Thinking about an alfresco upgrade? An outdoor kitchen island brings cooking, prep and entertaining together—perfect for Perth’s sunshine and WA’s love of backyard living. Here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs durable, beautiful and code-compliant outdoor spaces that work year‑round.
Why outdoor kitchen islands are a game-changer
Outdoor kitchen islands create a central hub for prep, serving and conversation. A well-planned BBQ island improves workflow, adds storage with weatherproof cabinetry, and increases property value—especially when matched to your home’s architecture and deck or paving.
Core insights for Australian backyards
- Prioritise UV- and weather-resistant materials suited to WA’s heat, coastal air and winter showers.
- Design for safety and compliance around gas, electrical and ventilation (AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000).
- Plan functional zones: grill, prep, sink and tapware, refrigeration, and storage (including gas bottle storage where required).
- Allow generous circulation: 1000–1200 mm walkways around the island; 300 mm overhang for seating comfort.
- Choose outdoor-rated appliances: a BBQ, rangehood, outdoor-rated fridge, and possibly a pizza oven.
Our renovation and design process
- Consult & measure: We assess site exposure, prevailing winds (hello Fremantle Doctor), drainage and available services.
- Concept design: Layout options (L-shape with island, straight run plus island), appliance selection and custom cabinetry WA-made.
- Approvals & compliance: We coordinate with licensed trades. Gas and electrical work must meet AS/NZS standards and WA requirements.
- Detailed documentation: Drawings, benchtop specifications, splashback details, ventilation and clearances.
- Fabrication: Weatherproof joinery, powder-coated aluminium frames, compact laminate or sintered porcelain benchtops.
- Installation & commissioning: Fit-out by qualified installers, then gas and electrical connection by licensed contractors.
- Aftercare: Care instructions for your outdoor finishes and stainless steel appliances.
Useful authorities:
Materials and finishes that last outdoors
Perth sun is unforgiving. We specify materials proven for alfresco use and aligned to local standards. Below are popular choices for outdoor kitchen islands and BBQ islands.
Benchtops
- Sintered porcelain / ultra-compact surfaces: Excellent UV and heat resistance; low maintenance.
- Granite and other natural stones: Durable; choose lighter colours and sealed finishes to reduce heat absorption.
- Concrete: Customisable look; requires sealing and periodic maintenance.
- Stainless steel: Hygienic and heatproof; 316 marine grade recommended in coastal suburbs.
- Compact laminate (outdoor grade): Budget-friendly; good UV resistance; protect edges and avoid direct, prolonged heat.
Cabinetry
- Powder-coated aluminium frames: Rigid, rust-resistant and ideal for outdoor joinery.
- High-density compact laminate doors: Weatherproof with a wide range of finishes.
- HDPE or PVC-based doors: Robust and water-resistant; great in splash zones.
- Hardware: Stainless fasteners, soft-close drawers and weather-sealed carcasses.
Splashes and walls
- Tiled splashback: Easy to clean; choose exterior-rated grout and tile systems.
- Porcelain panels: Seamless look, excellent durability.
- Stainless steel upstands: Hygienic and heat resistant behind hotplates.
Quick comparison: Sintered porcelain vs compact laminate (for benchtops)
| Criteria | Sintered porcelain | Compact laminate (outdoor grade) |
|---|---|---|
| UV resistance | Excellent; colourfast | Very good; may fade slightly over many years |
| Heat tolerance | High; suitable near grills with correct clearances | Moderate; use heat shields and trivets |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Cost | $$$ | $$ |
| Best for | Premium, long-life alfresco kitchens | Value-focused outdoor islands under cover |
Layouts, styles and appliance planning
Popular layouts for outdoor kitchen islands
- Straight run + island: BBQ and sink along the wall, island for prep and seating.
- L-shape with island: Great for corner alfresco spaces with a central social hub.
- U-shape with integrated island seating: Maximum storage and surface area.
Style directions
- Modern coastal: White or pale greys, sintered stone benchtop, stainless steel appliances.
- Hamptons/Shaker kitchen influence: Shaker-profile doors in weatherproof materials; brass-look outdoor hardware.
- Industrial: Concrete-look benchtops, matte black tapware, porcelain panels.
Appliance and service considerations
- BBQs: Common built-in sizes 900–1200 mm; plan heat shields near compact laminate or fridges.
- Rangehood: Outdoor-rated with adequate capture for crosswinds; duct externally.
