Thinking about a DIY kitchen for your Perth or WA home? This expert guide covers planning, layout, materials, costs, and the renovation process — plus when to bring in licensed trades. Whether you’re updating a galley kitchen, creating a Shaker-style space, or adding DIY kitchen furniture like a freestanding island, here’s how to do it right in Australia.
For homeowners who prefer professional help, kitchen designers Perth can provide tailored plans, manage licensed trades and ensure compliance with WA regulations.
DIY kitchen: quick insights
- DIY saves money on demolition, flat-pack assembly and painting, but Australian law requires licensed trades for electrical, plumbing and gas (WA included).
- Measure twice, order once: Australian appliance standards are commonly 600 mm and 900 mm widths; check each manufacturer before finalising cabinetry.
- Consider WA conditions: strong sun and heat favour UV-stable finishes, heat-resistant splashbacks and ventilation for open-plan living.
- Pro design pays back: a tailored plan from a Perth designer avoids costly layout mistakes, especially for a galley kitchen or U-shaped kitchen with an island bench.
The structural box of a cabinet (sides, back, base and shelves) that hardware and doors attach to.
A hard-wearing painted finish cured with a catalyst for premium doors and panels; smooth, repairable and available in matte to gloss.
Hardware (e.g., Blum or Hettich) that stops doors and drawers slamming, improving longevity and feel.
DIY kitchen furniture: where it fits
Freestanding pantry cabinets, modular shelving and movable islands can add storage without major building work. They’re ideal for renters and for bridging the gap before a full kitchen renovation. For a cohesive look, match door profiles (e.g., Shaker kitchen doors), benchtop thickness and kickboard height to your main cabinets.
The renovation process (step by step)
1) Brief and budget
- List must-haves: dishwasher space, wider fridge cavity, butler’s pantry/scullery, appliance tower, undermount sink, LED task lighting.
- Set a budget range with contingency (10–15%). DIY often lowers install costs but allow for disposal, delivery and tool hire.
2) Measure and plan
- Measure walls, windows, services and ceiling heights (many WA homes are ~2400 mm).
- Select a layout: galley kitchen, L-shaped, U-shaped or peninsula for open-plan living.
- Confirm appliance sizes (600/900 mm ovens and cooktops, 600 mm dishwashers) including door swing and ventilation space.
3) Compliance and permits
- Electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 and be done by a licensed electrician.
- Gas installations must comply with AS/NZS 5601; use a licensed gasfitter for any gas cooktop or oven.
- Cabinetry should meet AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchen units. Check strata or council rules if altering walls or services.
- Refer to reputable Australian sources such as the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA for guidance.
4) Demolition and prep
- Protect floors and nearby rooms; isolate power and water.
- Patch walls, square corners, and ensure level floors for clean cabinet installation.
5) Cabinet install
- Start with base units, level and fix to studs; then install tall units and overheads.
- Use moisture-resistant board for sink cabinets and wet zones.
- Fit soft-close hinges and drawer systems; adjust for even reveals.
6) Benchtops and splashbacks
- Template and fit benchtops; maintain correct cooktop clearances and rangehood heights (commonly 600 mm electric, 650 mm gas, or per manufacturer).
- Consider porcelain/sintered stone, laminate benchtops, timber or solid surface; see comparison below.
7) Services, finishing and handover
- Licensed trades connect appliances, plumbing and gas; install GPOs and LED lighting.
- Caulk, fit handles or go handleless (finger-pull, push-to-open), then clean and test doors/drawers.
WA case examples
Fremantle worker’s cottage (galley kitchen): We retained the original galley footprint, added custom cabinetry WA in a Shaker profile with two-pack doors, a compact 600 mm induction cooktop, and pull-out pantries to maximise storage. Result: classic style, modern function in a narrow space.
Joondalup family home (U-shaped with island): Replaced dated vinyl wrap doors with matte laminate, added soft-close drawers, an engineered stone-look porcelain benchtop with waterfall end, and an appliance tower to declutter. The island bench improved seating and circulation in open-plan living.
Note: For local standards and advice, see HIA and Master Builders WA. Always follow current WA regulations and manufacturer instructions.
Materials and finishes
Cabinet doors and panels
- Melamine/thermo-laminate: budget-friendly, durable; great for modern minimalist or Hampton-style looks.
- Two-pack polyurethane: premium smooth or Shaker kitchen profiles; repairable and colour-matched to Australian palettes.
- Timber veneer/solid timber: warm, natural variation; seal well in coastal WA climates.
Benchtops: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
Important: From 1 July 2024, Australia introduced a ban on the manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered stone containing crystalline silica for new projects. If you’re renovating, consider alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface. Existing engineered stone (legacy installations) can be maintained and repaired by licensed professionals following safety controls. Always check current WA regulations.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy context) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status (AU) | New fabrication/installation banned nationally from 1 July 2024; see WA guidance | No special restrictions |
| Indicative cost (installed) | Not applicable for new installs; alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone | Approx. $150–$350 per linear metre (edge profile, thickness and brand dependent) |
| Heat and UV | Heat resistant but follow trivet rules; UV varies by product | Improved heat resistance, but use trivets; can fade under harsh WA sun if unprotected |
| Look and feel | Stone-like appearance; seamless undermount sinks common (legacy) | Huge design range; modern square edges, realistic stone/timber prints |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance (legacy); avoid harsh abrasives | Very low maintenance; avoid cutting directly on surface |
Smart alternatives for new projects
- Porcelain/sintered stone: high heat and scratch resistance; great for waterfall ends and outdoor kitchens.
