If you’re planning a laundry renovation in Perth or regional WA, choosing the right laundry sink (also called a laundry trough or laundry tub) makes everyday chores easier and protects your cabinetry and benchtops for years. Here’s the expert, Australian-focused guide from Joyce Kitchens to help you compare sizes, materials and layouts—plus real-world costs and a practical checklist.
Why the laundry sink matters
Your laundry sink is a workhorse: pre-soaking stains, handwashing delicates, filling buckets, rinsing paint brushes and even bathing pets. In compact spaces, a smart small laundry room sink or narrow laundry sink can reclaim valuable bench space, while a deep laundry sink or double laundry sink boosts utility in family homes and hobby zones.
Common Australian terms for a dedicated utility sink in the laundry. Typically deeper and more durable than a kitchen basin, often stainless steel and 30–70 litres in capacity.
Core insights at a glance
- Size first: Choose capacity by task. 30–40L for compact homes; 45–70L for families or utility-heavy use.
- Material matters: A stainless steel laundry sink is hard-wearing and value-friendly. Composite/granite basins offer a premium look. White laundry sink options suit Hamptons and shaker styles.
- Mounting style: Undermount laundry sink delivers a sleek look with stone; drop-in laundry room sink or laundry tub sink suits laminate and budget projects.
- WA-ready: Perth’s harder water means stainless and darker finishes show fewer spots; choose quality tapware and proper sealing.
- Cabinet integration: Custom cabinetry WA options and soft-close drawers with Blum hardware maximise storage below and around the basin.
Undermount sits below the benchtop cut-out for a flush wipe-down finish (ideal for engineered stone benchtops). Drop-in (topmount) sits on the surface with a rim—easier on laminate and budget-friendly.
Our WA renovation process
Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom cabinetry and laundry renovation Perth projects for decades, alongside kitchen renovations Perth and bathroom makeovers. Our process:
- Design consult: We map how you use the laundry—baskets, pets, crafts, or a scullery-style overflow space.
- Measure & plan: We confirm appliance sizes common in Australia (600mm-wide washing machines and dryers) and bench heights (870–920mm typical).
- Selections: Sinks, tapware (WELS-rated), splashback, engineered stone benchtop or laminate, and custom cabinetry finishes (Caesarstone, Essastone, Laminex, polytec).
- Compliance: Work to relevant Australian Standards and WA requirements (e.g., AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing). We recommend HIA and Master Builders WA members.
- Build & install: Licenced trades, tidy site management, and a quality check before handover.
Helpful authorities for WA homeowners:
Materials and finishes
1) Sink materials
- Stainless steel laundry tub sink (Grade 304 or 316): Classic, durable, great value. Look for 0.8–1.2mm thickness, sound-deadening pads and a brushed finish for fewer water marks.
- Composite/granite (white or charcoal): Premium look, scratch-resistant, suits Hamptons/shaker kitchen and laundry styling. Needs careful installation and good sealing.
- Ceramic/porcelain: Heritage charm and easy clean. Heavier; allow for strong cabinetry and gentle use to avoid chipping.
- Freestanding utility sink: A freestanding laundry sink or free standing laundry sink unit is quick to install and ideal for rental upgrades or garage utility zones.
2) Tapware and fixtures
- Gooseneck mixers with pull-out spray tackle buckets and pet washing. Choose WELS-rated, water-efficient tapware for WA.
- Matte black tapware or classic chrome to match your laundry style.
- Overflow and basket waste in line with AS/NZS 3500 for safe drainage.
3) Benchtops: engineered stone vs laminate
In laundries, moisture and cleaning chemicals are common. Here’s how benchtops compare for undermount or drop-in choices.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium, seamless; ideal for undermount laundry sink | Great value; wide finishes; best with drop-in laundry room sink |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; needs correct sealing at cut-outs | Very good; protect edges and sink rims from standing water |
| Heat/chemical handling | Good; avoid harsh solvents and direct high heat | Good; avoid abrasive cleaners and hot objects |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Budget-friendly |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous surfaces | Low; prompt wipe-up of spills protects edges |
A manufactured stone product (e.g., quartz) used for benchtops. Brands include Caesarstone and Essastone. Always follow current fabrication guidelines and safety requirements for installers.
Layouts, sizes and styles
Popular sizes and capacities
- Small laundry sink / small laundry trough: 25–35L; width 300–400mm. Great for apartments and European laundries.
- Standard laundry basin: 45L; approx. 510 × 380 × 250mm—a common Australian choice.
- Large laundry tub / large laundry sink: 60–70L; ideal for rinsing mops, boots or small pet baths.
- Deep utility sink: Extra depth (280–330mm) for buckets and bulky items.
