Considering metal kitchen units or metal kitchen cupboards for your renovation? Here’s an expert, Perth-focused guide from the team at Joyce Kitchens to help you choose the right materials, finishes and layout for a beautiful, durable kitchen that suits Australian conditions.
Why choose metal kitchen units?
Metal kitchen units are engineered cabinetry constructed from stainless steel, powder‑coated steel or aluminium. They’re popular for contemporary, industrial and coastal looks, and they suit Australian homes that value durability, hygiene and low maintenance. In Perth and across WA, metal cabinetry also performs well in hot climates and alfresco spaces when specified correctly.
Key benefits
- Durable and water resistant — great for busy family kitchens, laundries and sculleries.
- Hygienic and easy to clean — ideal for food prep zones and butler’s pantry areas.
- Heat and fire resistance — complements gas or induction cooktops and BBQ areas.
- Design versatility — pairs with handleless profiles, shaker-style doors, or flat panels.
- Works with integrated appliances, soft-close drawers and premium hardware.
Potential considerations
- Upfront cost can be higher than melamine or moisture‑resistant board (HMR).
- Stainless can show fingerprints; choose brushed or patterned finishes to minimise.
- Coastal installs need the right grade (see below) to avoid corrosion.
Our Perth renovation process
Whether you’re designing a new chef’s galley kitchen or modernising a classic shaker kitchen, Joyce Kitchens manages the entire journey — from concept to installation.
1) Consultation and site measure
We discuss lifestyle, storage needs (pantry pull-outs, appliance towers), appliance sizing (600 mm or 900 mm ovens are common in Australia) and target style. A precise site measure ensures your custom cabinetry WA project is millimetre‑perfect.
2) Design and layout
We develop practical layouts — L‑shaped, U‑shaped, galley, with or without island bench — and plan zones for cooking, prep and cleaning. We’ll also consider a scullery or butler’s pantry if space allows.
3) Materials and finishes selection
Choose between stainless, aluminium or powder‑coated steel for your metal kitchen cupboards, then match benchtops (porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, stainless, solid surface), splashback, handles or handleless finger‑pull, and LED task lighting.
4) Local standards and permits
We design and install in line with relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS 4386 Domestic kitchen assemblies, appropriate AS/NZS electrical and gas requirements) and recommend engaging licensed trades. See HIA and Master Builders WA for guidance on contracts and building practices.
5) Manufacture and installation
Quality hardware and soft‑close drawers are fitted, then our installers deliver a neat, on‑time fitout. We coordinate benchtops, splashbacks and appliances for a smooth handover.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Stainless steel
- Indoors: 304-grade brushed stainless is popular for durability and less-visible fingerprints.
- Coastal/alfresco: 316-grade stainless resists corrosion better around salty air — ideal for alfresco kitchens or beachside suburbs.
- Look: Works with industrial, contemporary and minimal handleless kitchens.
Powder‑coated steel
- Colour choice: Wide palette, including matte black, warm whites, soft greys or heritage greens to echo a shaker kitchen look in metal.
- Texture: Fine‑texture powders help hide scuffs.
- Care: Occasional gentle wash preserves finish; avoid harsh abrasives.
Aluminium
- Lightweight: Great for large doors or appliance panels.
- Frames and glass: Aluminium‑framed doors with reeded or clear glass elevate a pantry or appliance garage.
Benchtops to pair with metal cupboards
With the national restrictions on engineered stone for new installations, many Perth homeowners are choosing porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel, laminate benchtops, solid surface (acrylic) or natural stone.
| Factor | Engineered stone (legacy installs) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very hard wearing; not for new installs under current rules | Modern laminates are tough, chip‑resistant and budget‑friendly |
| Heat resistance | Good, trivet still recommended | Use trivets; avoid direct hot pots |
| Maintenance | Low; mild cleaners | Low; wipe clean |
| Look | Stone‑like; limited to existing stock | Huge range, including stone and timber looks |
| Indicative cost | N/A for new installs (see note) | $200–$450 per m² supplied (installation extra) |
Note: Australia has implemented restrictions on engineered stone due to silica hazards. For current guidance, see Safe Work Australia. Popular alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel, compact laminate and solid surface.
Layouts and styles
Popular layouts in Australian homes
- Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments; pair metal cupboards with integrated fridge and an undermount sink for clean lines.
- L‑shaped with island: Family‑friendly; add a waterfall edge and soft‑close drawers for a premium feel.
- U‑shaped: Maximises storage; consider a corner pantry or appliance garage.
- Scullery/butler’s pantry: Hide prep mess; stainless benches excel here.
Style ideas
- Industrial contemporary: Brushed stainless doors, black hardware, porcelain benchtop and a full‑height splashback.
