Transform your outdoor area into a year‑round entertaining space with a custom alfresco BBQ kitchen. Joyce Kitchens designs and builds weather-ready alfresco kitchens in Perth and across WA—tailored to your home, lifestyle and local compliance requirements. From robust alfresco cabinets to smart layouts and compliant gas and electrical, we handle the details so you can enjoy effortless outdoor cooking.
Primary focus: alfresco bbq kitchen. Also covering: alfresco bbq, alfresco barbecue, alfresco outdoor cooking, built in outdoor kitchen, alfresco cabinets, and custom alfresco and outdoor kitchens.
Why build an alfresco BBQ kitchen in Perth
Perth’s sunny climate is perfect for alfresco barbecue living. A well‑planned alfresco outdoor kitchen lets you prep, cook and entertain without shuttling between indoors and outdoors. With the right weatherproof cabinetry, UV‑stable benchtops and an efficient outdoor rangehood, you’ll enjoy restaurant‑level results at home—without the mess inside. Choosing appliances? Our independent roundup of the best built in bbq options for Australian alfresco kitchens covers heat output, materials and cut‑out sizes.
- Entertain more: integrated bar fridge, sink and prep space next to your BBQ.
- Protect investment: corrosion‑resistant hardware for coastal suburbs.
- Compliance peace of mind: gas and electrical to AS/NZS standards, council guidance where required.
- Seamless style: continue your shaker kitchen or modern handleless look outdoors.
A built in outdoor kitchen under a roof or pergola, typically including a gas or charcoal BBQ, weatherproof cabinets, benchtop, sink, refrigeration and storage.
Our outdoor kitchen design and renovation process
Joyce Kitchens is known for custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and now high‑performance alfresco kitchens. Here’s how we deliver:
1) On‑site consult and measure
- Assess sun, wind and weather exposure; note coastal corrosion risks.
- Confirm services (gas, water, drainage, power) and appliance sizing (many WA BBQs are 900–1200mm wide; allow adequate clearance).
2) Design and specification
- Layout planning: L‑shape, galley or island to match how you cook.
- Select durable finishes: porcelain (sintered stone) benchtops, compact laminate, 316 stainless steel, powder‑coated aluminium.
- Storage planning: soft‑close drawers, scullery‑style pull‑outs, space for utensils and spices.
3) Compliance and documentation
- Gas fitting to AS/NZS 5601 by licensed trades; certification provided.
- Electrical by licensed electrician; appropriate IP ratings for outdoor power/lighting.
- Council or strata advice where structural changes or flues are involved.
4) Manufacture and install
- Precision‑built custom alfresco cabinets using moisture/UV‑resistant materials.
- Premium hardware (e.g., Blum/Hettich) with anti‑corrosion components.
- Final commissioning and handover ready for your first cook‑up.
Ingress Protection rating for electrical fittings. Outdoor alfresco zones often require IP54–IP65 for lights and power outlets depending on exposure.
Materials and finishes that survive WA conditions
Perth summers, coastal air and UV can punish outdoor surfaces. Choosing the right materials is critical for an alfresco bbq kitchen that looks good for years.
Recommended for alfresco
- Porcelain (sintered stone) benchtop: excellent UV, heat and stain resistance; ideal near hot plates and pizza ovens.
- 316 stainless steel: marine‑grade for tops, doors or kickers in coastal suburbs; easy to clean and food safe.
- Compact laminate: dense, water‑resistant; great for doors and some benchtops under cover.
- Powder‑coated aluminium frames: rigid, rust‑proof; perfect for exposed cabinetry.
- Weatherproof board and exterior‑grade veneers: for shaded alfresco under main roof.
Use with caution
- Timber: beautiful but needs regular oiling; best as feature panels rather than benchtops.
- Glass splashbacks: stylish but can show salt spray; specify tempered glass and plan easy cleaning access.
Minerals fused under heat and pressure to create ultra‑dense slabs with high UV, heat and scratch resistance—ideal for alfresco benchtops.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Compact Laminate (Alfresco)
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Compact Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| UV resistance | Excellent, colourfast in Perth sun | Good, may fade over long exposure |
| Heat resistance | Outstanding; tolerates hot pans/BBQ zones | Good; use trivets near high heat |
| Scratch/stain resistance | High | Moderate to high |
| Maintenance | Low; mild detergent only | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Typical cost (installed) | $$$ | $$ |
| Best use | Premium, exposed or high‑heat kitchens | Under‑cover alfresco, value‑driven projects |
Note: Engineered stone benchtop products have been widely restricted/banned in Australia from 2024; for outdoor kitchens we recommend porcelain, granite or stainless steel instead.
Ventilation matters. An outdoor rangehood (often 900–1200mm wide and 1200m³/hr or higher) reduces smoke stains and helps meet gas clearance and flueing guidance. Specify ducting to the exterior and consider wind direction in your alfresco.
