Outdoor BBQ Area Ideas, Designs and Costs in Perth & WA | Joyce Kitchens

Outdoor BBQ Area: Core Insights for WA Homes

If you love entertaining, an outdoor BBQ area turns weekends into easy, everyday luxury. The key is balancing clever bbq area designs with durable materials that can handle WA heat, UV and coastal air. Whether you’re after small outdoor bbq area ideas for a balcony, covered bbq area ideas below a patio, or premium built in bbq ideas for a full alfresco, start with how you cook, how you serve, and where your guests relax.

What makes an alfresco BBQ area work?

• Clear work zones: prep, cook, plate, and clean-up, ideally in that order.
• Ventilation and safety: respect clearances to combustibles; plan extraction under a covered roof.
• Weather-ready materials: pick UV-stable, water-resistant cabinetry and benchtops.
• Appliances rated for outdoors: look for outdoor-rated fridges, sinks and taps (316 stainless) and BBQs.
• Local compliance: gas and electrical work to AS/NZS standards with licensed trades in WA.

Searches we often hear from Perth clients include outdoor bbq ideas, barbecue area ideas, built in barbecue ideas, outdoor bbq designs, bbq design and outdoor barbeque designs. Below, we unpack what works best in WA, with smart outdoor barbecue area ideas you can adapt to your site.

Our Design & Renovation Process

Joyce Kitchens designs and delivers outdoor barbecue areas, alfresco kitchens, and full-home cabinetry projects alongside our kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom and laundry renovations. Here’s how we work:

1. Consult & measure: We visit your home to assess sun, wind, drainage, services, and space planning.
2. Concept design: 3D concepts with appliance selection and bbq area ideas tailored to your cooking style.
3. Specs & selections: Weatherproof cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, and hardware (e.g., Blum soft-close drawers).
4. Compliance & permits: Coordinate licensed trades for gas and electrical. We follow AS/NZS standards and WA requirements.
5. Fabrication: Custom cabinetry WA-made to fit precisely, including custom cut-outs for inbuilt BBQs.
6. Installation: Managed schedule to minimise downtime; site protected and cleaned.
7. Handover & care: Maintenance advice to keep your alfresco area looking great longer.

Materials & Finishes That Last Outdoors

Outdoors is harsher than indoors. For outdoor barbecue areas, think UV, heat, rain and salt. Here are proven options:

Cabinetry

• Powder-coated aluminium cabinetry: Highly weather-resistant, perfect for coastal Perth suburbs.
• Marine-grade (316) stainless steel cabinets/doors: Durable and easy to clean; consider insulation near BBQ heat.
• Compact laminate (exterior-rated): Great for doors and panels; check warranty for outdoor use.
• Avoid MDF/standard particleboard: Not suitable for outdoor moisture and humidity.

Benchtops

• Porcelain / ultra-compact surfaces (e.g., sintered stone): Excellent UV and heat resistance; ideal for alfresco bbq ideas.
• Granite benchtop: Dense, durable natural stone; seal and maintain.
• Concrete: On-trend look; requires sealing to resist staining.
• Stainless steel: Food-safe, robust; can warm in direct sun—plan shading.

Splashbacks & walls

• Large-format porcelain slabs: Minimal grout, heat-proof behind BBQs.
• Stainless steel panels: Hygienic and reflective; great for modern looks.
• Exterior-rated tiles: Choose UV-stable grout and flexible adhesive.

Appliances & hardware

• Outdoor-rated fridges: Proper ventilation and weatherproof electrics (IP ratings).
• Undermount or top-mount sinks in 316 stainless; mixer taps with anti-scald and spray options.
• Drawer systems & hinges: Quality components like Blum soft-close drawers keep working outdoors.
• BBQ rangehoods: Duct out where possible; choose high extraction for smoke control under covers.

Note on engineered stone benchtops: Australia has implemented a prohibition on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone. Consider porcelain/ultra‑compact surfaces and natural stone as alternatives. See guidance from Safe Work Australia (national regulator) for current details.

Useful authorities:
Safe Work Australia: Engineered Stone Ban,
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA

Layouts & Styles: From Small Spaces to Alfresco Showpieces

We tailor outdoor bbq area ideas Australia-wide to suit WA conditions. Here are popular layouts and outdoor bbq designs we build:

For continuity between indoor and alfresco spaces, explore our Kitchen designs perth to match profiles, colours and hardware for a seamless transition.

Layouts

• Straight run: Compact and efficient—great small outdoor bbq area ideas on balconies or courtyards.
• L‑shape: Adds prep and serving space; perfect for family homes and backyard bbq area ideas.
• U‑shape: Maximum storage and separation of hot/cold zones.
• Island: Social hub if you have room and a covered bbq area with extraction.

Styles

• Coastal modern: White/charcoal palette, stainless accents, porcelain tops.
• Contemporary shaker: A nod to the shaker kitchen look using weatherable door profiles and matte finishes.
• Industrial: Concrete-look benchtops, black hardware, exposed brick.
• Resort alfresco: Timber-look compact laminate, ceiling fans, integrated lighting.

