Planning an outdoor bar area in Perth or regional WA? Here’s a practical, design-led guide from Joyce Kitchens to help you create a durable, beautiful alfresco bar that complements your kitchen renovations, adds value, and stands up to our harsh Australian climate.
In this guide you’ll find smart outdoor bar ideas, proven materials and finishes, WA-specific compliance tips, real costs, and a simple checklist to get started.
Table of contents
- Core outdoor bar ideas that work in WA
- Our renovation and design process
- Best materials and finishes for alfresco bars
- Layouts, styles and appliance planning
- Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA
- FAQ
Core outdoor bar ideas that work in WA
- Plan for sun, salt and heat. Perth’s UV and coastal air can punish finishes. Choose UV-stable benchtops, 316 stainless steel, powder‑coated aluminium and compact laminate doors.
- Connect indoors with outdoors. A gas strut servery window from your kitchen to the alfresco makes pass‑through serving effortless and enlivens entertaining.
- Match the home’s style. Echo your indoor shaker kitchen profile or minimalist slab doors outdoors with weatherproof cabinetry for a cohesive look.
- Think workflow. Place your beverage centre or wine fridge near seating, and keep a prep zone with an undermount sink and concealed bin close to the built‑in BBQ or pizza oven.
- Design for safety and compliance. Allow for drainage and falls, non‑combustible cladding around grills, correct clearances, and licensed trades for gas and electrical to AS/NZS standards.
- Light it right. Use dimmable, warm LED strip lighting under benchtop noses and overhead task lighting with appropriate IP ratings for outdoors.
Quick WA case examples
City Beach alfresco servery: We added a porcelain benchtop, compact laminate doors with Blum soft‑close hinges, and a gas strut servery window aligned to the indoor scullery. The result: a seamless flow from the shaker kitchen to the outdoor bar area, with ocean‑resistant 316 stainless fixtures.
Fremantle rooftop terrace: A slimline galley bar in powder‑coated aluminium with a 316 stainless worktop, bar fridge, ice maker and LED strip lighting. Breezy, low‑maintenance and compliant with coastal exposure in mind.
Our renovation and design process
- Consultation and site review: We assess exposure (sun, wind, salt), available services (water, gas, power), drainage and access. If you’re combining kitchen renovations Perth‑wide with an alfresco upgrade, we’ll align the designs.
- Concept and selections: We present layouts, materials and appliances suitable for outdoors, including porcelain benchtops, compact laminate, weatherproof cabinetry and 316 stainless steel hardware.
- Documentation and approvals: If you’re adding a pergola or louvre roof, you may need council approval. Gas and electrical must be installed by licensed trades in line with AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (wiring rules). See WA Building and Energy guidance below.
- Manufacture and installation: Custom cabinetry WA‑made, templated benchtops, and precision installation with soft‑close drawers, quality runners and weather seals.
- Aftercare and warranties: Clear care guides for finishes and appliances, and support under Australian Consumer Law.
For independent guidance on renovation contracts and licensed trades, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For gas/electrical safety and approvals in WA, refer to WA Building and Energy.
Best materials and finishes for alfresco bars
Benchtops that handle WA sun
- Porcelain/sintered stone: UV‑stable, heat and scratch resistant; ideal for uncovered or partially covered areas.
- 316 stainless steel: Hygienic, coastal‑ready and easy to clean. Great near BBQs and sinks.
- Concrete (sealed): Industrial aesthetic, durable; needs sealing and maintenance to prevent staining.
- Compact laminate (exterior grade): Cost‑effective, UV‑stable options available; choose outdoor‑rated products and edge caps.
Important: An engineered stone benchtop is superb indoors but many brands do not warrant outdoor use due to UV exposure. Ask us about suitable exterior‑rated alternatives.
Cabinetry, doors and hardware
- Weatherproof cabinetry: Powder‑coated aluminium or marine‑grade plywood with exterior coatings.
- Doors: Flat slab for minimalism or weatherproof shaker profiles to echo your indoor kitchen style.
