Looking for kitchen base cabinets cheap—without compromising quality, style or longevity? Here’s how Perth and WA homeowners can get robust base cupboards, drawer bases and sink units at the right price, with expert design and installation from Joyce Kitchens.
What “cheap” should mean for base cabinets
Cheap doesn’t have to mean flimsy. The sweet spot is selecting the right kitchen carcass materials and hardware for your lifestyle, standardising sizes, and reserving spend for high‑impact details. With good planning, you can achieve inexpensive kitchen cabinets that look custom—ideal for kitchen renovations Perth-wide.
The box that forms each kitchen cabinet unit (sides, base, back, shelf). Doors, drawer fronts and benchtops are added to the carcass.
- Standardise modules: Use 300, 450, 600, 800 and 900 mm base cabinet units for the best value. A narrow kitchen cabinet at 300 mm fills tight gaps affordably.
- Prioritise drawers where they matter: Base cabinets with drawers cost more than shelves but boost access for pots and pantry items. Mix shelves and lower drawer kitchen cabinets for balance.
- Choose tough, economical finishes: Melamine and laminate are cost‑effective and durable for WA homes.
- Save on corners: Fancy corner mechanisms add cost. Fixed shelves or a simple “walking corner” can cut spend.
- Keep to local standards: We build to AS/NZS cabinetry standards for long-term performance in WA homes.
Moisture‑resistant particleboard or MDF (often labelled HMR) used in cabinet carcasses to resist swelling—ideal near a sink base cabinet.
Our design-to-install renovation process (Perth & WA)
Whether you need basic kitchen cabinets, a kitchen sink and cabinet refresh, or full custom cabinetry WA, our process keeps costs clear and timelines tight.
1) Measure & brief
We confirm room dimensions, services and appliance sizes (600 mm ovens and 900 mm cooktops are common in Australia) to avoid variations later.
2) Design & selections
We’ll propose layouts for base cabinets and kitchen cupboards, choose drawer systems, and recommend finishes that meet budget and lifestyle.
3) Detailed quote
Transparent pricing for kitchen cabinet unit carcasses, doors, drawers and benchtops. We’ll flag options for discount custom cabinets without cutting corners.
4) Manufacture & install
Locally made, installed by licensed trades. We work to AS/NZS cabinetry guidelines (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 Domestic kitchen assemblies) and best practice from industry bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA.
Suggested resources:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
Standards Australia.
Materials and finishes that save smart
For inexpensive kitchen cabinets that last, choose proven substrates and affordable finishes, and match hardware to usage.
Carcasses: the strength behind the style
- HMR particleboard carcasses: cost‑effective, stable and ideal for kitchen unit carcasses across WA.
- Moisture‑resistant MDF for painted or wrapped doors; great value for smooth profiles such as shaker kitchen styles.
- Plywood: lightweight kitchen cabinets benefit from ply, though cost is higher. Good for coastal humidity.
A cabinet construction without face frames, giving more internal space and clean lines—common in modern Australian kitchens.
Door and drawer fronts
- Melamine: the best value, huge colour range including base white cabinets and woodgrains.
- Thermofoil/Vinyl wrap: curved profiles and shaker looks at moderate cost.
- Two‑pack polyurethane: premium painted finish; more costly, great for feature doors rather than every cabinet.
Hardware: where quality matters
Kitchen cabinet drawers benefit from full-extension runners and soft‑close hinges—especially for drawer base units and cabinet under counter storage. Upgrading hardware has a big usability payoff.
Benchtops paired with budget-friendly base cabinets
Perth summers can be hot. Choose a benchtop that handles heat and everyday use. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop (Quartz) | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly scratch and stain resistant | Good day‑to‑day durability; use boards to avoid cuts |
| Heat resistance | Good, but use trivets—especially in Perth’s summer heat | Moderate—avoid direct hot pans |
| Cost | $$$ (mid to high) | $ (most budget‑friendly) |
| Look/feel | Premium; pairs with custom cabinetry | Vast decors; modern edges look great with basic kitchen cabinets |
| Lead time | Longer (templating required) | Shorter; ideal for quick projects |
| Maintenance | Low | Low; wipe clean |
Sink and wet areas
For any kitchen sink unit or sink base cabinet, specify HMR carcasses, sealed cut‑outs and drip trays. Consider a 600 or 800 mm base unit kitchen cabinets module depending on bowl size and under‑sink filters or bins.
Layouts, styles and storage ideas
Get the look and function you want—without ballooning the budget.
Popular layouts
- L‑shape and U‑shape: maximise kitchen base cupboards and continuous prep space.
