Thinking about renovating kitchen cupboards to boost functionality, add value and refresh your home? Here’s a practical, locally-informed guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s custom cabinetry specialists—covering options, costs, materials and how to get it right in Western Australia.
Why renovate kitchen cupboards?
For most Australian homes, kitchen cupboards do the heavy lifting—storing, organising and setting the tone for your design style. A targeted kitchen cabinet renovation can:
- Update the look quickly by replacing doors, panels and handles.
- Upgrade internal storage with drawers, pull-outs and corner solutions.
- Improve durability with moisture-resistant carcasses and quality hardware.
- Increase home value with a fresh, cohesive design.
Whether you want to update kitchen cupboards without removing the entire kitchen, or fully upgrade kitchen cabinets as part of a bigger renovation, a smart plan will help you spend where it matters.
Related terms you might see: shaker kitchen, custom cabinetry WA, kitchen renovations Perth, island bench, soft-close hinges, undermount sink, LED strip lighting, butler’s pantry, galley kitchen, U-shaped kitchen, splashback.
Kitchen cabinet renovation process
1) Measure and assess
Start with precise measurements, a condition check of existing carcasses, and an audit of your storage needs (pots, small appliances, pantry items). In WA, typical appliance sizes are 600 mm and 900 mm ovens/cooktops—lock these in early.
2) Choose your approach
- Refresh: New handles and a professional respray of suitable doors.
- Reface/Replace fronts: Keep existing carcasses; replace doors, drawer fronts, end panels and kickboards.
- Upgrade internals: Add soft-close drawers, pull-out pantries, bins, and corner carousels.
- Full replacement: New custom cabinets for layout, height or functionality changes.
3) Design details
Select a door profile (Shaker, V-groove, flat), finishes (laminate, 2-pack, timber veneer), and consider practical upgrades like finger-pull rails, integrated handles and LED task lighting.
4) Compliance and trades
Cabinetry is typically governed by good practice and Australian Standards. Where plumbing/electrical is affected, use licensed trades and follow AS/NZS requirements. In WA, refer to guidance from industry bodies like HIA and Master Builders WA for best practice and contracts.
5) Manufacture and install
Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry locally. Expect measured lead times, professional site protection, and tidy handover with alignment and soft-close checks.
The cabinet “box” (sides, base, back, shelves). Often made from moisture-resistant board. Doors, drawer fronts and panels are fitted to the carcass.
A hard-wearing painted finish factory-cured for durability and a smooth look in matte, satin or gloss.
Materials and finishes
Doors and panels
- Melamine/laminate doors: Cost-effective, durable, huge colour range. Great for families and rentals.
- Thermofoil/Vinyl wrap: Moulded profiles with a clean, seamless look. Modern manufacturing reduces past heat issues; still keep heat shields near ovens.
- 2-pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish, ideal for Shaker and Hamptons-style kitchens.
- Timber veneer/solid timber: Warm, natural character; needs care with moisture and heat.
Hardware and internals
- Soft-close hinges and drawer systems for quieter, longer-lasting cabinets.
- Pull-out pantry units, spice racks and bin systems to maximise storage.
- Corner solutions like carousels and LeMans trays to eliminate dead zones.
Hinges and drawer runners with a built-in damper that gently closes doors and drawers, reducing wear and noise.
Benchtops: WA considerations
If your cupboard renovation includes benchtops, understand the current Australian environment.
- Engineered stone restrictions: From 2024/2025, a national prohibition on high-silica engineered stone took effect. Check the latest WA guidance and consider compliant alternatives like porcelain/sintered surfaces, natural stone, or laminate. Safe Work Australia provides updates.
- Heat in WA: Perth summers are hot—use heat shields beside ovens and consider finishes with good heat resistance where needed.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for context)
Note: Engineered stone availability is restricted in Australia; always verify compliance and consider alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone. The table below helps compare traditional expectations only.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (historical context) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Stone-like, consistent patterns | Huge range incl. stone-look, timber-look, solid colours |
| Heat/Moisture | Good heat resistance (trivets still recommended) | Good moisture resistance; use trivets for hot pans |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, non-porous | Very low maintenance, budget-friendly to replace |
| Cost | Historically mid–high | Low–mid |
| Availability in WA | Restricted under national prohibition; seek compliant alternatives | Widely available |
Ask our designers about porcelain/sintered surfaces, natural stone, and premium laminates to suit your family and budget.