Gas BBQs must be installed and certified by a licensed gasfitter to AS/NZS 5601. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Always check your local council and strata rules for alfresco additions.
Useful references:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
WA Gasfitting (DMIRS).
Layouts and styles that work outdoors
Popular layouts
- L‑shape: Compact and versatile; ideal against two walls with BBQ, sink and prep forming a working triangle.
- Galley: Linear run for narrow patios; add a tall cabinet for scullery‑style storage.
- Island + back wall: Social hub for larger spaces; consider extra support for heavy benchtops.
Styling ideas
- Shaker kitchen outdoors: Weatherproof Shaker doors in marine‑grade board with textured finishes to echo your indoor cabinetry.
- Modern handleless: Sleek, finger‑pull or push‑to‑open alfresco cabinets with shadowline kicks and integrated bar fridge.
- Coastal contemporary: 316 stainless steel benchtop, white compact laminate doors, and a tiled splashback or stone look porcelain.
Consider task and ambient lighting (IP‑rated LED strips under benchtops and shelves) and a durable splashback such as porcelain slab or brick slips. Soft‑close drawers, anti‑rust hinges, and pull‑out bins make your alfresco as functional as your main kitchen.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Every custom alfresco bbq kitchen is different, but these ballparks help planning in Perth and wider WA:
- Entry (under cover, compact galley): $8,000–$15,000 including compact laminate benchtop, basic BBQ, sink, tap, cabinets.
- Mid‑range (most popular): $15,000–$30,000 with porcelain benchtop, quality 4–5 burner BBQ, outdoor rangehood, bar fridge, weatherproof cabinetry.
- Premium (coastal/exposed): $30,000–$60,000+ featuring 316 stainless, porcelain or granite slabs, integrated appliances, custom screening and lighting.
Allow extra for services (gas, electrical, plumbing), structural works (benches/roofing changes), and permits if required. We’ll provide a fixed proposal after design and selections.
Two WA case examples
City Beach, coastal contemporary
A 4‑metre L‑shape built in outdoor kitchen with 316 stainless steel benchtop, compact laminate doors and a 1200mm BBQ plus rangehood. Coastal corrosion addressed with marine‑grade fixings and sealed cut edges. Outcome: low‑maintenance entertaining with ocean‑view resilience.
Fremantle terrace, heritage blend
Under‑roof alfresco with Shaker‑style weatherproof doors, porcelain benchtop and tiled splashback to match the home’s indoor kitchen. A 900mm BBQ, bar fridge and pull‑out pantry create a mini scullery outdoors, optimising tight space without compromising style.
Practical pre‑start checklist
- Measure the alfresco area and confirm BBQ width (900–1200mm common in Australia).
- Decide gas type (natural gas vs LPG bottles) and BBQ location for safe clearances.
- Choose benchtop: porcelain/sintered stone, granite or 316 stainless for highest durability.
- Select weatherproof cabinetry and anti‑corrosion hardware for coastal suburbs.
- Plan ventilation: outdoor rangehood capacity and duct route.
- Confirm IP‑rated lighting and outdoor GPO locations.
- Consider BAL requirements if in bushfire‑prone areas.
- Set a realistic budget and contingency (10–15%).
- Book licensed trades for gas and electrical—certificates required.
- Check council/strata rules before structural or flue changes.
Ready to design your alfresco barbecue space? Book a free consult with Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s experts in custom alfresco and outdoor kitchens, kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Contact us.
FAQ
What size should an alfresco BBQ kitchen be?
Allow at least 2400mm for a compact run with a 900mm BBQ, sink and prep zone. For 1200mm BBQs or an island, 3000–4000mm gives better workflow and appliance clearances.
What benchtop is best for outdoor kitchens in Perth?
Porcelain (sintered stone), granite and 316 stainless steel perform best for UV, heat and stains. Compact laminate suits under‑cover areas; avoid standard indoor laminates at edges exposed to weather.
Do I need approval for an alfresco BBQ kitchen in WA?
Many under‑roof installs need no building approval, but gas and electrical must be installed and certified by licensed trades. Check your local council and strata rules, and any flue/penetration requirements.
How much does an alfresco BBQ kitchen cost in Perth?
Most projects range from $15,000 to $30,000, with compact setups from $8,000 and premium coastal builds from $30,000+. Final cost depends on materials, appliances, services and exposure.
Can you match my indoor Shaker kitchen style outdoors?
Yes. We can echo your Shaker profiles or modern handleless look using weatherproof substrates, UV‑stable finishes and corrosion‑resistant hardware for a seamless indoor‑outdoor aesthetic.
If you split time between WA and QLD, see kitchenware shops gold coast for quality outdoor‑friendly accessories.
Want a seamless grill integration? Our inbuilt bbq guide covers cut‑outs, ventilation and compliance.
