A well-planned kitchen pantry transforms daily cooking, clears benchtops and adds long-term value to your home. Whether you want a tall pantry cupboard with drawers, a slimline pantry for a compact apartment, or a full butler’s pantry/scullery, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry WA homeowners can trust. We create practical, beautiful kitchen storage cabinets that are built for Australian living and appliances.
This guide covers pantry cabinet options, materials, layouts, costs in Perth, and the renovation process, with local tips on durability and compliance. Use it to plan the perfect kitchen pantry for your home and lifestyle.
Contents
- Why your pantry choice matters
- Our WA design and renovation process
- Materials and finishes (plus a comparison table)
- Pantry layouts and styles
- Pantry costs in Perth and WA
- Practical pantry planning checklist
- FAQ
Why your pantry choice matters
Your pantry does more than hold food. It affects how you cook, clean and entertain. The right design blends visibility, capacity and easy access. The wrong one creates dead corners and cluttered kitchen cabinets and pantry areas.
Core pantry design insights
- Capacity with visibility: Use adjustable shelves and pantry with drawers or full-extension internal drawers so nothing hides at the back. Clear labelling and lighting help.
- Access and ergonomics: Pull-outs, wire baskets and soft-close hinges reduce bending and strain. Tall pantry cupboards put bulk items between knee and shoulder height.
- Ventilation and lighting: WA summers can be hot; avoid placing a pantry right against a full-height oven stack. Add motion-sensor LED strip lighting so every shelf is lit.
- Appliance-and-container fit: Common AU cereal box heights, 600 mm ovens and 900 mm cooktops shape shelf spacing and clearances. Deep drawers suit air fryers and mixers.
- Future-proofing: If you might add a scullery or butler’s pantry later, leave space and plan services (power, task lighting).
Quick definitions
Carcass: The structural cabinet box (sides, back, base, top) that shelves, doors and drawers attach to. A tall kitchen carcass is used for pantry height units.
2-pack polyurethane: A durable painted finish applied to doors/panels, popular in modern and shaker kitchen styles.
Shadowline / finger-pull: Handleless door detail with a recessed channel for a sleek, contemporary look.
Pantry pull-out: A vertical slide-out unit with shelves or baskets for quick access to bottles, spices and tins.
Our WA design and renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end kitchen renovations Perth homeowners rely on—design, manufacture and installation—backed by local aftercare.
1) Discovery and design brief
We discuss your cooking habits, storage needs (from small pantry cupboard to large pantry cupboard) and style preferences—classic shaker, coastal Hamptons, or handleless contemporary.
2) Site measure
We confirm walls, services and door swings, and check appliance clearances. Tall pantry cabinet heights are set to your ceiling and cornice details.
3) Concept and 3D
You’ll see layouts for built-in units, freestanding pantry cupboards, or a scullery with open shelving. We model internal options like drawers, spice pull-outs and tray dividers.
4) Materials and hardware selection
Choose from HMR melamine carcasses, 2-pack doors, timber veneer accents, and soft-close hardware. We’ll guide you on heat and moisture performance in WA conditions.
5) Local manufacture
Custom cabinetry is made for your home—not a one-size flat pack pantry—ensuring the best fit, alignment and longevity.
6) Installation and compliance
Installed by experienced trades, with attention to scribing, kickboards and splashback transitions. We follow good practice and relevant Australian standards. For renovation guidance, see trusted resources like the HIA WA and Master Builders WA. For building code information, see the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Materials and finishes (plus a comparison table)
Your pantry takes daily knocks. Durable materials and quality hardware make the difference between creaks and a kitchen that still feels new in 10 years.
Recommended cabinet materials
- HMR melamine carcass: Moisture-resistant board for strength and value; ideal for pantries and tall kitchen cabinets.
- Doors and panels: 2-pack polyurethane (matte, satin or gloss), premium laminate, or timber veneer for warmth. A white pantry cupboard keeps spaces bright; a black pantry cupboard creates contrast in modern kitchens.
- Internal drawers: Full-extension soft-close drawers in the pantry improve visibility and reduce stacking. Consider high-sided drawers for bulk items.
- Benchtop or appliance shelf inside pantry: Choose an engineered stone benchtop for heat resistance or a laminate benchtop for budget-friendly practicality.
Engineered stone vs laminate (for pantry benchtops/shelves)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Premium, seamless patterns; suits modern or shaker kitchens | Wide range of textures and colours; great value |
| Heat and stain resistance (WA conditions) | Very good for pantry appliance shelves; still use trivets | Good with care; avoid direct heat or steam build-up |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; avoid harsh abrasives | Very low maintenance; wipe clean |
| Typical Perth supply & install | Approx. $450–$800 per m² | Approx. $150–$350 per m² |
| Best for | Premium custom pantry, high-use appliance zones | Budget-conscious projects, rentals, secondary spaces |
Technical note: Moisture management
Steam from kettles and coffee machines can affect doors over time. We plan appliance shelves with ventilation and set-backs, and use heat/steam-aware finishes to suit Perth’s climate.
