Future-proof your alfresco with outdoor stainless steel cabinets that thrive in Australian conditions. Whether you’re in coastal Perth or inland WA, our custom designs balance durability, style and compliance for a long-lasting outdoor kitchen.
Why stainless steel outdoors in Australia
Stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets are the gold standard for alfresco spaces across Australia. They’re hygienic, weather-resistant and easy to wipe down after a barbecue. For WA’s harsh sun and sea air, stainless outdoor cabinets outperform timber and many laminates, resisting UV, heat and moisture.
- Durability: Corrosion resistance and high structural strength year-round.
- Hygiene: Non-porous surfaces suit food prep and quick clean-ups.
- Fire-wise: Metal cabinetry is a practical choice for BBQ zones and bushfire-prone areas (check local BAL requirements).
- Style: A timeless look that pairs with coastal, Hamptons and modern minimalist designs.
Grades, finishes and benchtops that last
Choosing the right stainless grade
For outdoor stainless steel cabinets, grade selection matters more than thickness alone.
| Material | Best use | Pros | Considerations | Typical WA use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 Stainless Steel | General alfresco, covered areas | Excellent value, strong, easy to clean | May tea-stain near surf or chlorinated pools if not maintained | Most Perth metro installs |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Coastal homes, harsh marine exposure | Superior corrosion resistance | Higher material cost | Premium coastal builds and luxury projects |
| Powder-coated Marine-Grade Aluminium | Design flexibility, colour-matched schemes | Lightweight, colour options, corrosion resistant | Requires quality coating system; different look to stainless | Contemporary coastal and colour-led designs |
We also create stainless steel outdoor BBQ cabinets that integrate heat shields and ventilation to protect adjacent doors and panels, and we specify weather-sealed drawers with soft-close runners.
Finishes and colours
- Brushed stainless (satin): Low-glare, fingerprint-friendly.
- PVD-coloured stainless: Adds tone (gunmetal, bronze) to suit a coastal or industrial scheme.
- Powder-coat over stainless frames: Combine colour with stainless durability on the inside.
Benchtops that pair with stainless
For an stainless steel outdoor kitchen bench, you can choose full stainless tops for a commercial look or mix materials for warmth:
- Porcelain/sintered stone slabs (e.g., 12–20 mm): UV-stable, heat and stain resistant.
- Granite and other natural stones: Timeless and robust with proper sealing.
- Concrete-look porcelain: Industrial aesthetic without the cracking/weight of poured concrete.
Note: New fabrication of engineered stone benchtops has been restricted nationally; we guide you to compliant alternatives that deliver a similar look.
Our design and renovation process
- Design consultation: We explore how you cook and entertain, appliance sizing (e.g., 900 mm BBQs), storage needs and style direction (from shaker kitchen influences to sleek handleless lines).
- Measure & site check: Verify services, drainage falls and alfresco exposure. We’ll assess splash zones, prevailing winds and required clearances.
- Concept & 3D: Visualise custom cabinetry WA homeowners love—modules for fridges, smokers, pizza ovens and scullery-style storage.
- Specifications: Select 304 or 316 stainless, finishes, drawer systems, splashbacks, and outdoor-rated appliances.
- Quote & HIA contract: Transparent scope for cabinetry, benchtops, installation and trades (plumbing/electrical). We work to recognised standards and best practice.
- Fabrication & install: Precision-built cabinets, on-time delivery and tidy installs—coordinated with your builder or as a standalone project.
We coordinate with licensed trades to suit WA requirements and align with guidance from bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA.
Popular layouts and styles
Layouts that work
- Straight run against a wall: Efficient for compact courtyards with a single stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets line and a tiled splashback.
- L-shape with return: Adds prep space and bar seating to chat with guests.
- Island with sink: Needs weather protection and appropriate cover; great for serving.
- Outdoor scullery zone: Close to the indoor kitchen or butler’s pantry for easy restocking.
Style cues
- Coastal/Hamptons: Pair stainless with white V-groove cladding, light porcelain tops and a muted blue-grey palette.
- Modern minimalist: Handleless finger-pull doors, integrated bar fridge and PVD gunmetal detailing.
- Industrial: Brushed steel, black fixtures, concrete-look porcelain and open shelves.
For design continuity, many homeowners echo their indoor shaker kitchen doors or engineered stone benchtop look with outdoor-safe alternatives. Our team also handles kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fit-outs for a whole-of-home approach.
Costs and budgeting in Perth & WA
Every alfresco is unique, but these ballparks help planning:
- Cabinetry (304 stainless): From $1,500–$2,800 per linear metre, depending on door style, runners, and weather seals.
