Smart pantry inserts turn hard‑to‑reach cupboards into smooth, organised storage. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation in Perth or simply upgrading a wooden pantry, the right kitchen cabinet inserts improve access, boost capacity and streamline daily life. Here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs and installs pantry solutions that work for Western Australian homes.
What are pantry inserts?
In a modern kitchen renovation, inserts are the difference between rummaging and one‑touch access. Popular options for WA homes include:
- Pull‑out larder units (300–600 mm wide) to bring tall pantry goods into view.
- Internal soft‑close drawers in a hinged pantry door cabinet for easy, tiered access.
- Corner solutions such as a carousel or LeMans‑style shelves to reclaim dead space.
- Spice and oil pull‑outs beside the cooktop (150–300 mm modules).
- Tray and chopping board dividers for vertical storage.
- Under‑shelf baskets for lightweight items (wraps, foil, lunch bags).
While the focus here is the kitchen, many of these kitchen cabinet inserts translate beautifully to laundries (hamper pull‑outs, cleaning caddies), bathrooms (cosmetic dividers) and wardrobes (shoe pull‑outs, jewellery drawers) for whole‑home organisation.
Core storage insights for WA households
Wooden pantry vs wire systems
- Wooden pantry inserts (bamboo, timber veneer, MR board) are quieter, warmer to the touch and suit a Shaker kitchen, Hamptons style or coastal kitchen aesthetic.
- Wire/steel inserts maximise visibility, allow airflow and are durable in busy family kitchens.
- Hybrid solutions combine timber drawers with steel sides or rails for strength and style.
Plan for WA climate and cooking styles
- Heat resistance: Perth summers and nearby appliances create hot spots. We specify moisture‑resistant (MR) boards and heat‑tolerant hardware, and we allow clearances around ovens and dishwashers.
- Local sizing: Common appliance widths are 600 mm and 900 mm in Australia; we coordinate insert widths accordingly for smooth lines and proper door clearances.
- Load ratings: For bulk items (rice, tins), we use high load‑rating runners (30–65 kg) and soft‑close mechanisms by brands such as Blum, Hettich or Hafele.
Helpful resources:
HIA,
Master Builders WA.
Our renovation and fit-out process
- Design consult and measure: We review how you cook and shop, measure existing cabinets and note appliance sizes.
- Concept and 3D design: We map inserts to your layout (galley, L‑shaped, U‑shaped, scullery or Butler’s pantry) and style (Shaker, contemporary, coastal, minimalist).
- Materials and hardware selection: Choose from timber veneer, two‑pack paint, melamine, laminate, and premium hardware with soft‑close.
- Local manufacture: Custom cabinetry WA made for exact fit, gaps sealed and edges finished for durability.
- Installation: Experienced cabinetmakers install, coordinating licensed trades for electrical/plumbing where required.
- Final checks and aftercare: We adjust runners/hinges, provide care instructions and discuss future add‑ons.
For regulatory updates (e.g., silica controls affecting benchtop materials), refer to WA Building and Energy:
DMIRS – Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes that last
Carcasses and shelves
- MR (moisture‑resistant) melamine carcasses with sealed edges for longevity.
- Solid timber or bamboo drawer bases for a premium wooden pantry feel.
- Powder‑coated steel baskets for airflow and wipe‑clean simplicity.
Fronts and styles
- Two‑pack painted doors for a refined, durable finish in any colour.
- Timber veneer for natural warmth that pairs beautifully with stone or laminate.
- Finger‑pull profiles for a modern, handle‑free look; or classic Shaker rails for Hamptons charm.
Benchtops near your pantry
Many pantries include a landing zone benchtop. Be mindful of current rules around engineered stone in Australia.
Benchtop comparison (quick guide)
| Criteria | Engineered stone (see compliance note) | Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct hot pots | Moderate; use trivets and boards |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe with mild cleanser | Low; non‑abrasive cleaners |
| Appearance | Stone‑like patterns; seamless look | Huge range, realistic stone/wood prints |
| Indicative cost | Higher | Budget‑friendly |
| Compliance in Australia | Subject to strict regulation/ban in many states and territories as of 2025; consider porcelain, sintered stone or solid surface alternatives | Widely available and compliant |
Compliance note: Engineered stone benchtops have been restricted or prohibited in Australia due to respirable crystalline silica risks. Ask us about compliant alternatives such as porcelain, sintered stone, solid surface or natural granite/quartzite, and always follow local guidance (see HIA and DMIRS links above).
