Considering flat pack kitchen cabinets or custom made cabinets for your Perth home? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers what to buy, how much it costs, how to plan a stress-free renovation, and when custom cabinetry is the better value. Whether you’re tackling DIY kitchen cupboards, ordering cabinets online, or commissioning custom cabinetry WA-wide, here’s how to get it right the first time.
What is a flat pack?
Flat pack cabinetry is popular for kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and wardrobes because it’s affordable, flexible and quick to deliver. You can mix flat pack base cabinets, flat pack wall cabinets and tall units (pantry, broom, flat pack linen cupboard) and choose doors that match your preferred style—from classic shaker kitchen fronts to modern, handleless designs.
Flat pack kitchen cabinets vs custom cabinetry in WA: which suits you?
When flat pack cabinetry is a great fit
- You want the best value on a prefab kitchen with a straightforward layout (galley, L-shaped or U-shaped).
- You’re comfortable with DIY cabinets or have a trusted installer and want shorter lead times.
- You’re fitting standard-sized appliances (600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops) and straight walls.
- You’re renovating rentals, apartments or secondary spaces like sculleries and butler’s pantries.
When custom made cabinets are the smarter choice
- Walls or floors are out-of-square and need precise scribing and on-site adjustments.
- You want seamless integrated appliances, a large island bench, curved joinery or bespoke storage.
- You care about premium finishes (2-pack polyurethane, timber veneer) and long-term durability.
- You need tailored solutions for wardrobes, laundries and vanities to maximise every millimetre.
At Joyce Kitchens we also offer custom flatpacks—locally manufactured, made-to-measure boxes supplied flat, with your choice of fronts and hardware. Ideal when standard flatpack kitchen cabinets don’t quite fit but you still want the speed and savings of flat pack.
How Joyce Kitchens designs and delivers
- In-home or showroom consult: A Perth-based designer measures and discusses your goals, budget and style. We commonly design custom kitchen cupboards, laundry cabinets, vanities and wardrobes.
- 3D design and specification: We model layouts (including scullery and pantry planning), choose materials, and confirm appliance clearances per AS/NZS standards.
- Manufacture in WA: Cabinets are cut and edge-banded locally for consistent quality. Hardware from leading brands with soft-close hinges and runners.
- Supply-only or installed: Pick up your custom flat pack cabinets or book our installation team. We also coordinate licensed trades for plumbing and electrical.
Compliance note: We design to relevant Australian standards including AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies) and ventilation/clearance requirements around cooking appliances per AS/NZS 5601. For building approvals and contract guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) or Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes
Cabinet carcasses
- MR Melamine (Moisture Resistant): Cost-effective, durable for kitchens and laundries.
- Plywood carcasses: Strong and light; premium feel; great in coastal WA homes.
Doors and drawer fronts
- Melamine: Matte, textured or gloss. Easy-care and budget-friendly.
- Thermoformed (vinyl wrap): Seamless edges; popular for shaker profiles.
- 2-pack polyurethane: Painted finish in any colour; crisp look for Hamptons or contemporary styles.
- Timber veneer/solid timber: Natural warmth; pairs beautifully with matte black tapware and stone.
Benchtops and splashbacks
- Laminate: Great value and wide design range; excellent for DIY cupboards.
- Engineered stone alternatives: Due to Australia-wide restrictions on high-silica engineered stone, consider low-silica materials, porcelain/sintered slabs, natural granite, or solid surface.
- Porcelain/sintered: High heat and UV resistance; ideal for sunny WA kitchens.
- Glass, tile or stone splashbacks: Match your lifestyle and cleaning preferences.
Safety note: Before specifying engineered stone, check current regulations in WA and nationally. See Safe Work Australia: Engineered Stone.
Hardware
- Soft-close hinges and full-extension runners for everyday comfort.
- Pull-out pantries, corner solutions and recycle stations for smarter storage.
- Handleless systems or classic handles to suit your style.
Layouts and styles that work in Perth homes
Popular layouts
- Galley: Efficient for apartments and narrow spaces.
- L-shaped/U-shaped: Maximises benchtop area; add an island bench where space allows.
- Scullery/butler’s pantry: Hide small appliances and mess; perfect for entertainers.
Design styles
- Shaker kitchen: Timeless frames, works in coastal and character homes.
- Modern handleless: Sleek lines, integrated appliances and minimal hardware.
- Hamptons/Coastal: Soft whites, light timbers, and breezy textures for WA light.
Local considerations in WA
- Heat and UV: Choose UV-stable finishes in sunlit spaces, especially north/west-facing rooms.
- Appliance sizing: 600 mm ovens and 900 mm cooktops are common. Allow correct clearances and ensure compliant gas/electric installation.
- Ceiling heights: 720 mm or 900 mm high wall cabinets; consider bulkheads to ceiling for a built-in look and reduced dust.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help plan your budget. All figures in AUD and indicative for Perth.