- Cabinetry (316 stainless): Typically +20–35% on 304, depending on market rates.
- Benchtops: Porcelain/sintered stone $850–$1,600 per m² installed; full stainless tops from $700–$1,200 per linear metre.
- Appliances: Quality 900 mm BBQs from $1,500–$6,000; outdoor bar fridges $900–$2,500.
- Trades: Electrical and plumbing commonly $1,200–$3,500 depending on scope and compliance.
- Turnkey projects: Many WA alfresco kitchens land between $12k–$35k+, driven by materials and appliances.
We provide detailed quotes with inclusions/exclusions, so you can prioritise where to invest.
Real WA examples
City Beach coastal alfresco
Within 800 m of the ocean, we specified 316 stainless frames with PVD doors and a porcelain benchtop. Result: zero tea-staining after two summers, minimal maintenance, and a seamless transition from the home’s coastal palette.
Mount Lawley courtyard upgrade
A compact terrace needed storage for BBQ tools and glassware. We installed 304 stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry with soft-close drawers, a 600 mm BBQ, and an integrated bar fridge. The L-shape added prep space without crowding the area.
Outdoor kitchen planning checklist
- Site: Covered vs open, wind direction, nearby pool or coast exposure.
- Appliances: BBQ width (e.g., 900 mm), smoker, pizza oven, wok burner, bar fridge.
- Clearances: Ventilation, heat shields, and service access for BBQs.
- Power & water: Outdoor-rated GPOs, gas supply, hot/cold lines, drainage falls.
- Materials: 304 vs 316 stainless, PVD finish, porcelain/granite or stainless top.
- Storage: Deep drawers for cookware, pull-outs for condiments, bin solutions.
- Style: Hamptons/coastal, industrial, or minimalist to match the home.
- Maintenance: Cleaning schedule, cover usage, seasonal checks.
- Compliance: Gas and electrical work by licensed trades per WA rules.
- Future-proofing: Allow for extra GPOs, modular cabinets, and shade options.
Compliance and care in WA conditions
- Gas BBQs must be installed and certified by a licensed gasfitter (refer to WA Building & Energy guidance and AS/NZS 5601).
- Use outdoor-rated electrical components (appropriate IP ratings) and weatherproof switching.
- Ventilate BBQ cavities and add heat shields beside doors and drawers.
- Rinse stainless after salt exposure, wipe dry, and use non-chloride cleaners to prevent tea-staining.
For building advice, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. Gas installation guidance is available via WA Building & Energy.
Book your outdoor kitchen design
From stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets to porcelain tops and integrated BBQs, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom alfresco solutions across Perth and WA. Ask us about matching your indoor renovation—kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe—for a cohesive home.
Ready to start? Book a showroom visit or in-home consultation and we’ll prepare a tailored concept and quote.
FAQ
Is 304 stainless steel suitable for outdoor kitchen cabinets in Perth?
Yes—for most suburban and covered alfresco areas, 304 stainless performs very well. If you’re within about 1 km of surf or exposed to pool splash, upgrade to 316 stainless or specify extra maintenance and protective finishes to minimise tea-staining.
How much do outdoor stainless steel cabinets cost in WA?
As a guide, 304 stainless cabinetry starts around $1,500–$2,800 per linear metre, with 316 typically 20–35% more. A complete alfresco (cabinets, benchtop, BBQ, trades) commonly ranges from $12k–$35k+, depending on size, appliances and finishes.
Do stainless steel outdoor BBQ cabinets get hot in the sun?
Stainless reflects heat better than many dark finishes, but direct sun can warm any surface. We recommend shade (roofing or umbrellas), light satin finishes, and ventilation around the BBQ cavity. Heat shields protect adjacent doors and drawers.
What benchtop pairs best with stainless steel outdoors?
Porcelain/sintered stone and granite are popular for UV, heat and stain resistance. Full stainless benchtops are great for a commercial look. New engineered stone installations are restricted nationally, so we guide clients to compliant alternatives.
How do I maintain stainless outdoor cabinets near the coast?
Rinse with fresh water after salty winds, then wipe dry. Clean with pH-neutral detergents (no chloride bleach), follow the grain with a microfibre cloth, and periodically apply a stainless protectant. Covers help when the alfresco is not in use.
For the interior to complement your stainless alfresco, see polyurethane kitchen cabinets for crisp, durable door finishes.
Round out your outdoor setup with organised kitchen cookware and storage ideas that keep tools within easy reach.
