Thinking about a barbecue shed for your Perth home? Done well, an outdoor barbecue shed blends the joy of alfresco cooking with year‑round durability, smart storage and compliant services. As a leader in kitchen renovations Perth-wide, Joyce Kitchens designs and builds outdoor kitchen sheds that look superb, perform in WA conditions and integrate seamlessly with your home.
What is a barbecue shed?
A barbecue shed—also called an outdoor kitchen shed or alfresco kitchen—houses your built‑in barbecue, bench space, storage and services under a weather‑protected roof. Think custom cabinetry WA‑made, weatherproof finishes, proper ventilation and compliant gas/electrical for safe, effortless entertaining.
Core design insights for a durable outdoor barbecue shed
- Prioritise weatherproof cabinetry (powder‑coated aluminium or marine‑grade options) and corrosion‑resistant hardware for Perth’s sea breeze conditions.
- Choose benchtops with high heat and UV stability (porcelain/sintered stone or stainless steel 316). Avoid placing hot plates directly on surfaces.
- Ventilate well: a vented rangehood helps clear smoke and protects roof structures; allow cross‑flow air behind appliances.
- Plan clearances for built‑in barbecue, pizza oven and fridge; confirm local appliance sizing (many outdoor BBQs are 900–1200 mm wide; outdoor fridges are often 600–700 mm deep).
- Design for serviceability: gas and electrical must comply with AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000. Drainage fall and external GPO protection are essential.
- Style cohesively with your home: shaker kitchen doors for a classic coastal look, or flat panel for a contemporary alfresco.
- Integrate storage: soft‑close drawers, a mini scullery/butler’s pantry zone or weather‑sealed tall cabinets for glassware and platters.
Our outdoor kitchen shed renovation process (Perth & WA)
1) Consultation and brief
We visit your home to confirm space, services and exposure (sun, wind, coastal). We discuss cooking habits, must‑have appliances (built‑in barbecue, fridge, pizza oven, sink), storage, and budget.
2) Concept design and layout
We explore L‑shape, U‑shape, galley or island configurations, set appliance zones, and model ergonomics and clearances. If you want a shaker kitchen look outside, we’ll match profiles and colours from your indoor kitchen for continuity.
3) Compliance and documentation
We prepare drawings and coordinate licensed trades for gas and electrical. Where required, we advise on council approvals for structures, setbacks and heights.
4) Materials selection
Together we select weatherproof cabinetry, benchtops (porcelain/316 stainless), splashback tiles, compact laminate, decking, and fixtures. We’ll recommend heat‑resistant finishes around grills and fire‑safe cladding near pizza ovens.
5) Fabrication and installation
Custom cabinetry is built locally; we use quality hardware (e.g., soft‑close drawers and premium hinges) for outdoor durability. Our installers coordinate with licensed trades to deliver a clean, on‑time fit‑off.
6) Handover and care
We provide care guides for benchtops, cabinetry and stainless steel, plus tips for seasonal maintenance in Perth’s climate.
Materials & finishes that last in WA
Weatherproof cabinetry
- Powder‑coated aluminium carcasses and doors for maximum weather resistance.
- Marine‑grade board or compact laminate options for sheltered areas.
- Stainless steel 316 doors or benchtops in harsh coastal zones.
Benchtops and splashbacks
- Porcelain/sintered stone slabs: excellent heat, stain and UV resistance.
- Stainless steel 316: hygienic, outdoor‑ready; consider sound‑deadening underlays.
- Concrete (sealed): industrial appeal; periodic resealing required.
- Splashback tiles with exterior‑rated adhesives and grout; consider slip‑resistant P‑ratings for adjacent floors.
Flooring and decking
- Porcelain pavers or tiles with appropriate slip rating (P4+ outside) and falls to drains.
- Composite decking for low maintenance; check heat gain in full sun.
Roofing, ventilation and shade
- Insulated roof panels help reduce heat build‑up over the barbecue zone.
- Fit an outdoor‑rated rangehood (900–1200 mm) with ducting; allow make‑up air to prevent smoke swirl.
Utilities and safety
- Gas: ensure correct clearances from combustible materials and adequate ventilation; use a licensed gasfitter.
- Electrical: outdoor‑rated GPOs, dedicated circuits for fridges and rangehoods, compliant lighting (LED task lighting).
- Water: external sink with proper falls and trap; consider a small scullery zone for prep and cleanup.
- BAL zones: choose compliant claddings/finishes and maintain clearances where applicable.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate (for alfresco areas)
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; ideal for outdoor barbecue sheds | Fair; best in well‑sheltered alfresco areas |
| Stain & scratch resistance | High; non‑porous surface | Moderate; use chopping boards and trivets |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe‑down | Low; avoid prolonged moisture and heat |
| Cost | $$$ (premium) | $$ (budget‑friendly) |
| Look & feel | Stone/concrete/metal looks with outdoor durability | Wide decor range; best under cover |
Layouts & styles for your outdoor barbecue shed
Popular layouts
- L‑shape: suits corners; efficient prep and cook zones with good serving access.
