, typical costs, and practical tips to get it right the first time.
Outdoor kitchen sink essentials
Your outside kitchen sink needs to be tougher than an indoor one. Sun exposure, sea breeze and temperature swings in Perth, Mandurah and coastal WA can punish inferior materials. Start with these core decisions:
1) Sink material and grade
- Stainless steel outdoor sink (304 grade): durable, hygienic and cost‑effective for covered alfresco areas.
- 316 marine‑grade stainless: superior corrosion resistance for coastal suburbs (Cottesloe, Scarborough, Rockingham). Ideal if your alfresco is exposed to salt air.
- Granite composite: hard‑wearing and stylish; check UV stability and colourfastness for Australian sun.
- Fireclay/ceramic: beautiful but can craze or stain outdoors; best in well‑covered spaces with gentle use.
2) Bowl size, configuration and accessories
- Common sizes: 500–700 mm single bowls for compact benches; 800–1000 mm double bowls for entertainers.
- Accessories: drainer trays, colanders, cutting boards and integrated drying racks keep prep zones tidy outdoors.
- Mounting: topmount is simplest for weatherproof benchtops; undermount can work on sintered stone/porcelain with proper sealing.
3) Tapware, water and drainage
- WELS‑rated mixer (4–5 stars) to save water, with a pull‑out spray for BBQ clean‑downs.
- WaterMark‑certified sink, tap, traps and hoses to meet Australian compliance and warranty requirements.
- Allow for AS/NZS 3500 compliant plumbing, adequate fall to waste and a vented trap to avoid odours.
4) Weatherproofing and hygiene
- Specify UV‑stable sealants and gaskets; re‑silicone annually if exposed.
- Choose outdoor kitchen cabinets with sink in powder‑coated aluminium or marine‑ply with exterior cladding for longevity.
- Opt for integrated drainers and splashbacks to keep benchtops dry and hygienic.
Our renovation & installation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end‑to‑end design, custom cabinetry and installation across Perth and WA. Here’s the typical pathway for an outdoor sink and alfresco kitchen:
- Consult & measure: We assess exposure (sun, wind, coastal air), services access and traffic flow around BBQs and fridges.
- Design & specification: WA‑ready selections—316 stainless where needed, UV‑stable finishes, WELS 4‑star mixer, and benchtops suited to heat and sun.
- Services rough‑in: Licensed trades run water, waste and power to AS/NZS standards. We coordinate with your builder or work under HIA‑style contracts.
- Cabinetry & benchtops: Weatherproof custom cabinetry WA‑made, soft‑close drawers, suitable benchtops (sintered stone/porcelain or exterior‑grade compact laminate).
- Sink & tap fit‑off: Cut‑outs, sealing, traps and WELS‑rated mixer installed by licensed plumbers; final pressure and leak tests.
- Compliance & handover: Workmanship check, cleaning, care guide, and documentation for warranties.
Standards and guidance we design to or reference include HIA contracts and advice, Master Builders WA resources, and relevant AS/NZS plumbing requirements. For water efficiency details, see the Australian Government’s WELS program.
Materials & finishes that last outdoors
Best sinks for WA alfresco areas
- Stainless steel outdoor sink (304): Great value under cover; choose 1.0–1.2 mm gauge for a quality feel.
- Outdoor sink stainless 316: Worth it within a few kilometres of the coast, or for exposed, salt‑spray sites.
- Granite composite: Warmer look, scratch‑resistant; verify UV stability and stick to lighter colours to minimise heat absorption.
- Fireclay: Premium look for Hamptons/shaker kitchen themes; ensure a covered location and careful installation.
Benchtops and surrounds
- Sintered stone/porcelain slabs (e.g., Dekton, Neolith): High heat, UV and stain resistance—excellent for outdoor sinks and BBQ surrounds.
- Exterior‑grade compact laminate: Budget‑friendly, weather‑resistant sheets; suit covered alfresco spaces.
- Natural granite or concrete: Beautiful and robust; seal regularly for stain resistance.
Comparison: Sintered/Porcelain vs Exterior‑Grade Compact Laminate (for outdoor use)
| Feature | Sintered/Porcelain Slab | Exterior‑Grade Compact Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Weather & UV resistance | Excellent; stable colour outdoors | Very good under cover; may fade under harsh UV if fully exposed |
| Heat resistance (BBQ zones) | Excellent; handles hot pans better | Good, but use trivets to avoid marks |
| Impact/scratch | Very good; edges need professional finishing | Good; can be repaired or replaced more easily |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy to clean | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Typical cost in Perth | Higher ($900–$1,800/m² installed) | Lower ($450–$900/m² installed) |
| Best for | Exposed alfresco, premium finishes | Covered patios, cost‑efficient upgrades |
Layouts & styles for alfresco kitchens
From compact balconies to full entertainers, your sink should anchor the prep/clean‑up zone and sit away from intense heat.
