Considering whether to re laminate kitchen cupboards or replace cabinet doors and benchtops? Here’s a practical, Perth-focused guide from Joyce Kitchens to help you choose the right upgrade for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe.
What “re laminating” really means
Homeowners often ask how to “re laminate kitchen cupboards.” In practice, in-situ re-lamination of existing doors and panels is rarely recommended. Modern cabinetmakers usually remove old doors and drawer fronts and install new laminate or melamine fronts on moisture-resistant board. Carcasses (the cabinet boxes) can often stay if sound. This approach delivers a durable finish, new profiles and modern soft-close hardware—without paying for a full rip-out.
- Laminate (HPL): High-Pressure Laminate sheet bonded to a substrate; tough, decorative surface for doors and benchtops.
- Melamine (LPM): Low-Pressure Melamine pre-finished board used for doors and carcases; everyday, cost-effective finish.
- ABS Edge Banding: Impact-resistant edging (1–2 mm) applied to door and panel edges for durability.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Painted and baked finish on MDF; premium look, more cost and care than laminate.
Is re laminating right for your home?
Good candidates
- Cabinet boxes are square, dry and structurally sound (no swelling, rot or mould).
- You’re happy with the kitchen layout (L-shaped, U-shaped, galley or island) and just want a cosmetic refresh.
- Hinges, drawers and runners are tired—ideal time to upgrade to soft-close with quality hardware.
- You want a fast, tidy result with minimal disruption and waste.
When replacement is smarter
- Carcasses are water-damaged or out of level; a full refit will last longer and meet AS/NZS cabinetry standards.
- You’re changing appliance sizes (e.g., moving to a 900 mm cooktop, adding an undermount sink or scullery) or reconfiguring storage.
- Vinyl-wrapped doors are peeling; stripping and re-wrapping often costs more than new doors.
Local note (WA): Perth’s coastal air and summer heat can stress older laminates. Specify moisture-resistant boards, heat shields near ovens and quality ABS edges for longevity.
Our renovation process: door-and-benchtop refresh
- Design consult (in-home or showroom): We review your space, measure accurately, and talk styles—Shaker kitchen, minimalist flat panel, Hamptons or mid-century.
- Material selection: Choose from premium laminates, melamine boards, or two-pack; pair with a laminate benchtop or a compliant stone alternative. We’ll discuss splashbacks and handles.
- Detailed quoting and scheduling: Clear, line-item quote with lead times. We coordinate licensed trades for any electrical or plumbing adjustments.
- Fabrication in WA: Custom cabinetry WA-made to suit your home; precise edge-banding, hinge drilling and drawer setups.
- Installation: Old doors off, new doors and panels on; fit soft-close hinges and runners; template and install benchtops; install new sink, tap, and appliances as needed.
- Final checks: Door alignment, clearances for fridge/oven, compliance notes and care instructions.
Electrical work must be performed by a WA-licensed electrician (AS/NZS 3000). Gas fitting follows AS/NZS 5601; plumbing must be WaterMark-compliant. Cabinet assemblies should align with AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchens.
Materials and finishes
Popular door options
- Melamine (LPM) doors: Economical, hard-wearing; huge colour range; great for rentals and busy family kitchens.
- HPL laminate doors: Extra-tough surface, excellent for high-use or commercial-grade performance.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Premium painted look, crisp Shaker profiles and VJ panels; needs careful use and cleaning.
- Thermofoil/vinyl wrap: Attractive initially but prone to heat damage over time; we generally recommend alternative finishes in WA’s warm climate.
Benchtops
- Laminate benchtops: Affordable, on-trend textures (stone, timber, concrete looks). Use trivets; avoid placing hot pots directly on the surface.
- Engineered stone alternatives: With Australian regulations changing for engineered stone, many WA homes now opt for porcelain or sintered stone. We’ll guide you on safe, compliant choices.
Include heat shields beside ovens and dishwashers; allow ventilation clearances per appliance manuals. Most WA ovens are 600 mm wide, with 900 mm options popular for family cooking.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone (see current AU regulations) / Porcelain Alternative | Laminate Benchtop (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Stone-like appearance; porcelain/sintered offers ultra-matte to high-gloss, thin profiles | Huge range of realistic stone/timber looks; contemporary edges and profiles |
| Heat resistance | High for porcelain/sintered; use trivets regardless | Moderate; always use trivets and avoid hot pots directly |
| Seams and joins | Minimal visible joins with professional fabrication | Joins are visible but neat with modern techniques |
| Typical installed cost (WA) | Porcelain/sintered: approx. $1,200–$3,000+ per m² | Approx. $250–$600 per linear metre (standard depths), depending on profile and brand |
| Maintenance | Low; avoid abrasive cleaners; check supplier care guides | Low; non-abrasive cleaners; repairable edges if chipped |
| Regulatory notes (AU) | Engineered stone subject to changing national rules; consult current WA guidance | No specific restrictions; follow appliance clearance/heat-shield recommendations |
Tip: Waterfall ends look elegant in stone or porcelain. For laminate, consider squareform or tight-radius edges instead of full waterfalls to keep joins discreet and durable.
