Designing the right BBQ bench can turn your alfresco into the hardest-working “room” of your home. Whether you’re after a tidy DIY BBQ bench for weeknight grilling or a fully appointed alfresco kitchen to entertain a crowd, this guide shares practical BBQ bench ideas tailored to WA conditions—sun, salt air and all. As leaders in kitchen renovations Perth and custom cabinetry WA, Joyce Kitchens blends smart design with outdoor-ready materials to make your project last.
Quick insights for outdoor BBQ benches
- Pick materials that shrug off Perth UV and coastal air: porcelain (sintered stone), stainless steel benchtops, concrete or compact laminate.
- Keep hot zones non-combustible and follow your BBQ maker’s clearance specs; gas work must be done by a WA-licensed gasfitter per AS/NZS 5601.1.
- Plan services early: gas, cold/hot water, drainage fall, and IP-rated outdoor power (GPOs) for fridges, rotisserie motors and lighting.
- Extend your home’s style outdoors—think coastal, contemporary, or a Shaker kitchen-inspired alfresco with weatherproof details.
- Stage your project: start with a robust bench and add extras (fridge, pizza oven, storage) as budget allows.
Our renovation and design process
Joyce Kitchens designs and builds alfresco and indoor spaces—kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—across Perth and WA. Here’s how we deliver outdoor benches that work and last:
- Consult: On-site or showroom chat to map your cooking style, appliance list, space and outlook.
- Measure & document: Precise site measure, services audit and brief.
- Design concepts: Layout options, benchtop heights, clearances and custom cabinetry detailing with 3D visuals.
- Selections: Outdoor-suitable benchtops, doors, hardware (soft-close), sinks, taps, splashbacks and finishes.
- Engineering & compliance: We coordinate licensed trades—gasfitter, electrician, plumber—and detail anchoring, ventilation and drainage to suit WA conditions and relevant standards.
- Fabrication: Locally made, weather-resilient cabinetry with premium hardware.
- Installation & handover: Clean install, commissioning and care guidance.
Tip: For regulatory guidance and choosing qualified trades, see HIA and Master Builders WA, and gas requirements at WA Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes that survive outdoors
Outdoor benches need UV-stable, heat-tolerant, water-resistant surfaces and cabinets. Here’s what works in WA:
Best benchtop options for outdoors
- Porcelain / sintered stone (ultra-compact): Highly UV, stain and heat resistant; ideal for hot plates and Perth sun.
- Stainless steel benchtops: Commercial-grade, easy-clean, excellent around grills; choose higher grades in coastal suburbs.
- Sealed concrete: Robust, customisable; specify quality sealing and proper fall to manage staining and runoff.
- Compact laminate: Dense, exterior-grade laminate; great value for covered alfresco areas, with edge sealing and heat buffers.
A man-made slab fired at very high temperatures. Unlike a typical engineered stone benchtop used indoors, porcelain slabs are UV-stable and more heat-tolerant—ideal for outdoor benches.
A thick, resin-impregnated laminate sheet engineered for exterior use. It resists moisture and UV when edges are sealed and is best under a roofed alfresco.
Ingress Protection rating for electrical fittings. Outdoor GPOs and lights should have a suitable IP rating for weather exposure.
Cabinetry built for WA weather
- Aluminium framing with powder-coated doors or cladding for corrosion resistance in coastal areas.
- Weatherproof cabinetry using exterior-grade substrates such as compact laminate or marine-grade plywood with sealed edges.
- Soft-close hardware and stainless fasteners; specify outdoor-rated hinges and runners.
- Raised plinths and splayed kickers to avoid ponding; ensure drainage and fall away from doors.
Appliances and sinks
- Built-in BBQs sized to Australian cut-outs (common grills 700–900 mm wide). Always follow the manufacturer’s clearances and ventilation specs.
- Bar fridges rated for outdoors with proper ventilation; check cabinetry cut-out and airflow paths.
- Composite granite sinks or stainless sinks for durability; add insulated heat shields beside hotplates if using compact laminate.
Comparison: Porcelain (Sintered Stone) vs Compact Laminate
| Feature | Porcelain (Sintered Stone) | Compact Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor suitability | Excellent – UV, heat and stain resistant | Good under cover – protect from intense heat |
| Heat near BBQ | Can handle high temps; still use trivets | Needs heat buffers and clearance to hot zones |
| Maintenance | Low – wipe clean, minimal sealing | Low – keep edges sealed; avoid standing water |
| Look/finish | Stone, concrete and terrazzo looks | Timber, solid colours, stone-look decors |
| Typical cost (supply only) | $$$ | $$ |
Note: An engineered stone benchtop is great indoors for your main kitchen, but most aren’t recommended for full UV exposure outdoors. For a cohesive look, we often pair indoor engineered stone with outdoor porcelain that matches the tone.