- Refrigeration: Choose an outdoor-rated fridge; maintain ventilation grills as per manufacturer.
- Sink and tapware: Go for corrosion-resistant, WELS-rated options; consider a pull-out spray.
- Pizza oven: Factor weight, flue and radiant heat zones; add thermal barriers near cabinetry.
- Gas bottle storage vs natural gas: Provide vented bottle bays for LPG, or plumb natural gas with a licensed gasfitter.
- Electrical: Outdoor GPOs, IP-rated appliances and lighting to AS/NZS 3000.
- Drainage: Allow for falls, traps and connections; avoid pooling near doors.
Real-world WA examples
Case: City Beach coastal alfresco. We specified 316 stainless steel benchtops and porcelain splashbacks to handle salty air. The BBQ island includes a 1200 mm grill, outdoor-rated fridge and a ducted rangehood. Result: low maintenance and zero corrosion issues.
Case: Mt Lawley inner-city courtyard. A compact laminate island with sintered stone serving ledge maximises space. We added soft-close drawers and a vented LPG bay. The tiled splashback and powder-coated aluminium doors complement the heritage brickwork.
Practical planning checklist
- Measure the alfresco area and note wind direction and sun exposure.
- Confirm BBQ size, fridge width and required clearances.
- Choose a benchtop rated for outdoor UV and heat.
- Select weatherproof cabinetry (powder-coated aluminium, compact laminate).
- Plan gas (LPG or natural) and electrical (IP-rated GPOs and lighting).
- Allow 1000–1200 mm walkway around the island.
- Add seating overhangs of ~300 mm for stools.
- Include bins, drawer organisers and soft-close hardware.
- Specify splashback materials behind heat zones.
- Confirm drainage for sinks and cleaning.
- Check BAL or strata requirements if applicable.
- Book a design consult with Joyce Kitchens to finalise finishes and appliances.
Costs and budgeting in WA
Budgets vary by size, finishes and appliances. Typical ranges for a quality outdoor kitchen island in Perth:
- From $8,000–$15,000: Compact laminate tops, powder-coated aluminium doors, 900 mm BBQ, basic sink, single outdoor GPOs.
- $15,000–$30,000: Sintered porcelain or granite benchtops, outdoor-rated fridge, ducted rangehood, tiled splashback, extra storage.
- $30,000+: Premium porcelain panels, pizza oven, multiple fridges or drawers, feature lighting, extensive custom cabinetry and seating.
Allow for licensed gas and electrical work, possible drainage upgrades, and weatherproofing. Bundle projects (kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe designs) to optimise trades and timelines with a single team.
Why Joyce Kitchens
- Custom outdoor joinery built for WA conditions.
- End-to-end design, documentation and installation.
- Coordinated renovations across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes for a cohesive look.
Ready to design your outdoor kitchen island or BBQ island? Book a consult and we’ll turn your alfresco into a year-round entertainer.
FAQ
What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen island benchtop in Perth?
Sintered porcelain (ultra-compact) and 316 stainless steel are excellent for UV, heat and coastal conditions. Granite and sealed concrete are durable options. Due to national regulations, engineered stone isn’t recommended; ask us about compliant alternatives suited to outdoor use.
Do I need council approval or compliance for a BBQ island in WA?
Cabinetry alone usually doesn’t require approval, but gas and electrical work must be done by licensed trades to AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical). If adding a roof, flues or structural changes, check with your local council. Bushfire-prone sites should consider BAL requirements.
How much does an outdoor kitchen island cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $8,000–$15,000 for value builds, $15,000–$30,000 for mid-range sintered porcelain or granite, and $30,000+ for premium packages with pizza oven, rangehood and extensive storage. Final pricing depends on size, appliances and services.
Can I add a sink and dishwasher to my alfresco kitchen?
Yes. Plan for water supply, waste connection, proper traps and falls, and weatherproof GPOs for appliances. Dishwashers must be outdoor-rated and protected from direct weather. We’ll coordinate plumbing and electrical with licensed contractors.
What sizes and clearances should I allow around a BBQ island?
Common built-in BBQs are 900–1200 mm wide. Allow 1000–1200 mm walkways around the island, 600–700 mm benchtop depth, and manufacturer-specified side/back clearances. Provide ventilation for fridges and thermal barriers between heat sources and cabinetry.
Explore coordinated options including wardrobe design perth to complete your renovation.