Covered BBQ area ideas

Under a patio or pergola (timber or steel), plan for:

• Ventilation: Clearance and extraction to manage smoke and grease.
• Lighting: Task and ambient lights rated for outdoor use.
• Flooring: Non-slip surfaces; sealed concrete, porcelain pavers or composite decking.

We also design indoor kitchens, wardrobes and sculleries—so if you want continuity between your indoor kitchen and alfresco, we’ll match profiles, colours or hardware for a seamless transition. Think two‑pack finishes, finger‑pull doors, and matching splashback tiles.

Barbecue area design tips

• Leave service cavities for future upgrades to inbuilt BBQs.
• Use heat shields and non-combustible panels near burners.
• Specify a deeper benchtop (700–750 mm) for larger BBQ lids.
• Allow ventilation grills for outdoor fridges and BBQ cabinets.
• Add a compact “butler’s pantry” style storage run inside for platters and glassware.

Costs, Allowances and Timelines

Pricing varies with size, materials, appliances and whether your alfresco is already under cover. Typical Perth ranges (incl. GST):

• Small outdoor barbeque area (straight run, compact laminate, basic sink): from $8,000–$15,000 (excl. roof).
• Mid-range outdoor barbecue area (L-shape, porcelain benchtop, outdoor fridge, rangehood): $15,000–$30,000.
• Premium alfresco kitchen (island/U-shape, 316 stainless, high-end appliances): $30,000–$60,000+.

Allow for extras: patio/roof ($8,000–$20,000), BBQ $2,000–$8,000, outdoor fridge $1,500–$4,000, rangehood $1,500–$4,000, plumbing/electrics $2,000–$6,000+, splashbacks $800–$3,000, and weather blinds if needed.

Timing: Design and selections 2–4 weeks; fabrication 3–6 weeks; installation 2–5 days (plus services). Lead times vary seasonally.

Benchtop Snapshot: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (and Outdoor Suitability)

For indoor kitchens and laundries, we also design with laminate, two-pack, vinyl wrap and natural stone. Ask about continuity between your alfresco and interior spaces.

Outdoor BBQ Area Planning Checklist (WA)

• Decide your cooking style: sear, slow-cook, pizza, wok burner, smoker.
• Choose layout: straight, L, U or island—measure clearances for lids and doors.
• Select materials for outdoors: porcelain, granite, stainless, compact laminate.
• Confirm covered vs open: extraction, wind orientation and shading.
• Pick appliances: inbuilt BBQ, side burner, outdoor fridge, sink, tap, rangehood.
• Plan services: gas (AS/NZS 5601), electrical (AS/NZS 3000), drainage; licensed trades only.
• Allow ventilation grills for fridges and BBQ cavities.
• Add storage: soft-close drawers, pull-outs, bins, spice and utensil inserts.
• Consider lighting: task, ambient and feature; outdoor IP rating.
• Budget and timeline: include patio/roof, blinds, splashback, and contingency.

Real WA Examples

Case 1: Coastal entertainer, City Beach

A salt-air location demanded 316 stainless, porcelain benchtops and a ducted canopy. We created a covered bbq area with an L-shape prep run and island for plating. Result: seamless indoor-outdoor flow and easy weekend hosting.

Case 2: Courtyard upgrade, Subiaco

Space was tight, so we delivered small outdoor bbq area ideas with a straight run, compact laminate doors, porcelain top and an inbuilt two-burner. A slim outdoor fridge and wall hooks saved space—budget-friendly but stylish.

Why Joyce Kitchens?

• Custom cabinetry WA-made to fit your site perfectly.
• Outdoor-tested materials and hardware for longevity.
• Experience across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and alfresco.
• Designers who balance style with practicality and compliance.

Ready to explore outdoor barbeque area designs for your home? Talk to our Perth team for concept design, selections and a clear, fixed proposal.

FAQ

How much does an outdoor BBQ area cost in Perth?

Small straight-run alfresco BBQ areas start from around $8,000–$15,000, mid‑range L‑shapes $15,000–$30,000, and premium builds $30,000–$60,000+. Appliances, roofing, services and materials will influence your final cost.

What benchtop materials are best for outdoor use in WA?

Choose porcelain/ultra‑compact surfaces, granite, stainless steel or sealed concrete. These handle heat, UV and moisture better than indoor-only materials. Engineered stone is now prohibited in Australia; consider the alternatives above.

Can I put a BBQ under a covered patio?

Yes—ensure adequate clearances and extraction. Use a suitable outdoor rangehood and follow BBQ manufacturer instructions. Gas and electrical work must comply with AS/NZS standards and be completed by licensed trades.

Do I need council approval for an alfresco BBQ area?

Cabinetry alone usually doesn’t need approval, but new roofs, pergolas, masonry walls, or services relocation may. Check with your local council or builder; we can guide you during design.

What are good small outdoor BBQ area ideas?

Use a straight run with an inbuilt compact BBQ, slim outdoor fridge, and overhead shelves. Specify porcelain benchtops and compact laminate doors, and add fold-down benches or wall hooks to save space.