- Flat pack kitchen prices (supply-only): Studio/small kitchen: $3,500–$8,000; family kitchen: $8,000–$15,000+ depending on doors, hardware and benchtops.
- Flat pack supplied and installed: Typically $12,000–$25,000+ including fitting; more with premium benchtops and splashbacks.
- Custom made kitchen units (installed): From $20,000–$60,000+ depending on size, finishes and appliances; high-end, bespoke projects can exceed this.
- Laundry/vanity: $2,000–$8,000+ depending on scope and tops.
- Wardrobes: Reach-in $2,500–$6,000+; walk-in $6,000–$15,000+ with accessories.
Lead times: Flat pack cabinets online or supply-only custom flatpacks can be ready in 2–4 weeks; fully custom projects generally 4–8+ weeks including installation and trades. If you’d prefer a custom designed kitchen planned around your space, our team can manage the full design‑to‑install process.
Benchtops: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
Always check current regulations regarding engineered stone in Australia. Many Perth homeowners now choose porcelain/sintered or laminate for health and compliance reasons.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (see compliance note) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Stone-like; consistent patterns | Huge range; realistic stone/timber effects |
| Heat/UV | Good heat resistance; check product specs | Moderate; use trivets; modern laminates are robust |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous | Very low; simple cleaning |
| Installed cost | Higher | Budget-friendly |
| Compliance in WA | Subject to strict rules; prefer approved low-silica alternatives | No special restrictions |
Practical checklist for flat pack success
- Measure twice: overall room, ceiling height, window and door positions, services and appliance sizes.
- Choose cabinet modules that suit your layout; confirm flat pack wall cupboards height (720 or 900 mm).
- Plan clearances to AS/NZS and manufacturer instructions (especially around cooktops and ovens).
- Confirm hinge swing and drawer clearances near walls and appliances.
- Select durable finishes suited to WA light and heat; consider finger-mark resistance for dark colours.
- Order 10–15% extra filler panels and cover strips for scribing and a seamless finish.
- Use quality hardware (soft-close) and moisture protection around sinks and dishwashers.
- Book trades early: licensed electrician and plumber; tiler and benchtop fabricator if applicable.
- For wardrobes, plan hanging lengths, drawers, shoe storage and lighting up-front; explore flat pack wardrobes online or custom.
Two quick WA examples
Case 1: Subiaco investment unit (DIY + supply-only)
The owner chose flat pack cabinets Perth supply-only: MR melamine carcasses, melamine shaker doors and a laminate top. A galley layout with flat pack wall cabinets maximised storage. Total spend under $10k; completed over one weekend with a contracted sparkie and plumber.
Case 2: Duncraig family home (custom + custom flatpacks)
The brief called for a large island bench, integrated fridge and a scullery. We combined custom made kitchen units for the island and pantry with custom flat pack cabinets for straight runs to control costs. 2-pack shaker fronts, soft-close drawers and porcelain benchtops delivered a premium, practical result.
Why choose Joyce Kitchens
- Perth specialists in kitchen renovations, wardrobes, laundries and bathrooms.
- Custom cabinetry WA-made, plus smart custom flatpacks when speed and value matter.
- End-to-end design, manufacturing and installation—one accountable team.
- Options to order custom cabinets online via our design process and supply-only service for builders and DIYers.
Looking for kitchen cabinets online, cabinetry online or flat pack cabinets online? Talk to our team about made-to-measure solutions that actually fit your space and comply with Australian standards.
FAQ
Are flat pack kitchen cabinets durable enough for family kitchens?
Yes—when you choose quality MR melamine or plywood carcasses, reputable hardware and correct installation, flat pack kitchen cabinets stand up well to daily use. For complex spaces or heavy-duty use, custom cabinetry offers extra precision and longevity.
How much does a flat pack kitchen cost in Perth?
Supply-only flat pack kitchens typically range from $3,500–$15,000+ depending on size, doors, hardware and benchtops. With installation, allow $12,000–$25,000+. Custom kitchens start around $20,000 and scale with finishes, layout and appliances.
Can I mix flat pack base cabinets with custom kitchen cupboards?
Absolutely. Many Perth projects blend flat pack modules for straight runs with custom made cabinets for islands, pantries, corner solutions and integrated appliances. This hybrid approach maximises value while achieving a tailored look.
What’s the difference between DIY kitchen cupboards and custom made cabinets?
DIY kitchen cabinets are supplied flat pack and assembled on site in standard sizes. Custom made cabinets are designed and built to your exact space, finishes and details, then installed by professionals—ideal for premium results and tricky rooms.
Do you supply flat pack wardrobes and linen cupboards online?
Yes. We offer supply-only flat pack wardrobes and flat pack linen cupboards, plus custom wardrobes and cabinetry. Share your measurements and we can design, manufacture in WA and supply for pickup or delivery.
If plumbing or walls can’t move, consider a freestanding kitchenette to add storage and prep space fast.
For colour palettes and styling that elevate even flat‑pack builds, explore our interior design kitchen guide.