Popular layouts
- Linear run: Sink next to prep space, BBQ at the far end to reduce splash and heat on tapware.
- L‑shape with return: Adds landing space and under‑bench refrigeration; ideal for narrow Perth side yards.
- Island prep zone: With an undermount sink on sintered stone, great for serving and socialising.
Design styles we craft
- Hamptons/shaker kitchen themes outdoors: V‑groove doors, fireclay sink (covered), chrome or brushed nickel tapware.
- Contemporary handleless: Shadowline details, matte black or stainless tapware, porcelain benchtops.
- Coastal WA minimal: 316 sink, powder‑coated aluminium cabinets, soft‑close drawers with marine‑grade hardware.
We integrate the outside kitchen sink with custom cabinetry WA to suit fridges, wine coolers and dishwashers. Local appliance sizing (600 mm, 700 mm and 900 mm) is considered from the start to keep clearances compliant and functional.
Case examples (WA)
- City Beach alfresco: 316 outdoor sink stainless with pull‑out mixer, porcelain benchtops and weatherproof doors. Result: zero rust and easy clean‑ups after beach BBQs.
- Fremantle balcony: Compact linear layout, 600 mm single bowl, exterior‑grade compact laminate, topmount sink and narrow drainer—perfect for a small footprint.
Costs & timelines in Perth and WA
Final pricing depends on exposure, services and finishes. Typical ranges (incl. GST):
- Stainless steel outdoor sink (304): $250–$1,200
- Outdoor sink stainless 316: $600–$1,500
- Granite composite sink: $450–$1,000
- Tapware (WELS‑rated): $150–$600
- Plumbing rough‑in & fit‑off: $800–$2,200 (site‑dependent, AS/NZS 3500 compliant)
- Weatherproof cabinetry: $1,200–$2,800 per lineal metre
- Porcelain/sintered benchtops: $900–$1,800 per m² installed
- Exterior compact laminate: $450–$900 per m² installed
Timeline: Design 1–2 weeks, manufacture 3–6 weeks, installation 1–3 days (longer for complex services or council considerations).
Joyce Kitchens also handles kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, bringing the same detail and craftsmanship indoors—think engineered stone benchtop replacements, splashbacks, scullery layouts and more.
Practical pre‑start checklist
- Decide on sink size (single vs double) and mount type (topmount for simplicity outdoors; undermount for premium porcelain).
- Select 304 vs 316 stainless based on proximity to the coast.
- Confirm WaterMark certification and a WELS 4‑star or better mixer.
- Choose a weather‑ready benchtop: sintered/porcelain for exposed areas; compact laminate for covered patios.
- Plan services: hot/cold water, GPOs, drainage with fall and venting to AS/NZS 3500.
- Allow for sealing around cut‑outs and splashbacks; schedule annual checks for UV‑exposed silicone.
- Consider storage: bin drawer near sink, holders for cleaning gear, and a drainer tray or rack.
- Think style: Hamptons shaker vs contemporary handleless; coordinate tapware finishes with BBQ and appliances.
FAQ
What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen sink in Australia?
For most alfresco areas, a stainless steel outdoor sink is the safest choice. Use 316 marine‑grade stainless within a few kilometres of the WA coast, or 304 grade for covered suburban patios. Granite composite can work if UV‑stable; fireclay suits covered Hamptons‑style spaces.
Do I need council approval or special plumbing for an outdoor sink?
Most WA homes don’t need council approval for a straightforward alfresco sink, but you must use licensed plumbers and WaterMark‑certified products installed to AS/NZS 3500. Your specific site (sewer location, boundary conditions) determines exact drainage details.
Can I use an undermount sink outdoors?
Yes—if you pair it with a suitable benchtop like sintered/porcelain and detail the edges and sealing correctly. In harsh sun or salt air, topmount sinks are simpler and more forgiving, especially on compact laminate benches.
How big should my outdoor sink be for BBQ clean‑ups?
A 600–700 mm single bowl with a pull‑out mixer handles most BBQ trays and grates. Entertainers often choose an 800–1000 mm double bowl with an integrated drainer to separate prep and wash‑up.
Is 316 stainless worth it for my outside kitchen sink?
If you live near the coast or have a fully exposed alfresco, 316 stainless is worth the upgrade for corrosion resistance and longer life. In sheltered inner‑Perth locations, quality 304 stainless often suffices.
