Design the ultimate outdoor cooking area with Joyce Kitchens Perth. From covered alfresco kitchens and BBQ layouts to materials built for WA conditions, here’s everything you need to plan with confidence.
Why build an outdoor kitchen in Australia?
With our warm climate and love of entertaining, an alfresco kitchen adds liveable space, boosts property value and brings the party outside. Whether you want a compact BBQ station or a fully covered outdoor kitchen with bar fridge, sink and pizza oven, the right outdoor kitchen designs are functional, weather-ready and easy to maintain. For tailored perth kitchen design, Joyce Kitchens can help you create a space built for WA conditions.
At Joyce Kitchens, we custom design and build outdoor kitchen styles for Australian conditions—particularly Perth’s coastal climate—pairing custom cabinetry WA with weatherproof materials and compliant services.
An alfresco kitchen is a permanent kitchen design outside the main home, usually under a roof or pergola, with cooking, preparation and storage zones suited to the weather.
Popular Outdoor Kitchen Styles and Ideas
Below are the most requested outdoor kitchen ideas Australia-wide. Each can be tailored to your space and budget.
1) Modern alfresco kitchen designs
- Sleek, handleless doors, shadow lines and integrated appliances.
- Porcelain or stainless benchtops, matte black tapware, concealed bin drawers.
- Works well in backyard covered outdoor kitchen ideas with louvre roofs.
2) Contemporary coastal
- Textured woodgrain-look doors in exterior-rated laminates.
- Salt-resistant hardware and marine-grade stainless steel in coastal suburbs like Hillarys, Scarborough and Fremantle.
3) Classic Shaker outside
Love a shaker kitchen indoors? We can echo that profile with weatherable, low-maintenance finishes outdoors for a timeless, homely feel.
4) Entertainer’s BBQ and bar
- BBQ outdoor kitchen ideas with side-burners, smoker drawers and concealed gas bottles.
- Dedicated beverage centre: bar fridge, ice well, wine rack, and overhead glass racks.
5) Pizza and fire
- Wood-fired or gas pizza ovens on reinforced cabinetry or masonry plinths.
- Heat- and stain-resistant benchtops and splashbacks are essential.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates how well fixtures resist dust and water. For outdoor power points and lighting, your electrician will select suitable IP ratings to comply with AS/NZS 3000.
Our Perth Outdoor Kitchen Design and Renovation Process
- Consultation and measure: We assess sun, wind, drainage, gas/electrical access and BAL (bushfire) considerations on site.
- Concept and 3D renders: Compare outdoor kitchen configurations (L-shape, galley, island) with layouts that match your outdoor cooking area plans.
- Selections: Durable cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, sinks, taps and finishes optimised for WA conditions.
- Approvals: If structural changes or a new roof are proposed, we prepare details for your builder or outdoor kitchen builder and coordinate with council as required.
- Build and installation: Licensed trades for gas (AS/NZS 5601) and electrical (AS/NZS 3000), quality-controlled by Joyce Kitchens.
- Handover and care: Maintenance guidance for longevity in Perth’s climate.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a measure of bushfire risk. Material choices and roof designs may be affected in BAL-rated zones (AS 3959).
Note: Gas work must be performed by a licensed gasfitter under AS/NZS 5601, and electrical work by a licensed electrician under AS/NZS 3000. For guidance, see WA Building and Energy and industry bodies such as HIA and Master Builders WA.
WA Building and Energy •
Housing Industry Association (HIA) •
Master Builders WA
Materials and Finishes That Last Outside
Outdoor kitchens need UV-stable, water-resistant and heat-tolerant materials. Below is a comparison to guide your selections for outdoor kitchen designs Australia.
Benchtops: what works outdoors
| Material | UV/Heat Resistance | Coastal Durability | Maintenance | Outdoor Suitability | Typical WA Price (supply only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sintered porcelain/ceramic slabs | Excellent (high heat and UV stable) | Excellent | Low; non-porous | Ideal | $$$ |
| Stainless steel (316 marine-grade) | Excellent; can heat-mark | Excellent in coastal air | Low; shows fingerprints | Ideal coastal | $$$ |
| Granite (honed or flamed) | Very good; UV stable | Very good | Moderate; periodic sealing | Recommended | $$–$$$ |
| Concrete (sealed) | Very good; may micro-crack | Good | Moderate; reseal as needed | Recommended | $$–$$$ |
| Exterior-grade compact laminate | Good; check BBQ clearance | Good | Low | Conditional (follow heat shields) | $$ |
| Engineered stone (reconstituted) | Often not UV stable | Varies | Low | Not recommended outdoors | $$ |
Engineered stone has been subject to significant regulatory changes in Australia. For outdoor use, most products are not UV-rated. We recommend outdoor-safe alternatives like sintered porcelain, stainless steel, granite or sealed concrete.
Cabinetry and hardware
- Weatherable cabinet carcasses in exterior-grade materials with sealed edges.
- Powder-coated aluminium door/drawer fronts or exterior-rated laminates.
- Quality hinges and runners (e.g., soft-close) with corrosion-resistant finishes.