- Hardware: 316 stainless pulls, Blum hinges, soft‑close drawers, and corrosion‑resistant runners.
- Splashbacks: Large‑format porcelain, stainless, or UV‑rated glass. Keep non‑combustible behind hot zones.
Appliances and plumbing
- Outdoor fridge/wine fridge/beverage centre: Choose outdoor‑rated units with good ventilation.
- Ice maker and sink: Undermount sink with gooseneck mixer and separate filtered water is popular.
- BBQ/pizza oven: Allow for clearances, extraction (if enclosed) and non‑combustible surrounds.
- Power and lighting: Outdoor IP‑rated GPOs and luminaires, RCD‑protected circuits, and zoning for task/ambient lighting.
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Compact Laminate (for outdoor bars)
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Compact Laminate (Outdoor‑Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| UV & heat resistance | Excellent; ideal in full sun | Good; choose exterior‑rated products |
| Scratch & stain resistance | High; very durable | Moderate to high; depends on finish |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe‑downs | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Edge profiles | Straight, mitred; seamless look | Squared with capping; visible core possible |
| Indicative cost | $$$ | $$ |
Short definitions
- Compact laminate: A high‑pressure laminate panel, dense and water‑resistant; exterior‑grade versions suit alfresco cabinetry and benchtops.
- Sintered stone/porcelain: Mineral surfaces fired at high temperature; UV‑stable and heat tolerant, ideal for outdoor benchtops.
- 316 stainless steel: Marine‑grade alloy with molybdenum for corrosion resistance in coastal environments.
- BAL rating: Bushfire Attack Level; dictates material and construction requirements in bushfire‑prone areas.
- IP rating: Ingress Protection; indicates how well electrical fittings resist dust and water (e.g., IP65 outdoors).
- GPO: General Power Outlet; in WA, outdoor GPOs should be weather‑protected and RCD‑protected to AS/NZS 3000.
Layouts, styles and appliance planning
Popular outdoor bar layouts
- Linear (along a wall): Efficient and compact; perfect for a narrow alfresco with a built‑in BBQ and beverage centre.
- L‑shaped: Adds prep space and a natural corner for a wine fridge and concealed bin.
- Island bar: Social hub with 1050 mm bar‑height seating, LED strip lighting and foot rail. Ensure weather protection overhead.
- Servery bar: Inside kitchen connects via a gas strut servery window; mirrors indoor benchtop height (around 900 mm) with a raised pass ledge.
Styling ideas
- Coastal contemporary: 316 stainless, white compact laminate doors, pale porcelain benchtop, and composite decking.
- Modern shaker outdoors: Weatherproof shaker doors to echo your indoor shaker kitchen, paired with a porcelain benchtop and brushed stainless pulls.
- Industrial: Sealed concrete benchtops, black powder‑coated aluminium, and matt black tapware.
Appliance and services checklist
- Outdoor‑rated bar fridge or beverage centre (allow ventilation clearances and drainage for defrost water).
- Ice maker, wine fridge, and a secondary drawer fridge for mixers.
- Filtered water tap, undermount sink, and a hot/cold mixer with swivel spout.
- BBQ, teppanyaki or pizza oven with non‑combustible surrounds and correct clearances.
- Extraction if enclosed, or natural ventilation for open alfresco zones.
- Multiple outdoor GPOs (10A/15A as needed), dedicated circuits for high‑draw appliances, and RCD protection.
- Task, strip and feature lighting on separate dimmable circuits.
WA/Australia‑specific notes
- Gas: Install to AS/NZS 5601 by a licensed gasfitter; check clearances to walls and openings, and cylinder placement if not on mains gas.
- Electrical: Outdoor power and lighting to AS/NZS 3000 with IP‑rated fittings; RCDs are mandatory.
- Structure: Pergolas, louvre roofs or additions may require council approval; check local planning schemes.
- Bushfire areas: Observe BAL requirements for materials and glazing if applicable.