Safety and compliance, briefly
- Gas installation must be done by a WA-licensed gasfitter and comply with AS/NZS 5601.1.
- Follow BBQ manufacturer ventilation and clearance guides—many specify non-combustible surrounds and minimum rear/side clearances.
- Consider ember protection and materials if you are in a bushfire-prone area (BAL requirements may apply).
Layouts and styles
Popular layouts
- Straight run: Efficient for narrow alfresco zones—BBQ, short prep, bar fridge.
- L-shape: Adds prep surface and a sink without crowding; great for corner courtyards.
- Island bench: Social cooking and serving; ensure robust anchoring and services to the island.
- U-shape: Big entertainer with zones for hot, wet and cold; plan dual extraction if adding a rangehood canopy.
Style directions
- Coastal contemporary: White or pale compact laminate doors, stainless top, vertical-groove cladding and a glass splashback.
- Hamptons/Shaker-inspired: Shaker kitchen profiles adapted for outdoors using weatherable materials; pair with porcelain benchtops.
- Modern minimal: Porcelain in concrete-look, handleless custom cabinetry, black tapware and integrated bar fridge grille.
Costs and budgeting in WA
Every alfresco is unique, but these Perth price guides help set expectations (supply and install, indicative only):
- Starter BBQ bench (compact laminate top, weatherable cabinets, single run, sink, tap): approx. $4,500–$7,500.
- Mid-range entertainer (porcelain top, built-in BBQ, bar fridge, drawers, splashback): approx. $12,000–$20,000.
- Premium alfresco kitchen (porcelain or stainless tops, extensive storage, premium BBQ, integrated appliances, lighting): $20,000–$40,000+.
Allow for trades and compliance: gasfitting, electrical (IP-rated GPOs/lighting), plumbing and drainage, and any building work (walls, roofing, extraction). We’ll provide a transparent breakdown with your design.
WA case-style examples
Case 1: City Beach coastal upgrade
A family wanted a corrosion-resistant bench near the ocean. We used powder-coated aluminium doors, a stainless steel benchtop and porcelain splashback. Ventilated housing for the bar fridge and non-combustible surrounds to the built-in BBQ keep it safe and low maintenance.
Case 2: Fremantle courtyard entertainer
In a compact terrace, we delivered an L-shaped bench with compact laminate doors and a concrete-look porcelain top. The design mirrored their indoor engineered stone benchtop tones for seamless flow, added soft-close drawers, and tucked a composite sink under a window servery.
Outdoor BBQ bench planning checklist
- Confirm BBQ type and cut-out size; note required clearances and ventilation.
- Choose an outdoor-suitable benchtop: porcelain, stainless, concrete or compact laminate (under cover).
- Cabinet build: weatherproof doors, corrosion-resistant hardware, sealed edges and raised plinths.
- Services: gas by licensed gasfitter, water/waste, IP-rated GPOs, task and ambient lighting.
- Appliances: bar fridge (outdoor-rated), sink/tap, bin, drawers, possibly a pizza oven.
- Shade and protection: roof, screens or covers for UV and rain; consider Perth sea breeze exposure.
- Compliance: follow appliance manuals; consider standards and engage qualified trades.
- Style continuity with the home—match colours or profiles from your indoor kitchen.
Ready to design your BBQ bench?
From simple outdoor benchtop ideas to full outdoor BBQ bench ideas with storage and appliances, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs across Perth and WA. Book a design consultation and we’ll tailor a solution that fits your space, budget and the way you cook.
FAQ
What is the best benchtop for an outdoor BBQ bench in Perth?
Porcelain (sintered stone) and stainless steel are top picks for WA because they handle heat, UV and coastal air. Sealed concrete also performs well. Compact laminate is good value under a covered alfresco with heat buffers near the BBQ.
Can I build a DIY BBQ bench?
Yes—simple modules with compact laminate or concrete blocks are popular DIY options. However, all gas work must be done by a WA-licensed gasfitter, and outdoor electrics should be IP-rated and installed by a licensed electrician. Always follow your BBQ manufacturer’s clearance and ventilation requirements.
How much does an outdoor BBQ bench cost in Perth?
As a guide, a starter bench can be $4,500–$7,500, mid-range $12,000–$20,000, and premium $20,000–$40,000+. Materials, appliances, services, and exposure to the elements impact the final price.
How do I protect my BBQ bench from WA sun and rain?
Use UV-stable materials, add a roof or shade, specify sealed edges and corrosion-resistant hardware, ensure drainage and fall, and consider protective covers. In coastal suburbs, upgrade to higher-grade stainless components.