- Solid surface (acrylic): seamless joins, repairable; warm touch.
- Timber: beautiful and renewable; oil and maintain, especially near sinks.
Hardware and storage
- Soft-close drawers, corner carousels/lazy Susans, and pantry pull-outs maximise space.
- Under-mount vs top-mount sinks: under-mount suits stone/solid surfaces; top-mount is versatile with laminate.
- LED strip task lighting under overheads for safer food prep.
Layouts and styles
Popular Australian layouts
- Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments and terraces; maintain 1000–1200 mm between runs.
- L-shaped: Flexible for open-plan; add an island bench for seating.
- U-shaped: Maximum storage; watch corner access with smart hardware.
- Peninsula: Great when a full island doesn’t fit; defines zones in open-plan living.
Style pointers
- Shaker kitchen: Two-pack doors, cup pulls, subway-tile splashback.
- Modern minimalist: Handleless cabinetry, finger-pull rails, matte finishes, integrated appliances.
- Coastal WA: Light timbers, breezy whites, durable laminates for UV exposure.
Costs and timelines
Typical DIY-friendly ranges (Perth/WA)
- Flat-pack or modular cabinets: $3,000–$9,000 for a small to medium kitchen (carcasses, doors, basic hardware).
- Custom cabinetry WA: from $12,000–$25,000+ depending on size, finishes and storage features.
- Benchtops: laminate $150–$350/lin m; solid surface $500–$900/lin m; porcelain/sintered stone $700–$1,200/lin m (thickness/edges vary).
- Trades (licensed): electrician $90–$140/hr; plumber $100–$150/hr; tiler $50–$90/sqm (indicative).
- Appliances: mid-range 600 mm oven/cooktop/dishwasher package $2,000–$4,000; 900 mm packages higher.
Timeframe: A simple DIY kitchen refresh can take 1–2 weeks; full replacement with new services typically 3–5 weeks including lead times for custom cabinetry and benchtops.
DIY kitchen planning checklist
- Confirm room measurements and ceiling height.
- Choose layout and working triangle (sink–cooktop–fridge) or work zones.
- Select appliances and obtain cut-out specs before ordering cabinets.
- Choose door style (Shaker, flat), finish (melamine, two-pack) and benchtop material.
- Plan storage: drawers vs shelves, corner units, pull-outs, appliance garage.
- Lighting plan: task, ambient and feature; add GPOs per appliance needs.
- Compliance check: licensed electrician, plumber and gasfitter booked.
- Order sequencing: cabinets → benchtop template → splashback → final fit-off.
- Allow 10–15% contingency for surprises.
Want a professional finish without the stress? Joyce Kitchens offers kitchen renovations Perth-wide, plus coordinated bathroom, laundry and wardrobe fit-outs. Our designers can blend DIY savings with custom solutions and licensed installation as needed.
Useful Australian references
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — industry advice and resources.
- Master Builders Western Australia — local updates and guidance.
- WA Government — Silica and engineered stone information — safety and regulatory updates.
Ready to plan your kitchen?
Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens to create a practical, beautiful kitchen that suits your space, lifestyle and budget. From custom cabinetry WA to turnkey kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust, we’re here to help — and we can coordinate your bathroom, laundry and wardrobe projects too.
FAQ
Is a DIY kitchen cheaper than hiring a full-service renovator?
Often, yes — especially if you handle demolition, flat-pack assembly and painting. You’ll still need licensed trades for electrical, plumbing and gas, and a professional designer can help you avoid costly layout mistakes that wipe out DIY savings.
Can I do my own plumbing, electrical or gas work in WA?
No. In Western Australia (and across Australia) only licensed trades can legally perform electrical work, plumbing and gas fitting. This protects your safety, insurance and compliance with AS/NZS standards. DIYers can do cosmetic tasks and cabinetry; book licensed trades for service connections and compliance certificates.
What are standard Australian appliance and cabinet sizes?
Common sizes are 600 mm and 900 mm for ovens and cooktops, 600 mm for dishwashers, and 900 mm rangehoods over 900 mm cooktops. Allow manufacturer clearances and typical rangehood heights (about 600 mm electric, 650 mm gas, or per instructions). Always plan cabinetry around the exact appliances you’ll use.
How much does a DIY kitchen cost in Perth and WA?
As a guide: $5,000–$15,000 for a small flat-pack refresh, $15,000–$35,000 for larger DIY with some custom components, and $35,000+ for premium materials, porcelain/sintered stone benchtops and integrated appliances. Labour, access and material choices will affect the final price.
Is engineered stone still an option for new benchtops in Australia?
For new projects, no. From 1 July 2024, Australia banned the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or timber for new kitchens. Existing engineered stone can be maintained under strict safety controls.