- Pool compliance: Maintain legal setbacks and barrier requirements when locating your outdoor bar near a pool.
Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA
Indicative supply and install ranges (GST incl.) for a typical outdoor bar area in WA. Final pricing varies by size, materials, services and site conditions.
- Essential bar (under cover): $7,000–$15,000 (compact laminate, basic sink/mixer, outdoor bar fridge, LED strip lighting).
- Mid‑range entertainer: $15,000–$30,000 (porcelain benchtop, weatherproof cabinetry, wine fridge, ice maker, upgraded tapware, feature splashback).
- Premium alfresco kitchen‑bar: $30,000–$60,000+ (sintered stone, 316 stainless, built‑in BBQ/pizza oven, integrated refrigeration, extensive lighting and joinery).
Allowances (typical):
- Plumbing and gas: $1,000–$4,000 depending on distance to services and appliances.
- Electrical and lighting: $1,200–$4,500 including new circuits, RCDs and IP‑rated fittings.
- Benchtops: Compact laminate $300–$600/m; porcelain/sintered stone $900–$1,800/m; 316 stainless $700–$1,400/m.
- Joinery: Weatherproof cabinetry $1,500–$3,500 per linear metre depending on material and hardware.
- Structures (pergola/louvre roof): From $6,000–$20,000+ if required.
Note: Engineered stone benchtop products are superb indoors but often not warranted outdoors; consider porcelain benchtops, compact laminate or 316 stainless for WA conditions.
Outdoor bar planning checklist (WA)
- ☑ Identify sun, wind and salt exposure; plan shade or a louvre roof if needed.
- ☑ Choose outdoor‑rated benchtops (porcelain, 316 stainless, compact laminate) and weatherproof cabinetry.
- ☑ Confirm appliance list: beverage centre, wine fridge, ice maker, BBQ/pizza oven, undermount sink.
- ☑ Allocate power and gas; specify IP ratings, RCDs and gas clearances to codes.
- ☑ Provide drainage, falls and a concealed bin; consider a bar dishwasher if space allows.
- ☑ Select splashback material and non‑combustible surrounds near heat.
- ☑ Decide on style: modern shaker, coastal, or industrial to harmonise with your home.
- ☑ Set budget tiers and timeline; allow contingency (10–15%).
- ☑ Check approvals if altering roofs/structures; engage licensed trades.
Why Joyce Kitchens
Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry in WA for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and outdoor living. Our team brings together design expertise, premium hardware (think soft‑close drawers and quality runners), and materials that withstand WA conditions—delivering coordinated indoor and outdoor spaces under one roof.
Ready to explore outdoor bar ideas tailored to your home? Book a design consultation and let’s plan your alfresco upgrade alongside your kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust.
FAQ
What is the best benchtop for an outdoor bar in WA?
Porcelain/sintered stone and 316 stainless steel are top choices thanks to UV, heat and corrosion resistance. Compact laminate (exterior‑grade) is a strong value option. Most engineered stone benchtops are not warranted outdoors.
Do I need council approval or permits for an outdoor bar in Perth?
Generally, joinery alone doesn’t need approval, but structures (pergola/louvre roof), plumbing alterations, gas and electrical work must comply with WA regulations. Use licensed trades and follow AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical).
Can engineered stone be used outdoors?
Not usually. Many engineered stone benchtop brands exclude outdoor use due to UV exposure. For alfresco areas, choose porcelain/sintered stone, 316 stainless or exterior‑grade compact laminate.
How much does an outdoor bar area cost in Perth?
As a guide: $7,000–$15,000 for essentials, $15,000–$30,000 mid‑range, and $30,000–$60,000+ premium. Services, appliances and structures can influence costs significantly.
What appliances should I include in an outdoor bar?
Outdoor‑rated bar fridge or beverage centre, wine fridge, ice maker, undermount sink with mixer, and—if space allows—a BBQ or pizza oven. Plan adequate power, gas, ventilation and drainage.