Looking to get more storage and smoother workflows in your laundry? This practical guide focuses on the laundry base cabinet and the often-tricky corner laundry cabinet — with Perth- and WA-specific advice on materials, layouts, costs, and compliance. Ideal for homeowners considering kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe renovations with Joyce Kitchens.
What is a laundry base cabinet?
Core insights at a glance
- The right laundry base cabinet makes sorting, soaking and folding faster, while keeping detergents safe and organised.
- A purpose-built corner laundry cabinet can recover 20–30% more usable space with the right pull-out hardware.
- In WA, moisture-resistant substrates and durable finishes are essential for longevity and compliance with wet-area best practice.
- Post-2024 engineered stone changes affect benchtop choices; many Perth homes now choose laminate, compact laminate, porcelain or solid surface.
- Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA-wide, aligning with AS/NZS guidance and using quality hardware for a long-term result.
Corner laundry cabinet: space-smart options
The corner area is often underused, especially in compact laundries and Euro-laundries. Here are proven ways to make a corner laundry cabinet work harder:
1) Blind-corner pull-outs
Blind-corner units bring hidden items forward in one smooth motion. Ideal for storing bulky cleaning products or a concealed laundry hamper. Pair with soft-close drawers and quality runners for daily reliability.
2) Diagonal corner cabinet with hinged door
A 45-degree face makes access easier and suits a continuous benchtop for folding. Add adjustable melamine shelves for baskets and stain removers.
3) L-shaped base cabinet with internal carousel
Carousels or kidney-shaped shelves reduce bending and help you reach deep spaces—handy for spare towels or pet-care items.
4) Corner sink considerations
Positioning the sink in the corner can free up a continuous folding surface. Allow for waste and water service access, and ensure the door swing clears the plumbing.
Australian sizing and clearances
- Front-loader washers/dryers: typically 600 mm wide, 600–680 mm deep. Verify model depth with hoses.
- Toe kick: 140–160 mm high; cabinet plinth must tolerate occasional splashes.
- Benchtop height: 900–950 mm for ergonomic folding and appliance loading.
- Ventilation: allow airflow for dryers; consider vent kits or heat-pump dryers to minimise moisture.
The Joyce Kitchens renovation process (WA)
- In-home or showroom consult (Osborne Park or Myaree): discuss goals, measure, and review inspiration across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fitouts.
- Design and specification: 3D visuals, storage plan, hardware selection (e.g., Blum hinges, soft-close), and style options such as shaker kitchen, flat panel, or two-tone cabinetry.
- Compliance review: consider wet-area waterproofing (see AS 3740), ventilation, and appliance integration. We liaise with your trades or can coordinate.
- Manufacture: custom cabinetry crafted in WA, using moisture-resistant substrates suited to laundries.
- Installation: professional fitment, scribing to walls, and final alignment for seamless doors and finger-pull lines.
- Aftercare: advice on care for laminates, veneers and porcelain; minor adjustments if required.
For building and renovation guidance, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA:
Materials and finishes that last in WA
Perth’s climate and laundry moisture demand robust choices. Joyce Kitchens specifies materials proven in local conditions.
Cabinet carcasses
- Moisture-resistant particleboard or MDF (MR): affordable, durable, ideal for laundries when edges are properly sealed.
- Plywood: premium stability and screw-holding; consider for high-use homes or where extra resilience is desired.
Door and drawer fronts
- Melamine (durable, budget-friendly; wide colour range)
- Thermo-laminate (vinyl wrap) for routed shaker profiles
- 2-pack polyurethane for a premium painted look
- Timber veneer to add warmth or match a butler’s pantry or scullery
Benchtops
- High-pressure laminate: very cost-effective, huge design variety.
- Compact laminate: water-resistant through-body core, ideal for wet use.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: heat, scratch and stain resistance with minimal maintenance.
- Solid surface: seamless joins; repairable if scratched.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate for Laundry Benchtops (WA 2025)
Note: Australia’s engineered stone regulations changed in 2024. New installations should comply with current WA rules. Many homeowners now select laminate, compact laminate, porcelain or solid surface instead. Always confirm the latest guidance.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy/compliant alternatives) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & stain resistance | Excellent; check compliance and sealing needs | Very good; wipe spills promptly |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid thermal shock | Moderate; use trivets and avoid hot pots |
| Design range | Stone-like and concrete looks | Extensive colours, stone and timber prints |
| Indicative cost (installed) | Often higher; many now choose porcelain/solid surface as compliant alternatives | $$ budget-friendly |
| Lead times | Longer; dependent on supplier and compliance checks | Shorter; broad supplier availability |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous surfaces are easy care | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
For wet areas, align with Australian Standards (e.g., AS 3740). See Standards Australia for guidance.