Pantry layouts and styles
From a single pantry cupboard to a full scullery, your layout should match the way you cook and shop. We design:
- Tall pantry cupboard / tall pantry cabinet: A single or double-door unit with internal drawers and adjustable shelves. Great for most homes.
- Slim pantry / slimline pantry cupboard: For narrow spaces; add pull-outs to maximise a 300–450 mm wide opening.
- Single pantry cupboard / small pantry cupboard: Ideal for apartments and secondary pantries in laundries or outdoor kitchens.
- Freestanding pantry: Moveable storage with furniture styling—perfect when you can’t alter walls. Choose a white pantry cupboard for coastal or a timber pantry for warmth.
- Butler’s pantry / scullery: A separate zone for prep, small appliances and bulk storage. Keeps the main kitchen pristine for entertaining.
- Cupboard kitchen pantry combinations: Integrate a tall kitchen cupboard bank with ovens, fridge housing and a dedicated pantry storage cupboard for seamless flow.
Popular features include internal pantry with drawers, spice and tray dividers, corner solutions, and integrated appliances. Style-wise, we cover everything from shaker kitchen doors in 2-pack to handleless shadowline fronts with matching kickboards and splashback coordination.
Case example: City Beach family kitchen
A Perth family wanted a large pantry cupboard for bulk buying. We designed a 1,200 mm wide tall unit with six full-extension drawers, adjustable top shelves and LED strip lighting triggered by a door sensor. Finished in satin white 2-pack with an engineered stone benchtop appliance shelf, it keeps mixers and air fryers hidden yet ready to use.
Case example: Fremantle apartment refresh
In a compact space, we replaced a dated corner pantry with a 450 mm slimline pantry using twin pull-outs plus a matching freestanding pantry designed as freestanding kitchen furniture. The look is light, with timber veneer accents and a durable laminate interior.
Pantry costs in Perth and WA
Every pantry is unique, but these estimates help planning:
- Custom built-in tall pantry cupboard: $2,500–$8,500+ depending on size, finish (laminate vs 2-pack), and number of internal drawers/pull-outs.
- Butler’s pantry / scullery: $8,000–$25,000+ depending on length, appliances, plumbing and benchtops.
- Freestanding pantry cupboards: $600–$2,500+ based on size, materials and detailing.
- Hardware upgrades: Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers and specialty pull-outs typically add $400–$1,800 per pantry.
- Benchtops: Laminate is most cost-effective; engineered stone costs more but improves durability and resale.
Note: Prices vary with access, removal, electrical works and site conditions. We’ll itemise everything in your quote so you can compare like-for-like.
Practical pantry planning checklist
- List what you store: breakfast foods, bulk tins, baking gear, pet food, appliances.
- Decide access: shelves, internal drawers or pull-outs (or a mix).
- Measure containers you love (height of jars, cereal boxes) to set shelf pitch.
- Plan power points for small appliances inside the pantry.
- Choose finishes to suit cleaning habits (matte 2-pack or premium laminate are forgiving).
- Think future: space for a butler’s pantry or additional tall pantry later.
- Lighting: add door sensors and LED strips for shadow-free shelves.
- Ventilation: avoid placing pantries next to heat sources without protection.
- Style match: shaker profiles vs handleless shadowline; white pantry cupboard, black pantry cupboard or timber pantry.
- Budget: choose where to invest (internal drawers give the biggest daily benefit).
Get started with Joyce Kitchens
From a compact single pantry cupboard to a statement tall pantry cupboard or full scullery, we design and build pantries that work as hard as you do. Book a consultation for kitchen renovations Perth and across WA—custom solutions, local manufacture, professional installation, and aftercare from a team that’s been creating great kitchens for decades.
FAQ
What is the ideal size for a kitchen pantry in Australia?
For most homes, a tall pantry cupboard 600–1,200 mm wide with internal drawers and adjustable shelves works well. Allow 550–600 mm cabinet depth and set shelf spacing based on your containers. In compact spaces, a 300–450 mm slimline pantry with pull-outs is a smart alternative.
Is a butler’s pantry worth it?
Yes if you entertain often or want to hide bench clutter. A butler’s pantry (or scullery) gives you bench space for small appliances, additional sinks and room for bulk storage. It adds convenience and resale appeal when designed to match your main kitchen.
Freestanding vs built-in pantry—what’s better?
Built-in pantries maximise capacity and fit your space perfectly. Freestanding pantry cupboards are ideal when you can’t alter walls, want furniture styling or need flexible placement. We design both, including free standing pantry options that match your kitchen.
What materials are best for pantry cabinets in Perth’s climate?
Choose HMR melamine for the carcass, quality soft-close hardware, and doors in durable 2-pack polyurethane, premium laminate or timber veneer. If you keep appliances inside the pantry, add ventilation and consider an engineered stone benchtop for heat and moisture resistance.
How much does a custom pantry cost in WA?
A custom tall pantry typically ranges from $2,500–$8,500+, depending on size, finish and internal hardware. A full butler’s pantry or scullery can run from $8,000–$25,000+. We provide a detailed, itemised quote for clarity.
Helpful resources: HIA WA, Master Builders WA, ABCB/NCC.