Best layouts and styles for pantry inserts
Layouts
- Galley kitchen: Slim pull‑out larders (300–400 mm) and internal drawers behind doors to maintain lean lines.
- L‑shaped kitchen: Corner carousels or LeMans shelves with mid‑size internal drawers in the tall pantry cabinet.
- U‑shaped kitchen: Maximise base internal drawers and use a 600 mm tower with a combination of shelves and pull‑outs.
- Scullery/Butler’s pantry: Open shelving for appliances, deep drawers for bulk goods, and tray dividers close to the oven.
Styles
- Shaker / Hamptons style: Painted two‑pack fronts, timber or bamboo inserts, polished chrome or matte nickel hardware.
- Modern minimalist: Flat‑panel, finger‑pull doors, internal drawers with integrated soft‑close and matte black accents.
- Coastal kitchen: Light veneers, white melamine interiors, breathable wire baskets and easy‑wipe surfaces for sand‑and‑sea life.
Costs and budgeting in WA
- Internal drawer kit (per tier): $250–$500+ supplied and installed (width‑dependent, soft‑close hardware).
- Full pull‑out larder (300–600 mm): $1,100–$2,500+ installed, depending on height and brand.
- Corner carousel/LeMans: $900–$2,200+ per corner installed.
- Spice/oil pull‑outs: $300–$800+ each installed.
- Complete pantry fit‑out (tall cabinet): Typically $1,200–$6,000+ depending on size, materials and configuration.
- Full kitchen renovation in Perth: As a general guide, $25k–$60k+ for custom cabinetry, benchtops and installation; complex builds and premium finishes may exceed this.
Prices are indicative for WA conditions and quality hardware. We provide fixed quotes after site measure and design confirmation.
Pantry insert selection checklist
- List your top 20 pantry items and their container sizes (cereal, oil, tins, bulk bags).
- Measure interior clearances (width x depth x height) and note hinges/obstructions.
- Choose insert types by access need: daily items on internal drawers; bulk on lower levels.
- Confirm load ratings (aim 30–65 kg for heavy drawers) and soft‑close runners.
- Match finish to style: wire for visibility; timber/bamboo for warmth and quiet.
- Allow appliance landing space near the pantry for safe unloading.
- Plan future flexibility—extra adjustable shelves or modular dividers.
- Check compliance and ventilation around heat sources.
WA case-style examples
Cottesloe coastal family kitchen
A light, coastal kitchen with a 450 mm pull‑out larder beside a 900 mm cooktop. We used white melamine interiors, bamboo cutlery and spice inserts, and wire baskets for airflow. The result: faster meal prep and no more bending to reach back‑of‑cabinet items.
Mount Lawley heritage refresh
In a Shaker kitchen update, we retained character with two‑pack painted fronts and timber veneer internal drawers in the tall pantry. A corner LeMans made the tight L‑shaped layout feel twice as large, with soft‑close throughout for a quieter, calmer kitchen.
FAQ
What are the best pantry inserts for a small Perth kitchen?
Choose slim pull‑out larders (300–400 mm), internal soft‑close drawers behind hinged doors, and vertical dividers for trays and boards. These maximise capacity without widening the footprint and suit galley apartments and compact villas.
Can pantry inserts be retrofitted into my existing wooden pantry?
Yes. Most cabinets can be retrofitted with internal drawers, spice pull‑outs and corner solutions after a site measure. We check clearances, hinges and door swing, then specify runners and brackets to suit your cabinet construction.
How much do quality pantry inserts cost in WA?
As a guide: internal drawers $250–$500+ per tier installed, pull‑out larders $1,100–$2,500+, corner units $900–$2,200+. A full tall‑pantry fit‑out is typically $1,200–$6,000+, depending on size and materials.
What maintenance do wooden pantry inserts need?
Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth and mild detergent, dry thoroughly, and avoid standing moisture. Annually check and tighten fixings, and adjust soft‑close runners. Use mats or liners under oils and sauces to prevent staining.
Are pantry inserts suitable for coastal or humid WA homes?
Absolutely. We recommend MR melamine carcasses, sealed edges, powder‑coated or stainless steel baskets, and quality finishes. Good ventilation and sensible appliance clearances keep inserts stable through seasonal humidity and summer heat.