Layouts and styles that work
Popular laundry layouts
- L-shaped: maximises corner laundry cabinet storage; suits corner sink or blind-corner pull-outs.
- Galley: streamlined runs with pull-out pantry-style tall units for brooms and ironing boards.
- Euro-laundry (cupboard): bi-fold or pocket doors, custom depth base cabinets, and integrated appliances.
Style pointers (to match your kitchen)
- Shaker-style fronts for a timeless look that matches a shaker kitchen and bathroom vanities.
- Two-tone cabinetry: white uppers, woodgrain bases for warmth and contrast.
- Hardware: integrated finger-pull rails, matte black pulls, or brushed nickel for coastal Perth homes.
- Details: tiled splashback, LED task lighting, undermount sink with draining tray.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Budgets vary by size, materials, and appliance integration. These WA figures are indicative and exclude structural works.
- Custom laundry base cabinets: roughly $900–$1,800 per linear metre installed (melamine to premium finishes).
- Corner hardware (pull-outs/carousels): $350–$1,200 depending on mechanism and brand.
- Benchtops:
- Laminate: approx. $250–$450 per linear metre
- Compact laminate: $450–$700 per linear metre
- Porcelain/sintered stone: $900–$1,800 per m²
- Solid surface: $800–$1,400 per m²
- Full laundry renovation (cabinetry, benchtop, sink/tap, basic trades):
- Smaller/EU-laundry: $6,000–$12,000
- Mid-range family laundry: $12,000–$25,000
- Premium specification: $25,000–$40,000+
Timelines (typical): design 1–2 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation 1–3 days; trades 2–5 days. Lead times vary seasonally across Perth.
Practical laundry planning checklist
- Measure appliance widths, depths (with hoses), and door swings.
- Confirm benchtop height (900–950 mm) and toe-kick clearance.
- Decide base cabinet mix: drawers, under-sink, pull-outs, hamper.
- Choose a corner laundry cabinet solution (blind pull-out, diagonal, carousel).
- Select moisture-resilient materials (MR board) and sealed edges.
- Pick a benchtop suited to wet zones (compact laminate, porcelain, laminate, solid surface).
- Plan splashback protection near the sink.
- Confirm GPOs, plumbing points and dryer ventilation route.
- Consider child-safe storage for chemicals (locks or high shelves).
- Align finishes with your kitchen/bathroom for a cohesive home.
Quick WA case examples
Mount Lawley Euro-laundry
A hallway cupboard (1,800 mm wide) became a Euro-laundry with a custom laundry base cabinet, stacked washer/dryer, compact laminate benchtop, and bifold pocket doors. Blind-corner pull-out stored detergents, while LED strip lighting improved visibility. Result: a seamless look that matched the client’s flat-panel kitchen.
Applecross family laundry
An L-shaped space gained a diagonal corner laundry cabinet and deep drawers for towels. A porcelain benchtop, soft-close drawers, and routed shaker fronts aligned with their renovated shaker kitchen. The workflow improved for sorting, soaking and folding, with room for a built-in ironing board.
Why Joyce Kitchens
Since 1998, Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom cabinetry WA-wide across kitchens, bathroom vanities, laundries and wardrobe fitouts. Our cabinet makers specify premium hardware, provide accurate site measures, and coordinate with trusted trades for a stress-free result.
Ready to rethink your laundry base cabinet or corner laundry cabinet? Book a consultation at our Osborne Park or Myaree showrooms and see why we’re a trusted cabinet maker Perth homeowners choose.
FAQ
What size should a laundry base cabinet be in Australia?
Most base cabinets are 580–600 mm deep with benchtop height at 900–950 mm. Allow extra depth for hoses (often 50–80 mm) and ensure toe-kick height of around 150 mm for ergonomics and splash tolerance.
How do you make a corner laundry cabinet more usable?
Use blind-corner pull-outs, diagonal corner units, or carousels. These bring items forward, reduce bending, and can hide hampers or cleaning supplies while maintaining a continuous benchtop for folding.
What benchtop is best for laundries in WA after the engineered stone ban?
Popular choices are laminate, compact laminate, porcelain/sintered stone and solid surface. They’re moisture-tolerant and available without the compliance issues associated with traditional engineered stone.
Can I stack a dryer above a washer in a base cabinet?
Yes. Use the appliance maker’s approved stacking kit or a purpose-built frame, maintain ventilation clearances, and plan GPO and waste access. Heat-pump dryers reduce moisture and are ideal for enclosed Euro-laundries.
How much does a small Perth laundry renovation cost?
Expect about $6,000–$12,000 for a compact Euro-laundry with custom base cabinetry, benchtop, sink/tap and basic trades. Finishes, hardware and benchtop selection can move the budget up or down.