Designing a laundry that actually works day-to-day comes down to smart storage, durable materials and the right sink. For many Perth and WA homes, a double bowl laundry tub (also called a laundry double trough) is the hero—letting you soak in one bowl while you hand-wash, rinse or empty the mop bucket in the other. Below, our Joyce Kitchens team shares what to know about sizes, layouts, finishes, costs and compliance so your laundry renovation is functional, safe and beautiful.
Why choose a double bowl laundry tub?
A two-bowl sink designed for laundries. Also called a double laundry trough, it offers separate spaces for soaking, rinsing, cleaning tools, or managing delicates.
- Multitask with less mess: soak school uniforms while rinsing paint brushes or filling the mop bucket.
- Hygiene: keep “clean” and “dirty” tasks separate—ideal for pet care or muddy sports gear.
- Resale appeal: buyers value functional laundries that match kitchen-level finishes.
- Future-proofing: pairs well with front-loader washing machines and a heat-pump dryer in a compact European laundry or a full-size mudroom.
Whether your home leans coastal Hamptons or sleek contemporary, the right double laundry tub integrates with custom cabinetry and benchtops for a seamless, durable workspace.
How it fits into your renovation process
- Measure and brief: Confirm appliance sizes (most Aussie front-loaders are 600 mm wide; allow ventilation and services). Identify where the double laundry trough will sit and the bowl preference (equal or offset).
- Concept and layout: Our designers model the space alongside your kitchen renovations Perth plans or bathroom renovation, ensuring a consistent look through the home.
- Services plan: Plumbing rough-in to AS/NZS 3500, electrical for task lighting and heat-pump dryers, and waterproofing to AS 3740 in wet zones.
- Cabinetry and benchtops: Select finishes that suit laundry wear-and-tear—think laminate benchtops, porcelain, compact laminate or solid surface. Avoid banned materials (see below).
- Installation and finishing: Fit the sink, mixer and accessories (e.g., integrated baskets), caulk and seal splashbacks, test WELS-rated tapware and connect appliances.
Joyce Kitchens handles design, custom cabinetry WA manufacture, and installation project management. We coordinate with licensed trades so your laundry, kitchen, scullery, pantry and wardrobe fitouts align in colour and hardware.
Sizes, configurations and layouts
Popular bowl sizes in Australia
- Common bowl volumes: 35–60 L per bowl; deeper 250–300 mm bowls are perfect for soaking.
- Overall sink widths: from 700–1160 mm for double laundry tubs; allow at least 900–1200 mm cabinet width.
- Steel thickness: 1.0–1.2 mm for premium stainless; 1.2 mm is quieter and more robust.
Mounting options
- Top-mount (drop-in): Easiest to retrofit; great for laminate benchtops; visible rim for added protection.
- Undermount: Clean, modern shadowline; best with stone-look porcelain or solid surface; needs precise cut-out and sealing.
Smart layout ideas
- Offset bowls with one larger for buckets and one smaller for handwashing.
- Add a fluted or ribbed drainer on one side to protect benchtops.
- Include a pull-out laundry basket below, soft-close drawers for detergents, and a tall broom cabinet to the side.
- Consider a raised plinth under appliances for ergonomic loading and for integrating a trough at comfortable height.
Materials and finishes
For the tub itself
- Stainless steel (304 or 316): Classic, tough, and perfect for Perth’s hard water. Grade 316 offers better corrosion resistance in coastal WA.
- Granite-composite / quartz sinks: Durable and quiet; choose products compliant with Australian regulations and manufacturer guidance.
- Fireclay/ceramic: Stylish farmhouse look; heavier, needs solid mounting and careful installation.
For the benchtop
Important note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is subject to a national ban in Australia (2024). If you have an older engineered stone benchtop, speak to licensed professionals about safe modification or replacement. Consider these current options instead:
- Porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces: Excellent heat/scratch resistance, ideal for undermount sinks.
- Laminate: Budget-friendly, huge range of colours; pair with top-mount sinks for moisture protection.
- Compact laminate: Water-resistant core, fine for undermount with correct sealing.
- Solid surface: Seamless joins and easy repairs; good for undermount installs.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy, banned for new use) | Laminate (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Banned nationally for new installations (2024). Existing tops require licensed handling. | Widely compliant; ideal with top-mount sinks and sealed edges. |
| Durability | Hard and heat-resistant; cutting risks require controls. | Good day-to-day; avoid direct heat/wet edge exposure. |
| Aesthetics | Stone-like patterns. | Vast colours, including stone-look decors. |
| Cost | N/A for new; safe removal/rework adds costs. | Budget-friendly; great value for laundries. |
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme. Look for 4–5 Star mixers to save water and energy in the laundry.
Plumbing, ventilation and compliance in WA
- Plumbing and drainage must meet AS/NZS 3500; waterproofing to AS 3740 for wet areas.
- Use a licensed plumber for installing the mixer, traps and overflow connections.
- Ventilation helps with Perth’s humidity—consider an externally ducted exhaust and allow dryer clearance (heat-pump dryers are efficient and don’t require full venting).
