Looking for a cheap kitchen that still looks designer? At Joyce Kitchens, we design and build well‑priced kitchens for Perth and WA homes—without the false economy. From budget kitchens and discount cabinets kitchen options to cheap kitchens including installation, we focus on smart design, durable materials and transparent costing so your money works harder.
How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
- Choose smart over small: a compact, well-planned galley can outperform a larger, poorly planned space.
- Spend where it counts: invest in hinges, runners and carcasses; save on door profiles and tops you can upgrade later.
- Keep services put: moving plumbing or gas (AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS 5601) adds cost—retain locations where possible.
- Standard sizes = savings: design around 600 mm ovens and 900 mm cooktops; stock sizes reduce custom work.
- Consider a staged upgrade: start with custom cabinetry WA-made plus a laminate benchtop, then swap to porcelain or natural stone later.
- Buy kitchen packages during a kitchen remodel sale for appliance bundles and installer availability.
Our WA Renovation Process for Well‑Priced Kitchens
- Design consult: We measure, discuss workflow (sink–prep–cook triangle), storage, and your budget bracket.
- Specification: We recommend cost‑effective finishes (e.g., melamine doors, laminate benchtop, durable hardware).
- Fixed quote: Transparent pricing for cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, trades and cheap kitchens including installation.
- Manufacture in WA: Custom cabinetry built locally for lead-time certainty and after‑sales support.
- Installation: Licensed trades for electrical and gas per WA regulations (AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 5601).
- Handover and care: We provide maintenance tips so your well priced kitchen stays looking fresh longer.
Tip: Choose builders or installers who are members of respected associations such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) or Master Builders WA.
Materials and Finishes That Keep Costs Down
Budget‑Smart Cabinet Doors
- Melamine doors (matt or woodgrain) with ABS edging: extremely durable, cost‑effective, ideal for rentals and family homes.
- Thermofoil (vinyl wrap): smooth look, avoid tight profiles or high heat zones; use protection near ovens.
- 2‑pack polyurethane: premium paint finish; consider for feature doors only to stay on budget.
Benchtops That Balance Price and Performance
Australia introduced a national prohibition on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone containing crystalline silica for new installations in 2024. For new projects we recommend porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, solid surface acrylic, timber, or natural stone. If you have a legacy engineered stone benchtop, we can advise safe removal/repair protocols and alternatives. For standards and compliance guidance, see the Safe Work Australia site.
Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate: Which Is Better for Cheap Kitchens?
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. cost (installed, Perth) | $$$ (higher) | $ (lowest) |
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; suitable near cooktops | Good everyday use; use trivets |
| Scratch & stain resistance | Very high | Good; avoid abrasive cleaners |
| Appearance | Premium, stone/marble looks | Wide range of contemporary decors |
| Maintenance | Easy, non‑porous | Very easy; wipe clean |
| Best for | Mid to premium budgets, heavy use | Entry to mid budgets, rentals, quick refresh |
Note: If you’re replacing a legacy engineered stone benchtop, we can match a similar aesthetic using porcelain or laminate patterns while complying with the national prohibition.
Hardware That Makes a Budget Kitchen Feel Premium
- Soft‑close hinges and drawers: Affordable upgrades that lift daily use.
- Full‑extension drawers: Access to the back; fewer lost items.
- Pull‑out pantries and corner solutions: Consider only where they solve real storage issues.
Layouts and Styles That Deliver Value
Value‑Focused Layouts
- Galley kitchen: Excellent for apartments; short runs = fewer cabinets, lower cost.
- L‑shaped with island: Great for open‑plan; island can be a simple laminate top to save.
- U‑shaped: Maximises storage; use drawers for pots and a compact butler’s pantry only if space allows.
Styles That Look Expensive (But Aren’t)
- Shaker kitchen in durable matt melamine doors for a Hamptons look on a budget.
- Scandi with light woodgrain melamine, white laminate benchtop and simple subway tile splashback.
- Contemporary handleless using integrated finger pulls rather than push‑to‑open hardware.
