Kitchen Cabinet Materials in Australia: The Complete Guide for Durable, Beautiful Cabinets

Core insights at a glance

• Carcasses that last: Moisture‑resistant (HMR) melamine board is the Australian staple for cabinet boxes. Plywood is a premium option for coastal or high‑humidity areas.
• Doors and drawer fronts: Melamine, 2‑pack polyurethane, timber veneer and thermolaminate (“vinyl wrap”) each offer different looks and durability.
• Hardware matters: Soft‑close drawers and hinges from reputable suppliers (e.g., Blum) make a huge difference to longevity and feel.
• Australian compliance: Cabinet assemblies should meet AS/NZS quality expectations and manufacturer clearance rules for ovens/cooktops. Gas installations must comply with AS/NZS 5601 via licensed trades.
• 2025 benchtop note: Engineered stone is nationally banned for new work in Australia. Popular alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite/marble, and high‑pressure laminate.
• Local fit: We design around common Australian appliance sizes (600 mm and 900 mm), family‑friendly bench heights (typically 900–950 mm), and Perth’s coastal conditions.
• Styles covered: Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, modern handleless, coastal, industrial, mid‑century — all achievable with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.

Our renovation and cabinet-making process

1) Consultation and measure

We visit on‑site to measure accurately, discuss how you cook and live, check services, and consider any building constraints (strata, ventilation, clearances).

2) Design and selections

We create a tailored plan: layout (galley, L‑shape, U‑shape, island, butler’s pantry), storage (pull‑outs, corner solutions), and select your kitchen cabinet materials and finishes. We’ll recommend durable options for families, rental properties, or premium bespoke joinery.

3) Local manufacturing

Your custom cabinetry is made in WA for a precise fit — ideal for older Perth homes with uneven walls and for integrated appliances. We use high‑quality ABS edging, soft‑close hardware, and moisture‑resistant boards as standard.

4) Installation and licensed trades

Our installers fit cabinets to plumb and level. Plumbing, gas and electrical works are performed by licensed trades to Australian Standards. Non‑structural kitchen renovations typically don’t require council approval, but structural changes and strata properties may require permissions.

5) Quality checks and aftercare

We run a full QA checklist and provide care advice for your specific kitchen cabinet finishes so your kitchen looks great for years.

Useful Australian references: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, Safe Work Australia – Engineered stone ban.

Cabinet materials and finishes that suit Australian homes

Carcasses (the cabinet boxes)

• HMR Melamine (Particleboard) — The Australian workhorse for cabinet boxes. Moisture‑resistant core, melamine surface, cost‑effective, stable. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries when edges are properly sealed with ABS edging.
• Plywood — Premium cabinet furniture material with excellent screw holding and moisture tolerance. Great for coastal or high‑use spaces. Slightly higher cost and a natural edge aesthetic if exposed.
• MDF (for painted doors, not boxes) — Generally not used for carcasses, but excellent as a stable substrate for routed Shaker profiles and 2‑pack paint.

Doors and drawer fronts

• Melamine (Decorative Board) — Budget‑friendly, robust and easy to clean. Available in matte, textured and woodgrain finishes. Best value for rentals and family kitchens.
• 2‑Pack Polyurethane — A sprayed and baked paint system for seamless edges and any colour, perfect for Shaker kitchen profiles or modern satin/matte looks. Durable and repairable; avoid direct heat from appliances.
• Thermolaminate (Vinyl Wrap) — Wrapped over profiled MDF for cost‑effective Shaker styles. Modern, heat‑rated films perform well; ensure proper heat shields near ovens and dishwashers.
• Timber Veneer — Real timber face on a stable core. Warmth and natural variation with lower cost and movement than solid timber. Needs proper sealing and care.
• Solid Timber — Rich character and repairability. Can move with humidity; best for feature elements or where a living, natural look is desired.
• Acrylic/High‑Gloss Laminates — Ultra‑gloss and mirror‑like finishes for contemporary handleless kitchens; choose anti‑scratch options.

Hardware and internals

• Soft‑close hinges and runners — Smooth action and longer life. Consider full‑extension drawers, concealed hinges, and load ratings for pots and small appliances.
• Storage systems — Pull‑out pantries, corner carousels, bin drawers, spice and utensil organisers keep benchtops clear.
• Moisture and heat protection — Use heat deflectors adjacent to ovens, proper clearances above cooktops, and moisture‑resistant materials around sinks/dishwashers.

Benchtops and splashbacks (context for materials)

• Porcelain/Sintered Stone — Excellent heat and stain resistance, wide range of slabs, suited to Australia’s busy kitchens.
• Natural Stone — Granite and some marbles bring unique beauty; seal as recommended.
• Laminate — Cost‑effective, modern textures, great for rentals, pantries and laundries.
• Solid Surface — Seamless joins, repairable; check heat guidelines.
• Glass or tiled splashbacks — Easy clean; always follow clearance rules for gas/electric cooktops.

Our designers balance durability, budget and style to specify the right cabinet materials for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes — all coordinated through kitchen renovations Perth expertise.