Layouts and styles that suit WA homes
Layouts
- Galley kitchen: Ideal for narrow Perth cottages; add pull-out pantries and integrated bins.
- L-shaped with island: Maximises open-plan living; consider a breakfast bar overhang.
- U-shaped: Creates efficient work triangles; use corner solutions (LeMans/tray carousels).
- Scullery or butler’s pantry: Popular in new builds; keeps prep mess out of sight.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen/Hamptons: Two-pack or detailed melamine profiles, matte whites and coastal blues, cup pulls and feature handles.
- Contemporary/Minimalist: Flat-panel, finger-pull rails, integrated appliances, engineered stone look benchtops.
- Scandi and mid-century: Timber-look laminates, slim benchtops, open shelves and warm textures.
Finish the look with a durable splashback (tiled, glass or compact laminate in wet zones), under-cabinet lighting, and soft-close drawers using Blum or similar quality runners.
Costs and timeframes in Perth
Typical budget ranges (inc. GST)
- Door and panel refresh (re laminate kitchen cabinets via new doors): $2,500–$6,000 small kitchens; $6,000–$12,000 medium; $12,000+ larger/complex styles.
- Laminate benchtop replacement: $1,200–$3,500+ depending on size, edges and cut-outs.
- Porcelain/sintered benchtop: $3,500–$9,000+ depending on slab size, cut-outs and edge profiles.
- Hardware upgrades: Soft-close hinges and drawer runners from $500–$1,800 depending on quantity and brand.
Timeframes
- Design to install: 3–6 weeks typical, depending on finish selection and supplier lead times.
- On-site installation: 1–3 days for doors/hardware; +1–2 days for benchtops and splashback.
Trade rates (guide): Cabinetmaker install $85–$120/hr; licensed electrician $100–$150/hr; licensed plumber $100–$160/hr in Perth. We quote fixed prices wherever possible.
Compliance: Electrical and plumbing must be done by licensed trades. See guidance from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA for renovation best practice.
WA case-style examples
Cottesloe coastal refresh
A 2000s galley kitchen kept its solid carcases. We replaced dated vinyl doors with matte white melamine, added ABS edges, and installed a modern laminate benchtop with a soft concrete look. Soft-close drawers, a new pull-out pantry and tiled splashback completed a clean, beach-friendly style—installed in two days.
Mount Lawley federation update
To suit period details, we specified two-pack Shaker doors in warm white, retained the existing U-shaped footprint, and upgraded to a porcelain benchtop. New handles, LED under-cabinet lighting and a butler’s sink delivered heritage charm with modern performance.
Practical checklist: Re laminate kitchen cupboards (the right way)
- Check carcases for water damage or swelling—replace if compromised.
- Decide on door style: flat panel melamine vs Shaker two-pack; confirm edge profiles.
- Select a benchtop: laminate for budget and speed; porcelain/sintered for premium durability.
- Plan hardware: soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, pull-out corner solutions and bins.
- Confirm appliance sizes (600 mm vs 900 mm) and ventilation clearances per manuals.
- Specify heat shields next to ovens and dishwashers; use moisture-resistant boards near sinks.
- Choose a splashback (tile or glass) and coordinate grout colour with benchtop and doors.
- Book licensed trades for electrical, gas and plumbing; allow access and parking for installers.
- Schedule around family life—aim for midweek installs and clear bench space beforehand.
- Keep care guides: non-abrasive cleaners, trivets, and soft cloths for all finishes.
Why Joyce Kitchens for kitchen renovations Perth
We’ve designed and built custom cabinetry in WA homes for decades—kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Whether you’re replacing worn doors, upgrading to soft-close storage or planning a full refit, our designers optimise your layout, specify materials fit for WA conditions, and manage trades for a smooth, compliant install.
Ready to discuss your project? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens and see finishes in our Perth showroom.
Useful Australian resources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – renovation guidance and consumer info.
- Master Builders WA – local standards and builder advice.
- WA Building and Energy (DMIRS) – licensing and compliance in WA.
FAQ
Can you re laminate kitchen cupboards in place, or do you replace the doors?
In most Perth homes, we replace old doors and drawer fronts with new laminate or melamine doors rather than trying to re-surface the old ones in place. It’s faster, cleaner and more durable, and lets you add soft-close hardware and a new profile or colour.
How long does a door-and-benchtop refresh take in Perth?
After design and fabrication (3–6 weeks typical), on-site work is usually 1–3 days for doors and hardware, plus 1–2 days if you’re also changing the benchtop and splashback.
Is laminate durable compared with two-pack or vinyl wrap?
Quality laminate and melamine are very durable and easy-care. Two-pack looks premium but can chip if impacted. Vinyl wrap can be vulnerable to heat over time in WA kitchens; we often recommend laminate, melamine or two-pack instead.
Can I keep my existing cabinet boxes and just change doors, handles and benchtop?
Yes—if your carcases are dry, square and secure. We regularly keep the boxes, install new doors, panels and handles, and replace the benchtop and sink for a fresh, modern result with less waste.
Do you manage licensed trades and compliance in WA?
Yes. We coordinate WA-licensed electricians, plumbers and gasfitters as required and work to relevant AS/NZS standards. You get one team, one schedule and a compliant install.