Thinking about an outdoor kitchen that stands up to Perth’s sun, sea breeze and weekend BBQs? Joyce Kitchens designs and installs durable, custom alfresco kitchens across WA — from compact BBQ benches to complete outdoor cooking cabinetry with sinks, fridges and storage. For expert kitchen design perth services, visit our site.
Why an Outdoor Kitchen in Perth
Perth’s climate makes alfresco living a natural fit. A well-planned outdoor kitchen — whether a simple outdoor BBQ bench or a full outdoor barbecue kitchen with sink and storage — adds everyday convenience and strong resale appeal. Done right, it should be:
- Durable: UV-stable benchtops, weather-proof outdoor kitchen cupboards and rust-resistant hardware.
- Practical: Integrated BBQ cabinet and barbeque housing, fridge ventilation, and a barbecue sink for easy clean-up.
- Beautiful: Styles from white outdoor kitchen Hamptons to sleek black outdoor kitchen modern designs.
- Compliant: Gas and electrical fit-out to AS/NZS standards, with proper clearances and airflow.
Joyce Kitchens brings decades of kitchen renovations Perth expertise to the outdoors — combining custom cabinetry WA craft with materials engineered for Australian conditions.
Our Design-to-Install Process
- Consult and Measure: We visit your alfresco to confirm services, aspect, wind exposure and space for an outdoor kitchen bench, island or L-shape.
- Concept and Layout: We plan your bbq kitchen, storage and prep zones, and whether you need a small outdoor kitchen or larger with an outdoor barbecue cabinet and fridge.
- Selections: Appliances, benchtops and outdoor kitchen cabinetry finishes (powder-coated aluminium, stainless, compact laminate, porcelain).
- Compliance Review: We design for ventilation, heat protection and clearances; we coordinate licensed trades for gas and electrical.
- Fabrication: Your outdoor cooking cabinet and benchtops are produced to specification, including cut-outs for BBQs, sinks and taps.
- Installation: Our installers fit the kitchen cabinets outside, then licensed trades connect gas, power and water.
Materials and Finishes
Cabinetry for Outdoors
Outdoor kitchen cupboards must handle sun, moisture and heat. Top performers include:
- Powder-coated aluminium frames and doors: Corrosion-resistant, low maintenance, ideal for coastal suburbs.
- Stainless steel outdoor kitchen units: Hygienic and tough; specify 316 grade in harsher coastal locations.
- Compact laminate (exterior grade): UV and water resistant; great for door fronts and side panels.
- Marine-grade plywood with exterior finishes: For protected alfresco areas; ensure proper sealing and edging.
We use outdoor-rated hinges, runners and seals so your outdoor bbq cabinets open smoothly for years.
Benchtops and Splashbacks
- Stainless steel: A classic stainless outdoor kitchen look; excellent heat resistance; perfect for a stainless steel outdoor kitchen island.
- Sintered stone / porcelain slabs: UV-stable and heat tolerant; many colours to suit white or black outdoor kitchen schemes.
- Granite/basalt: Naturally robust; seal regularly in exposed positions.
- Compact laminate: Works in shaded alfresco; check manufacturer heat limits near the BBQ.
Note: Standard engineered stone benchtop products can discolour or degrade outdoors under UV. Ask us about UV-stable surface options designed for external use.
Definition: Sintered Stone (Porcelain Slab)
A high-density, man‑made stone fired at extreme temperatures. It’s UV-stable, heat and scratch resistant, making it a top choice for outdoor benchtops and splashbacks.
Appliances, Sinks and Services
- BBQ and housing: Ensure built-in models are approved for enclosure and installed with ventilation as specified by the manufacturer.
- BBQ with sink: We can integrate a barbecue sink or outdoor bbq sink for food prep and handwashing.
- Fridges: Use outdoor-rated units with front ventilation; allow service clearances behind the barbecue cabinet.
- Power and lighting: Outdoor GPOs must be weatherproof; consider task lighting and IP-rated fixtures.
Definition: IP Rating
Ingress Protection (IP) rating classifies resistance to dust and water. Outdoor power points and lights should be appropriately IP-rated for location and exposure.
Outdoor Benchtop Comparison
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered Stone (standard) | Stylish, durable indoors | Not typically UV-stable outdoors; check warranty | Covered alfresco with limited sun and heat exposure |
| Compact Laminate (exterior) | Water and UV resistant, cost-effective | Heat limits near BBQ cut-outs; use heat shields | Budget-friendly outdoor kitchen bench in shaded areas |
| Stainless Steel | Food-safe, heat-proof, seamless | Fingerprints; specify 316 for coastal durability | Hard-working stainless outdoor kitchen and islands |
Layouts and Styles
Popular Outdoor Kitchen Layouts
- Mini outdoor kitchen (straight run): 1.8–2.4 m with BBQ, small fridge and a slim sink — ideal for a townhouse balcony or courtyard.
- L-shaped outdoor bbq kitchen: Adds prep space and room for outdoor cooking cabinet storage.
- U-shape with island: Entertainer’s dream with a stainless steel outdoor kitchen island or stone island for seating.
- BBQ bench only: A cost-effective bbq bench for grilling now, with provision to add a sink later.
Style Ideas
- Coastal Hamptons: White outdoor kitchen doors, V-groove panels, shaker kitchen cues and brushed nickel hardware.