Quick definitions

Layouts and styles that maximise space

Popular Australian layouts

• Galley — Efficient for apartments; ensure 1000–1200 mm between runs where possible.
• L‑shape and U‑shape — Excellent for zones and corner storage (LeMans, Lazy Susan).
• Island — Social, adds prep area and storage. Consider power points and overhangs for seating.
• Butler’s pantry — Keeps small appliances off the main bench; ideal for entertainers.

Style notes

• Shaker kitchen — Timeless; pair 2‑pack or thermolaminate doors with stone or laminate tops.
• Modern handleless — Finger‑pull or shadowline rails and push‑to‑open hardware for a sleek look.
• Hamptons/coastal — Soft whites, brushed nickel, woodgrain accents; suited to Perth’s light and lifestyle.
• Industrial — Textured melamines, concrete‑look benchtops and open shelving.

Australian sizing tips

• Common oven width: 600 mm (also 900 mm for freestanding ranges).
• Standard benchtop height: 900–950 mm (ergonomics can be customised).
• Base cabinet depth: 580–600 mm; overheads: 300–350 mm.

What does it cost in Perth?

Costs vary with materials, size, hardware, and scope (plumbing/electrical, structural changes). Typical ranges (incl. GST, supply and install of cabinetry only unless noted):

• Melamine fronts with HMR carcasses: from approx. $650–$900 per linear metre for cabinetry components; small kitchens typically $12,000–$18,000.
• 2‑Pack polyurethane fronts: add ~20–40% over melamine depending on profile and sheen.
• Timber veneer fronts: similar to or above 2‑pack depending on species and grain matching.
• Plywood carcasses: add ~10–25% over HMR melamine.
• Benchtops: laminate approx. $350–$600 per LM; porcelain/sintered stone approx. $1,400–$3,000 per LM; natural stone approx. $1,200–$2,500 per LM (slab dependent).
• Trades and project works: licensed plumbing/electrical, plaster, flooring and splashbacks commonly add $4,000–$12,000+, project dependent.

We’ll provide a fixed, itemised quotation after design development so you can see exactly where your budget goes.

Benchtops: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (2025)

Note: From 2024/25 a national ban prohibits new engineered stone benchtops in Australia. Many Perth renovations now use porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone or laminate. The comparison below is included for homeowners with legacy installations or considering alternatives.

Practical pre-renovation checklist

• Decide on a style direction (Shaker, Hamptons, modern handleless, coastal, industrial).
• Pick cabinet materials for carcasses and fronts (HMR melamine, plywood, 2‑pack, thermolaminate, veneer).
• Confirm appliance sizes early (600 mm vs 900 mm ovens/cooktops; integrated fridges/dishwashers).
• Choose hardware and storage (soft‑close drawers, pull‑out pantry, corner solutions, bin drawers).
• Consider WA conditions (coastal humidity, sun exposure) when choosing finishes.
• Set a realistic budget including trades, splashback, flooring and contingencies (10–15%).
• Check if strata or council approvals are required for changes to services or structure.
• Book a showroom visit to view real samples under good lighting.

Short WA case examples

Case: Nedlands family kitchen

A busy family needed durable, wipe‑clean surfaces. We specified HMR melamine carcasses, textured white melamine doors with ABS edges, plywood internals at the sink base, and soft‑close drawers. A porcelain benchtop and a pull‑out pantry created a practical, contemporary look — all within a mid‑range budget.

Case: Fremantle apartment galley

For a compact space, we designed a handleless galley with 2‑pack satin fronts and full‑height pantry storage. A slim porcelain benchtop and integrated dishwasher kept lines clean. The result: a light, coastal feel with excellent storage and efficient workflow.

FAQ

What are the best materials for kitchen cabinets in Australia?

The best all‑round choice is HMR melamine for cabinet carcasses with ABS edging, paired with your preferred door finish: melamine for value, 2‑pack polyurethane for premium colour and Shaker profiles, thermolaminate for cost‑effective profiles, or timber veneer for warmth. For higher humidity or coastal homes, plywood carcasses are a great upgrade.

Is engineered stone still a good choice for benchtops in WA?

No. A national ban prohibits new engineered stone benchtops in Australia. Popular alternatives in WA are porcelain/sintered stone for heat and stain resistance, natural stone for unique character, and modern laminates for budget‑friendly style.

What’s the most durable cabinet finish for a busy family kitchen?

Textured or matte melamine doors on HMR carcasses deliver excellent durability and easy cleaning at a great price. For a premium look with solid performance, 2‑pack polyurethane in matte or satin is a strong choice; just add heat shields near ovens and follow care guidelines.

How much do new kitchen cabinets cost in Perth?

As a guide, cabinetry for a small to medium kitchen typically ranges from $12,000–$28,000 depending on materials and storage. Premium finishes, plywood carcasses and advanced internals can lift the budget, while trades and benchtops are additional.

Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?

Most like‑for‑like kitchen renovations that don’t alter structure won’t need council approval. Structural changes, moving services, and strata properties may require approvals. Plumbing, gas and electrical work must be done by licensed trades to Australian Standards.