- Double laundry sink: Two bowls to separate handwashing and soaking; needs 800–900mm cabinet width.
- Narrow/skinny laundry sink: Streamlined bowls for galley laundries; pair with a drainboard to maximise prep space.
Mounting and cabinet choices
- Undermount into engineered stone for a premium look and easy wipe-down.
- Drop-in for simple installs or when using laminate benchtops.
- Stainless steel laundry utility sink with integrated drainboards saves bench space.
- Freestanding laundry sink cabinets suit garages or quick upgrades when you need to buy laundry sink on a budget.
Design styles that work in WA homes
- Hamptons/Shaker: White laundry tub or ceramic farmhouse style, shaker doors, brushed nickel or matte black tapware, subway tile splashback.
- Contemporary: Slimline stainless steel laundry room sink, handleless cabinets, soft-close drawers, integrated appliances, and stone-look benchtops.
- Coastal Perth: Light timber-look laminates, white basins, and easy-clean finishes for sandy days at the beach.
Smart storage and accessories
- Tilt-out hampers and custom cabinetry WA solutions around the basin.
- Under-sink pull-outs for detergents and cleaning gear.
- Hanging rails and vertical broom cupboards beside the basin zone.
Real WA case examples
City Beach family laundry: We specified a 60L stainless steel laundry sink with pull-out spray tap, engineered stone top, and full-height broom storage. Outcome: Faster sports-kit clean-ups and easier bucket fills.
Fremantle terrace refresh: A small laundry sink (30L) with a skinny cabinet and stacked washer/dryer, plus a fold-down drying rail. Outcome: Apartment-friendly function without losing bench space.
Costs in Perth and WA
Pricing varies by brand, finish and scope. As a guide (AUD incl. GST, supply only unless noted):
- Stainless steel laundry sink: $150–$900+ (single); $450–$1,400 (double)
- Composite/ceramic basin: $450–$1,200+
- Freestanding utility unit: $300–$900+
- Tapware (WELS-rated): $150–$700+
- Cabinetry under-sink unit: From $650–$1,600+ depending on size/finish
- Benchtops: Laminate $300–$600 per linear metre; Engineered stone $800–$1,600+ per linear metre
- Plumbing install (WA licenced): $250–$600 for like-for-like; more if relocating services
- Full laundry renovation (typical Perth home): $6,000–$18,000+ depending on size, finishes and layout changes
Note: All plumbing must comply with AS/NZS 3500 and WA regulations. Always use licenced trades.
Laundry sink selection checklist
- Tasks: soaking, handwashing, pet care, crafts or paint clean-up?
- Size: 30–35L for compact, 45–70L for families; consider double bowls.
- Material: stainless for value and durability; composite/ceramic for style.
- Mounting: undermount with stone; drop-in for laminate; freestanding for speed.
- Tapware: gooseneck with pull-out; WELS-rated; match finish to handles.
- Cabinet: waterproof edging, quality hinges (e.g., Blum), soft-close drawers.
- Protection: splashback, silicone sealing, sound-deadening on steel bowls.
- WA-specific: allow for Perth’s hard water—choose finishes that mask spotting.
- Future-proof: space for baskets, tall storage, and integrated appliances.
Ready to plan your laundry, kitchen or wardrobe? Book a design consult at our Perth showrooms—our team will tailor the perfect laundry basin sink solution to your home and budget.
FAQ
What size laundry sink do I need in Australia?
For apartments and compact laundries, a 25–35L small laundry sink works well. The most common Australian choice is a 45L laundry trough (around 510 × 380 × 250mm), while 60–70L deep laundry sinks suit families, pet washing and utility tasks. Double bowls need an 800–900mm cabinet width.
Is stainless steel or composite better for a laundry trough?
Stainless steel laundry sinks are durable, affordable and handle impacts well—great for most WA homes. Composite or ceramic basins offer a premium, designer look (including white laundry sink options) and good scratch resistance, but require careful installation and sealing.
Can I undermount a laundry sink in laminate benchtops?
Undermount basins are best in engineered stone or similar solid surfaces. For laminate, a drop-in laundry room sink is recommended to protect edges from moisture. If you want the undermount look, choose stone and ensure professional fabrication and sealing.
How much does a laundry sink and cabinet install cost in Perth?
Expect $1,200–$3,500+ for a quality sink, tapware and under-sink cabinet supplied and installed, assuming like-for-like services. Costs rise with engineered stone, composite basins, relocation of plumbing or custom storage additions.
Do I need a licenced plumber to install a laundry tub in WA?
Yes. In WA, plumbing must be performed by a licenced plumber to meet AS/NZS 3500 and local regulations. This ensures correct trap, overflow and waste connections, leak-free seals and manufacturer-compliant installation.