- U‑shape: maximum storage and bench space for serious entertainers.
- Galley: streamlined against a wall; easy to add a bar leaner opposite.
- Island + wall run: social cooking with a built‑in barbecue and back‑of‑house storage.
Styles that work outside
- Shaker kitchen doors with VJ panelling and coastal whites for Hamptons vibes.
- Contemporary flat panel in graphite or eucalypt greens with matte black hardware.
- Industrial: stainless steel 316, concrete‑look porcelain, and open shelves.
Appliance sizing and ergonomics (AU)
- Built‑in barbecue: common cut‑outs 900–1200 mm wide; allow side set‑downs and heat‑proof surrounds.
- Outdoor fridge: check depth (often 650–700 mm); provide ventilation grills.
- Rangehood: 900–1200 mm canopies sized to barbecue width with ducting to outside air.
- Sink & tap: go deeper bowls for BBQ trays; choose outdoor‑rated mixers.
- Storage: deep soft‑close drawers for cookware; vertical racks for platters and pizza peels.
Costs & timeframes in Perth
Every outdoor kitchen shed is unique, but these ballparks help planning:
- Cabinetry and benchtops: $8,000–$22,000+ depending on weatherproof materials and size.
- Appliances (built‑in barbecue, rangehood, fridge, sink): $3,500–$15,000+.
- Services (gas, electrical, plumbing): $1,800–$5,500+ with compliance and ducting.
- Structure/roofing and cladding (if required): $5,000–$20,000+ based on size and finishes.
- Total typical range in Perth: $12,000–$45,000+.
Timeframes: 4–10 weeks from final design to install, subject to lead times, approvals and appliance availability.
Practical pre‑start checklist
- Measure space and note openings, posts and prevailing winds.
- Confirm services: gas bottle vs mains gas, water, drainage, GPOs and circuits.
- Choose layout (L/U/galley) and set appliance list.
- Select materials: cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, flooring.
- Plan ventilation: rangehood size, duct path, make‑up air.
- Check compliance: AS/NZS 5601 (gas), AS/NZS 3000 (electrical), BAL rating if applicable.
- Decide style: shaker vs contemporary, handles, lighting, colour palette.
- Set budget range and contingency (10–15%).
Case notes from Perth projects
Cottesloe Coastal Alfresco: We specified stainless steel 316 drawers, porcelain benchtops and an externally ducted 1200 mm rangehood for a sea‑spray zone. The built‑in barbecue and pizza oven were flanked by heat‑safe cladding and LED task lighting. Result: zero rust worries and everyday usability.
Subiaco Courtyard Galley: In a compact space, we used powder‑coated aluminium cabinets, a laminate bar area under cover, and a porcelain cook run. Soft‑close drawers, splashback tiles and a compact outdoor fridge delivered full function in a small footprint.
Why choose Joyce Kitchens for your outdoor kitchen shed?
- Local expertise: custom cabinetry WA‑made, designed for Perth sun, wind and coastal conditions.
- End‑to‑end service: from concept to compliant installation with licensed trades.
- Matched aesthetics: align your alfresco with your indoor kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe renovation for a cohesive home.
- Quality hardware and finishes built for outdoors, not just repurposed indoor flat‑pack.
Whether you’re planning a full alfresco fit‑out or integrating your barbecue shed with broader kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust, our team can help.
Helpful Australian resources:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
WA Gas Standards & Safety.
FAQ
What size should a barbecue shed be in Australia?
Allow at least 2.4–3.0 m of linear bench for a built‑in barbecue, prep space and a small sink. Add 900–1200 mm for a fridge bay and storage. Ensure safe clearances around heat sources and room for a 900–1200 mm rangehood if enclosed.
Do I need council approval in WA for an outdoor barbecue shed?
Often, a modest alfresco fit‑out under an existing roof needs no planning approval, but new structures, roof extensions, setbacks or walls may trigger approvals. We’ll advise and coordinate documentation as needed with your local council.
What materials are best for a coastal Perth alfresco kitchen?
Stainless steel 316, powder‑coated aluminium cabinetry, and porcelain/sintered stone benchtops perform best in sea‑spray. Use outdoor‑rated hardware and grout, and specify an externally ducted rangehood to manage corrosion and smoke.
How much does an outdoor kitchen shed cost in Perth?
Most projects land between $12,000 and $45,000+, depending on size, materials (e.g., porcelain vs laminate), appliances and service complexity. We provide a fixed proposal after final design and selections.
Can I include a sink, fridge and pizza oven safely?
Yes. With the right layout, ventilation and clearances—and compliant gas/electrical to AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000—you can safely include a sink, outdoor fridge and pizza oven. We design heat‑safe surrounds and coordinate licensed trades.