- Modern shaker kitchen: Powder‑coated steel doors pressed with shaker profiles; pair with a soft‑white laminate or natural stone top.
- Coastal WA: 316 stainless in alfresco zones, light hues, V‑groove panels and matte powder finishes to handle sun and sea air.
Joyce Kitchens also designs matching laundry, bathroom cabinetry WA solutions and custom wardrobes Perth to create a consistent look throughout your home.
Costs and budgeting in Australia
Prices vary with material, kitchen size, hardware and benchtop selection. As a Perth cabinet maker, we provide fixed quotes after a site measure. Typical guide ranges (incl. supply and install of cabinetry; excludes appliances, plumbing and electrical):
- Hybrid kitchen (metal doors/panels, board carcasses): From $15,000–$30,000 for a medium kitchen.
- Predominantly metal kitchen units (indoor): From $28,000–$55,000 depending on grade, finish and layout.
- Full stainless steel kitchen (premium/custom): From $40,000–$75,000+ including scullery or appliance towers.
- Alfresco kitchens (316 stainless or suitable powder‑coated aluminium): From $12,000–$30,000 for typical runs.
Cost drivers include cabinet quantity, drawer count, soft‑close hardware, custom features (pull‑outs, corner solutions), benchtop choice, splashback and installation complexity. For compliance and safety in gas and electrical works, engage licensed trades; see WA Government building and renovating guidance.
WA case-style examples
Beachside alfresco, western suburbs
Brief: A corrosion‑resistant outdoor kitchen with BBQ, drinks fridge and storage. Solution: 316 stainless steel metal kitchen units with slatted doors for airflow, porcelain benchtop, and tiled splashback. Result: Low‑maintenance entertaining zone that shrugs off sea air and heat.
Compact inner‑city galley, Mount Lawley
Brief: Streamlined small apartment kitchen with plenty of storage. Solution: Powder‑coated steel doors in soft grey on metal carcasses, handleless finger‑pull rails, laminate benchtop and integrated dishwasher. Result: A sleek, modern look with excellent durability and a sensible budget.
Practical renovation checklist
- Confirm layout: galley, L‑shaped, U‑shaped or island.
- Select metal type: 304 vs 316 stainless, powder‑coated steel or aluminium.
- Choose door style: flat, pressed shaker, or framed glass.
- Hardware: soft‑close drawers, quality hinges, internal organisers.
- Benchtop and splashback: porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, stainless or solid surface.
- Appliances: Australian sizing (600/900 mm ovens, induction/gas), ventilation, power/gas points.
- Lighting: LED task lighting under wall cabinets and inside pantries.
- Compliance: plan for AS 4386 cabinetry requirements and licensed trades.
- Timeline: allow design, manufacture and installation windows.
- Aftercare: cleaning kit for stainless/powder‑coat and warranty info.
Ready to plan your kitchen renovation?
From kitchen renovations Perth to custom cabinetry WA for bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs to suit the way you live. Book a design consultation to explore metal kitchen cupboards, layouts and finishes tailored to your home.
FAQ
Are metal kitchen units worth it for Australian homes?
Yes — if you value durability, hygiene and a modern aesthetic. Metal kitchen units perform well in busy households and WA’s warm climate. While they typically cost more than melamine or HMR board, many homeowners consider the longevity and easy cleaning worthwhile, especially for sculleries, laundries and alfresco areas.
Will stainless or powder‑coated metal kitchen cupboards rust near the coast?
With the right specification and care, no. Choose 316‑grade stainless steel for coastal or alfresco zones, and high‑quality powder coating for colour. Rinse salt spray periodically and avoid harsh abrasives. For indoor coastal homes, 304 stainless or powder‑coat typically performs well with normal maintenance.
How much do metal kitchen units cost in Perth?
As a guide, hybrid kitchens that combine metal fronts with board carcasses start around $15,000–$30,000 for medium spaces, while predominantly metal kitchens can range $28,000–$55,000+. Full stainless solutions or complex layouts (islands, sculleries) may be $40,000–$75,000+. A detailed site measure is needed for a fixed quote.
Are metal cabinets noisy or prone to dents?
Quality metal kitchen cupboards use thicker gauges, reinforcement and soft‑close hardware to minimise resonance and reduce noise. Brushed or textured finishes help disguise marks. As with any material, impacts can dent metal; however, strategic design and proper use keep surfaces looking great.
What benchtops pair best with metal kitchen cupboards now engineered stone is restricted?
Excellent choices include porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel benchtops, solid surface (acrylic), compact laminate and natural stone. Porcelain offers outstanding heat and UV resistance, while modern laminates provide great looks on a budget. Your selection depends on style, budget and intended use.