- Galley: efficient for apartments; use narrow kitchen cabinet modules to fit service walls.
- Island: great for extra base cabinets and seating if space allows.
Style choices that don’t blow the budget
- Shaker kitchen in vinyl wrap: timeless profile at mid‑range cost.
- Flat panel melamine: sleek, durable and the best value; modern handleless or finger‑pull options available.
- Base white cabinets: brighten smaller Perth homes and pair with any splashback.
Storage smarts
- Drawer base units for pots and Tupperware reduce bending.
- Cabinet under counter for integrated bin pull‑outs and recyclers.
- Simple shelves for seldom‑used items to keep costs trim.
Real WA examples
Case 1: Mt Lawley Villa Refresh — We replaced tired ready made kitchen cabinets with custom HMR kitchen cabinet carcass, melamine doors and a laminate top. Added two base cabinets with drawers near the cooktop, left corners as shelves. Result: premium function, budget finish. 3‑week lead time.
Case 2: Baldivis Family Upgrade — New kitchen base cupboards with soft‑close hardware, kitchen sink and cabinet with drip tray, engineered stone benchtop for durability. Saved by standardising to 600/900 mm modules and skipping a corner pull‑out. 5‑week lead time.
Costs, lead times and where to save in Perth
- Supply‑only carcasses (HMR melamine): approx. $250–$450 per kitchen cabinet unit depending on size and shelves vs drawers.
- Custom base cabinets with doors/drawers: typically $350–$800 per unit; drawers add $100–$250 per drawer depending on runner system.
- Sink base cabinet: allow $350–$700 for the cabinet, plus benchtop cut‑out and plumbing by licensed trades.
- Full kitchen (new kitchen cabinets, benchtop, hardware): often from $8,000–$25,000+ installed depending on size and materials.
- Lead times: 2–6 weeks typical in Perth for new kitchen cabinets, longer with stone.
Money‑saving tips: keep appliances to standard Australian sizes, minimise custom widths, combine open shelves with drawers where it counts, and choose melamine or laminate over two‑pack for most doors.
Practical checklist: Affordable base cabinets that last
- Measure room, ceiling and window heights; note services and any tiling to remain.
- Lock in appliance sizes (600 mm oven, 600/900 mm cooktop, 600 mm dishwasher common in AU).
- Choose standard base modules: 300/450/600/800/900 mm; 720 mm carcass height + 150 mm toe‑kick for ~900 mm bench height.
- Prioritise drawers near cooktop/prep zones; shelves in less‑used spots.
- Specify HMR carcasses, sealed edges, and drip trays under sinks.
- Select melamine or vinyl wrap doors; upgrade just a few feature panels if desired.
- Pick a benchtop that suits budget and heat use (engineered stone vs laminate).
- Confirm compliance with AS/NZS cabinetry standards; use licensed trades.
- Book installation when materials and appliances are on site to avoid delays.
Ready to plan your kitchen base cabinets?
Talk to the Joyce Kitchens team for tailored, affordable solutions—kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes. Perth showrooms, WA‑made, expert installers.
FAQ
How can I get kitchen base cabinets cheap without sacrificing quality?
Standardise cabinet widths, choose HMR melamine carcasses, use melamine or vinyl wrap doors, reserve drawers for key zones, skip expensive corner mechanisms, and select reliable soft‑close hardware. This balances price with daily durability in Perth homes.
Are ready made kitchen cabinets a good idea for Perth homes?
Yes for quick, low‑cost projects or rentals. For irregular walls, integrated appliances or a premium finish, custom cabinets deliver a better fit and longevity. We can mix ready‑made and custom where it makes sense.
What is the best material for a kitchen cabinet carcass in WA?
HMR (moisture‑resistant) particleboard is the best value for most kitchens. Plywood is tougher and lighter but costs more; MDF is excellent for painted or wrapped doors. Always seal edges and cut‑outs, especially near sinks.
How much does a sink base cabinet cost installed in Perth?
Allow $350–$700 for the sink cabinet itself, plus benchtop cut‑out and licensed plumbing. We recommend drip trays and sealed edges to prevent moisture damage.
What dimensions should I use for base unit kitchen cabinets in Australia?
Typical base units are 720 mm high plus a 150 mm toe‑kick (about 900 mm bench height), 560–580 mm deep, and 300/450/600/800/900 mm wide. Match widths to standard AU appliances (600 and 900 mm are common).
Pair value cabinetry with comfort—use our kitchen bench height guide to get sizing right.
Want a turnkey path instead? Compare our complete kitchen packages and inclusions.