Layouts and popular styles
Smart layouts for cupboard upgrades
- Galley kitchens: Add deep drawers and a pull-out pantry to one run; keep walkways clear.
- U-shaped kitchens: Convert blind corners to carousels; consider a slim breakfast bar.
- L-shaped with island: Put drawers in the island; add power points for small appliances.
- Butler’s pantry: Open shelving and task lighting for meal prep and appliance storage.
Style cues Australian homeowners love
- Shaker kitchen: Classic frames, matte 2-pack, brushed nickel or matte black handles.
- Contemporary flat-panel: Handleless, finger-pull rails, integrated appliances.
- Coastal/Hamptons: Light tones, V-groove panels, engineered wood floors, tiled splashback.
WA case examples
Hillarys, Perth: A 1990s kitchen kept its solid carcasses. We refaced with white 2-pack Shaker doors, added soft-close drawers and a pull-out bin, plus LED strip lighting. The result felt brand new at a fraction of a full rebuild.
Fremantle character home: We upgraded flat melamine doors to timber veneer panels with finger-pull rails and installed a slimline pantry pull-out. The warm timber tone tied into existing jarrah floors beautifully.
Costs and timelines in WA
Costs vary by scope, materials and kitchen size. Typical ranges (supply and install) for Perth/WA:
- Refresh (handles + respray if suitable): From AU$1,500–AU$5,000+ depending on size and paint system.
- Reface (new doors, panels, kicks): AU$4,500–AU$12,000+ for average kitchens; more for premium 2-pack or veneer.
- Upgrade internals (drawers, pull-outs): AU$2,000–AU$7,000+ depending on quantity/brand.
- Full custom replacement: AU$18,000–AU$45,000+ for cabinetry; benchtops and appliances additional.
Timelines: Design and selections 1–2 weeks; manufacture typically 3–6 weeks; installation 1–5 days depending on scope. Add time if changing plumbing/electrical or walls.
Compliance note: Where plumbing and electrical are involved, engage licensed trades and ensure work aligns with relevant AS/NZS standards. Cabinetry performance often references AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies). For contracts and consumer guidance, consult industry bodies below.
Useful authorities (external):
Housing Industry Association (HIA) |
Master Builders WA |
Safe Work Australia
Kitchen cupboard renovation checklist
- Confirm your goal: refresh, reface, upgrade internals or full replacement.
- List frustrations: poor storage, sticky drawers, dated style, limited bench.
- Measure appliances (600 mm/900 mm) and confirm ventilation/clearances.
- Pick a style: Shaker, flat, V-groove; choose handle style or handleless.
- Select finishes: laminate/melamine, 2-pack, veneer; confirm colour samples in your lighting.
- Plan internals: deep drawers, pull-out pantry, bin under sink, corner solutions.
- Lighting: under-cabinet LEDs for task work; power points for island/pantry.
- Compliance: licensed electrician/plumber for any service changes.
- Schedule: design, manufacture, install; allow contingency for benchtops.
- Warranty and care: keep finish care guides; use heat shields near ovens.
Ready to update kitchen cabinets? Book a free in-home measure and design consultation with Joyce Kitchens across Perth and surrounds.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to update or replace kitchen cupboards?
Updating is usually cheaper. Refacing (new doors, panels and kicks) and upgrading internals can deliver a fresh look and better storage without removing sound carcasses. Full replacement costs more but suits layout changes or badly worn cabinets.
Can I keep my existing carcasses and just change the doors?
Yes—if the carcasses are plumb, square and dry. A reface can add new doors, drawer fronts, end panels and kickboards, plus soft-close hinges and drawers, for a big visual and functional lift.
How long does a kitchen cabinet renovation take in Perth?
Allow 1–2 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for manufacture, and 1–5 days for installation depending on scope. Add time if you are changing benchtops, plumbing or electrical.
What are the best materials for Australian conditions?
Moisture-resistant board for carcasses, quality laminate/melamine or 2-pack polyurethane for doors, and soft-close hardware perform well in WA. Use heat shields near ovens and choose finishes suited to Perth’s warm climate.
Do I need council approval to renovate kitchen cupboards in WA?
Pure cabinetry swaps usually don’t require council approval. Structural work, plumbing or electrical changes must be done by licensed trades and comply with relevant AS/NZS standards and WA regulations.
Set expectations for cabinet updates within the whole project—see our kitchen renovation cost breakdowns for WA homes.
Comparing flat‑pack options before you reface or replace? Read our ikea vs kaboodle kitchen reviews for a balanced view.