- Ventilation grills near BBQs and fridges to manage heat build-up.
Sinks, taps and splashbacks
- 316 stainless or granite-composite sinks; go deeper bowls for bulky cookware.
- Outdoor-rated mixers; check WELS and choose corrosion-resistant finishes.
- Splashbacks in porcelain slabs, stainless, or glazed tiles; avoid porous stone near grills.
Layouts, Configurations and Covered Alfresco Ideas
Start with outdoor cooking area plans and measure services. Typical outdoor kitchen configurations include:
Straight (linear)
Ideal for narrow spaces and townhouses. Efficient outdoor kitchen setup against a boundary wall with flued rangehood.
L-shape
Creates prep and cooking zones with a corner for underbench fridge or bin drawer—common in covered outdoor kitchen plans.
U-shape
Maximum storage and separation of BBQ/pizza oven from sink and prep zones, great for larger kitchen backyard areas.
Island with back bench
Social hub for serving and stools. Ventilation and overhead protection are key in covered outdoor kitchen designs.
Galley
Two parallel runs for cooking and prep. Keep clearances for safe traffic flow.
Covered outdoor kitchen ideas
- Fixed roof or operable louvre for shade and smoke control.
- Non-combustible linings and clearances around BBQs as per manufacturer’s specs.
- Ceiling fans and outdoor heaters positioned clear of cooking zones.
- Task lighting over benchtops; IP-rated GPOs in protected locations.
Case examples (Perth, WA)
Case 1 – City Beach Coastal Alfresco: Sintered porcelain benchtops, marine-grade stainless BBQ, powder-coated aluminium doors. Salt air resilience and easy rinse-down after sea breeze days.
Case 2 – Nedlands Entertainer: L-shape with island, double-door wine fridge, pizza oven on reinforced plinth, tiled splashback and concealed ducted rangehood for quiet evenings.
Dimensioned drawings showing plan, elevations and services (gas, water, waste, power). Essential for quoting, compliance and smooth installation.
Outdoor Kitchen Costs in Perth and WA
Budgets vary by size, materials and appliances. As a guide:
- Compact BBQ module: $8,000–$15,000
- Standard L-shape or linear 3–4m: $18,000–$35,000
- Premium covered alfresco with island: $35,000–$75,000+
Allow for services (gas, electrical, plumbing), ventilation, rangehood flues and any structural works to roofs or decking. We provide clear proposals so your outdoor kitchen plans match your budget.
Planning a bigger renovation? We also handle kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—ensuring a cohesive look from indoors to outdoors.
Outdoor Kitchen Pictures and Inspiration
Browse our outdoor kitchen gallery for outdoor kitchen photos, outdoor kitchen pics and real-life outdoor kitchen designs completed across Perth and WA. See benchtop details, storage solutions and lighting that bring outdoor alfresco kitchen ideas to life.
Outdoor Kitchen Planning Checklist
- Measure space, wind/sun exposure and roof coverage.
- Confirm gas, power, water and drainage points with licensed trades.
- Choose an outdoor kitchen builder familiar with WA codes and coastal conditions.
- Select outdoor-rated materials: cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks and hardware.
- Specify appliances sized for AU standards (BBQ width, fridge ventilation, rangehood capacity).
- Plan ventilation, heat shields and non-combustible surfaces around BBQ/pizza oven.
- Include weather protection for tapware, power points and drawers.
- Decide storage: gas bottle bay, utensils, condiments, covers and cleaning.
- Set budget and prioritise—benchtops and weatherproofing first.
- Request detailed outdoor cooking area plans and timeline before ordering.
Start Your Outdoor Kitchen with Joyce Kitchens
From initial ideas for outside kitchen layouts to precision installation, our team designs and builds modern alfresco kitchen designs tailored to WA conditions. Book a showroom visit or in-home consult and we’ll turn your vision into a durable, beautiful space.
FAQ
What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen benchtop in Australia?
Sintered porcelain/ceramic slabs and 316 stainless steel are top picks thanks to UV stability and heat resistance. Granite (sealed) and concrete are also reliable. We generally avoid engineered stone outdoors due to UV and regulatory issues.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Perth?
Expect $8k–$15k for compact modules, $18k–$35k for standard L-shape/linear setups and $35k–$75k+ for premium covered alfresco kitchens. Services, ventilation and structural works are additional.
Do I need council approval or plans for a covered outdoor kitchen?
If you’re adding or changing a roof/pergola or altering structure, approvals may be required. Joinery itself typically doesn’t, but gas and electrical must comply with AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000. We provide detailed plans and liaise with your builder as needed.
Can I put a BBQ under a covered alfresco?
Yes—with the correct clearances, non-combustible surfaces, heat shields and an appropriately ducted outdoor rangehood. Follow the BBQ manufacturer’s instructions and engage licensed gasfitters and electricians.
How do I maintain outdoor cabinetry near the coast in WA?
Choose corrosion-resistant hardware, powder-coated aluminium or exterior laminates, and rinse surfaces periodically to remove salt. Keep hinges and runners clean and check seals; store covers out of the sun when not in use.