- Choose WELS-rated tapware for water efficiency and an anti-flood device if the laundry sits over living areas.
For building guidance and consumer advice, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA. Also refer to WA Building and Energy notices for current regulations.
References:
HIA (Housing Industry Association) |
Master Builders WA |
WA Building and Energy
Styles to suit your home
- Shaker/Hamptons: Shaker kitchen-style doors, classic cup pulls, ceramic or stainless double trough, subway-tile splashback.
- Contemporary: Finger-pull doors, two-pack satin finish, undermount stainless or granite-composite sink, stone-look porcelain benchtop.
- Scandi/minimal: Light timber-look melamine, compact laminate tops, matte-black mixer and LED task lighting.
Coordinate your laundry with adjacent kitchen splashbacks, bathroom vanities and wardrobe fitouts to create a whole-home palette.
Storage and custom cabinetry ideas
- Overhead cabinets for chemicals (child-safe height) and open shelves for baskets.
- Pull-out hampers under the double laundry tub for pre-sorting whites/darks.
- Soft-close drawers (quality runners like Blum) for pegs, stain removers and sewing kits.
- A tall cabinet for vacuum, mop and ironing board; add a hanging rail for drip-dry items above the trough.
- Task lighting beneath overheads to brighten the sink and benchtop.
Costs and timelines in Perth/WA
- Double bowl laundry tub (stainless): $300–$900
- Composite/granite double sink: $450–$1,200
- Laundry mixer/tapware (WELS-rated): $150–$600
- Plumbing rough-in and fit-off: $600–$1,200+ (site dependent)
- Cabinetry (custom, small–mid laundry): $4,000–$9,000+
- Laminate benchtops: $600–$1,200 per linear metre
- Porcelain/ultra-compact: $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre
- Solid surface: $900–$1,800 per linear metre
Lead times: design and selections 1–2 weeks; manufacture 2–4 weeks; installation 1–3 days; total project 2–6 weeks depending on scope, especially if combined with kitchen renovations Perth or bathroom works.
WA case-style examples
Subiaco terrace, compact European laundry
We integrated a 760 mm double bowl laundry tub undermount into a porcelain benchtop with finger-pull doors. One bowl handles soaking delicates; the other fills the steam mop. A shallow overhead cabinet hides the dryer vent and LED strip for task lighting. Result: a minimal look that matches the clients’ shaker kitchen in the adjacent space.
Joondalup family, mudroom-laundry combo
A 1160 mm top-mount stainless laundry double trough sits over a 1200 mm cabinet with two pull-out hampers. Compact laminate benchtops, a tall broom cupboard and a bench seat with hooks make school mornings smoother. The design echoes their coastal bathroom renovation finishes for continuity.
Practical checklist
- Measure appliances and confirm door swing and ventilation clearances.
- Choose undermount or top-mount early—this affects benchtop material and cut-outs.
- Pick bowl sizes and depth to suit buckets, pet baths and handwashing.
- Select WELS 4–5 Star tapware and plan for an anti-flood device if required.
- Confirm splashback height behind the sink for easy cleaning.
- Lock in cabinetry layout: hampers, soft-close drawers, tall storage, hanging rail.
- Plan lighting: ceiling + task lights over the double bowl laundry tub.
- Book licensed trades; ensure AS/NZS 3500 and AS 3740 compliance.
- Coordinate finishes with your kitchen, scullery, pantry and wardrobe fitouts for a cohesive home.
Ready to design your laundry?
From double bowl laundry tubs to custom cabinetry WA manufacture, Joyce Kitchens creates hard-working spaces that look the part. Speak with our Perth design team to plan your laundry renovation alongside your kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe upgrades.
FAQ
Is a double bowl laundry tub worth it in a small laundry?
Yes, if you multitask—soaking in one bowl while rinsing or filling a mop bucket in the other saves time. In very tight spaces, consider a compact double (one full bowl plus a half bowl) or prioritise one deep bowl with a generous drainer.
What size double laundry trough should I choose?
Most Australian homes suit bowls of 35–60 L each, 250–300 mm deep. Allow a 900–1200 mm cabinet width for double laundry tubs and confirm clearances for plumbing, tap hole positions and any accessories like colanders or drain baskets.
Undermount vs top-mount for a laundry double trough—what’s better?
Top-mount is budget-friendly and ideal with laminate benchtops; it protects the edge and is easier to retrofit. Undermount delivers a clean look and easy wipe-down but suits dense benchtops like porcelain or solid surface and needs precise installation.
What benchtops work now that engineered stone is banned?
Choose porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces, compact laminate, solid surface or high-pressure laminate. They pair well with top-mount or undermount installations (check manufacturer specs) and suit Perth’s day-to-day laundry use.
Do I need a licensed plumber, and which standards apply in WA?
Yes. Plumbing must meet AS/NZS 3500, and laundry wet areas should be waterproofed to AS 3740. Use WELS-rated tapware and follow local WA Building and Energy guidance. Licensed trades ensure safety, compliance and warranty protection.