Local tip: WA homes often prefer 900 mm cooktops; if you’re tight on bench space, a 600 or 700 mm unit may free up valuable prep area. Always maintain manufacturer clearances and NCC compliance; see the Australian Building Codes Board for guidance.
How Much Do Cheap Kitchens Cost in Perth?
Every home is different, but these ballpark figures help plan a budget for kitchen renovations Perth wide. Prices include WA manufacture and GST, and assume straight walls and standard ceiling height:
- Cosmetic refresh (keep layout): from $5,500–$12,000 for new doors, panels and laminate benchtop; add $800–$2,000 for splashback.
- New budget kitchen (small/galley): from $12,000–$18,000 including custom cabinetry, laminate top and installation.
- Mid‑budget upgrade (typical family kitchen): $18,000–$30,000 with drawers, quality hardware, laminate or selected porcelain top.
- Trades and services: electrical and plumbing typically $2,000–$5,000; gas works must meet AS/NZS 5601.
- Demolition and removal: $800–$2,000 depending on size and access.
Looking to buy kitchen packages during a promotion? Ask about our seasonal kitchen remodel sale for appliance bundles and fixture discounts.
Real WA Project Examples
Case 1 – Subiaco Unit Refresh
A 1970s galley converted to a modern rental‑ready space. We retained services, specified white melamine doors with ABS edges, a concrete‑look laminate benchtop, and a 600 mm appliance set. Total installed: approx. $13,800. Result: durable, bright and easy to clean between tenancies.
Case 2 – North Coogee Family Upgrade
Open‑plan L‑shaped kitchen with a budget island. Carcasses are moisture‑resistant board, doors in coastal woodgrain melamine, and a porcelain island top paired with laminate on the back run. Pull‑out pantry omitted in favour of wide drawers. Total installed: approx. $24,700.
Budget Kitchen Planning Checklist
- [ ] Define max budget and a 10% contingency.
- [ ] Lock your layout before choosing finishes.
- [ ] Prioritise drawers over cupboards for everyday zones.
- [ ] Select benchtop material suited to heat and wear.
- [ ] Confirm appliance sizes (600/900 mm) and power/gas needs.
- [ ] Choose splashback (tile, glass, laminate) early for lead times.
- [ ] Book licensed trades; check compliance with AS/NZS standards.
- [ ] Plan for waste, site access and temporary cooking during works.
FAQ
How do I get a cheap kitchen without it looking cheap?
Focus on layout, storage and hardware first. Use durable melamine doors, ABS edging and soft‑close runners. Choose a quality laminate benchtop or an entry porcelain for impact. Keep plumbing and gas where they are, and design around standard‑size appliances to avoid custom costs.
What does a budget kitchen cost in Perth including installation?
As a guide, compact cheap kitchens including installation typically start from $12,000–$18,000 for custom WA cabinetry with laminate tops. Family kitchens with more drawers and upgraded benchtops tend to land between $18,000–$30,000. Trades, splashbacks and demolition add to the total depending on scope.
Do you supply cheap kitchens including installation and licensed trades?
Yes. We handle design, WA manufacture, delivery and installation. Electrical and gas work is performed by licensed trades in line with AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5601. We can also coordinate tiling, plastering and painting for a streamlined project.
Is engineered stone still available for new kitchens in WA?
No—for new installations there is a national prohibition on engineered stone containing crystalline silica. We recommend safe, modern alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, solid surface or natural stone. If you have a legacy engineered stone benchtop, we can advise compliant replacement pathways.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Perth?
After design sign‑off, WA manufacture typically takes 3–6 weeks. On‑site installation is usually 2–5 days for cabinetry and benchtops, plus time for splashbacks, plumbing and electrical. Allow 3–6 weeks total from order to completion depending on scope and material lead times.
Ready to explore well priced kitchens that suit your home? Talk to Joyce Kitchens about custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust for kitchen renovations Perth wide.
Helpful references: Consider guidance from HIA, Master Builders WA and the ABCB for compliance and building standards.
Prefer a fixed‑scope solution? Compare inclusions in our complete kitchen packages.
Use our budget for renovations calculator to set and track a realistic spend.