- Modern black: Black outdoor kitchen fronts, porcelain benchtop, shadowline handles and stainless accents.
- Industrial: Stainless and concrete-look porcelain with open shelving and matte black tapware.
- Warm timber-look: UV-stable wood-grain laminates paired with a crisp stone-look splashback.
We match your alfresco to your home’s interior — whether it’s a shaker kitchen inside or a contemporary chef’s space — so the transition outdoors feels seamless.
Costs and Timelines in WA
Every alfresco is unique, but these ballpark figures help set expectations in Perth and surrounds:
- Mini outdoor kitchen: $8,000–$15,000+ (compact cabinetry, BBQ housing, tap and small sink; simple finishes).
- Mid-range custom: $15,000–$30,000+ (premium outdoor kitchen cabinetry, porcelain/compact laminate tops, fridge, bbq with sink).
- Premium entertainer: $30,000–$60,000+ (island, stainless detailing, appliances upgrade, feature lighting and splashbacks).
Lead times: Design and selections 2–4 weeks; fabrication 3–6 weeks; installation typically 1–3 days plus trade connections. Off‑the‑shelf outdoor kitchens for sale may be quicker, but custom ensures fit, ventilation and durability.
We provide fixed quotes after site measure, so there are no surprises.
Practical Outdoor Kitchen Checklist
- Sun, wind and rain exposure assessed (shade, aspect, covers).
- Clearances and heat shielding around the BBQ per manufacturer.
- Outdoor‑rated materials for doors, carcasses and benchtops.
- Ventilation grills for BBQ and fridge, not blocked by doors.
- Weatherproof GPOs, lighting and appliance IP ratings.
- Services: water, waste and gas points located and protected.
- Drainage falls and slip‑resistant flooring near the sink.
- Storage: bins, utensils, condiments and fire blanket location.
- Provision for covers to protect a bar b q kitchen when not in use.
- Warranty and maintenance plan suited to coastal WA.
Quick WA Case Examples
Applecross Courtyard — Small Outdoor Kitchen, Big Utility
We designed a small outdoor kitchen along a 2.2 m wall: compact laminate doors, porcelain benchtop, 900 mm built‑in BBQ, bbq cabinet drawers and a bar sink. Vent grills below the barbeque housing keep it safe and to code. The owners now cook three nights a week outdoors.
Cottesloe Alfresco — Stainless Entertainer
A coastal client wanted a low‑maintenance, stainless outdoor kitchen. We built a stainless steel outdoor kitchen island with waterfall ends and integrated outdoor bbq cabinets. A glass‑backed splash protects the wall, and a marine‑grade finish combats salt air. The result: a resort‑style space ready for summer.
Compliance and Local Notes
- Gas: Installation and ventilation must meet AS/NZS 5601; use licensed gasfitters.
- Electrical: Outdoor wiring to AS/NZS 3000 with weatherproof outlets and suitable RCD protection.
- Waterproofing/drainage: Wet areas and splash zones should follow Australian best practice and local council guidance.
- Council: Most benchtop-only upgrades don’t need approval, but roofed structures, masonry work, or new drainage may. Check with your local council.
Helpful Australian references:
Why Joyce Kitchens
- Custom designs for outdoor kitchens Australia-wide needs, tailored to Perth’s climate.
- Premium outdoor materials and hardware selected for longevity.
- End‑to‑end delivery: design, fabrication, install and aftercare.
Book a free in‑home consult and start planning a beautiful, durable outdoor kitchen that suits your home and lifestyle.
FAQ
What materials are best for an outdoor kitchen in Perth?
The most durable choices are powder-coated aluminium cabinetry, stainless steel outdoor kitchen units (316 grade in coastal areas), and UV-stable benchtops such as sintered stone/porcelain slabs or granite. Exterior-grade compact laminate works well in shaded alfresco spaces. Standard engineered stone is not usually recommended in full sun. For doors and panels, compact laminate or aluminium excel. For benchtops near the grill, stainless or porcelain are safest.
How much does a custom outdoor BBQ kitchen cost in WA?
As a guide, a mini outdoor kitchen starts around $8,000–$15,000+, mid-range custom projects are typically $15,000–$30,000+, and premium entertainer set-ups with islands and top appliances can be $30,000–$60,000+. Final pricing depends on materials, appliances, services and exposure. We provide a fixed quote after site measure.
Do I need council approval for an outdoor barbecue kitchen?
Simple benchtop installations without structural work usually do not need approval. If you add a roof, masonry, new drainage, or locate appliances close to boundaries, you may need approval. Gas and electrical must comply with AS/NZS standards and be installed by licensed trades. Check with your local council for specific requirements.
Can I convert my existing BBQ into a built-in bar b q kitchen with sink?
Yes. We can design a barbeque housing and bbq cabinet to suit many freestanding or built-in BBQs and add a barbecue sink where services allow. We maintain manufacturer clearances, add ventilation grills, heat shielding and weatherproof services so the installation remains safe and compliant.
What size should a small outdoor kitchen be?
A practical small outdoor kitchen is typically 1.8–2.4 m wide with 600–700 mm deep benches. Allow space for a 900 mm BBQ, a 600 mm outdoor fridge and a compact sink. Keep at least 1,000–1,100 mm walkway clearance in front, and ensure adequate ventilation behind appliances.