Thinking about used kitchen cabinets to save on your Perth renovation? Here’s how to choose wisely and integrate them into a modern, durable kitchen, bathroom or laundry with expert help from Joyce Kitchens.
Are used kitchen cabinets worth it?
Used kitchen cabinets can reduce upfront costs and keep materials out of landfill. Perth often has a healthy supply thanks to renovations and knockdowns, making second hand kitchen cabinets for sale and used kitchen cupboards for sale relatively easy to spot. However, successful outcomes depend on condition, measurements, and how well they’ll adapt to your layout and appliances.
Pros
- Cost savings vs new custom cabinetry
- Fast availability if you find a complete set
- Sustainability and the option to upcycle with new doors or benchtops
Watch-outs
- Hidden damage (water, swelling, delamination)
- Non-standard sizes that don’t fit your room or Australian appliances
- Missing parts (hinges, toe kicks, fillers, bulkheads)
- Installation and modification costs that can negate savings
Mini case study: Wembley, WA
A Wembley couple bought a full set of used cabinets from a 2015 renovation. We redesigned the space into a U‑shaped kitchen with an island bench, added soft‑close drawers, a new porcelain benchtop with a waterfall edge, and a tiled splashback. Savings on cabinets covered upgraded LED strip lighting and an undermount sink.
How Joyce Kitchens helps with second-hand cabinets
We’re a Perth-based designer–maker of custom cabinetry across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. While we specialise in new cabinetry, we often help clients who’ve found second hand kitchen cabinets for sale and want them professionally integrated.
Design and measure
- Site measure to confirm sizes, clearances and services
- 3D design to map your set of used cabinets into a galley kitchen, L‑shaped or U‑shaped layout
- Plan for Australian appliance sizes (e.g., 600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops, rangehood duct paths)
Modify, reface or blend with new
- Cabinet refacing with shaker kitchen doors, handleless finger‑pull profiles, or modern flat panel styles
- New infill cabinets, bulkheads, kickboards and scullery pantry units to make everything fit
- Hardware upgrades (Blum soft‑close hinges/runners) for smooth performance
Fit-out and compliance
- Professional installation, scribing to uneven walls/floors common in WA housing
- Appliance integration and correct ventilation for rangehoods/downdraft systems
- Coordination with licensed trades for electrical and plumbing to AS/NZS requirements
Prefer brand-new, fully tailored cabinetry? Our kitchen renovations Perth team can design, manufacture and install a complete custom solution across WA.
Mini case study: North Fremantle apartment
The owner sourced used kitchen cupboards for sale in near‑new condition. We added custom Polytec panels to finish a wall of integrated appliances, replaced the benchtop with sintered stone, and installed a finger‑pull handleless profile. The result looked entirely bespoke.
Materials and finishes explained
Understanding common Australian materials helps you evaluate used cabinets and decide where to refresh or replace.
Cabinet boxes and doors
- Melamine board carcasses: durable and cost‑effective; look for intact edge‑banding and no swelling
- Moisture‑resistant MDF (MR): good for doors and panels in wet areas when sealed well
- Vinyl wrap (thermolaminated) doors: versatile but can peel at heat zones; check near ovens and dishwashers
- 2‑pack polyurethane: painted, smooth and repairable; can be resprayed to refresh
- Solid timber: classic and re-sandable; watch for warping and hinge tear‑outs
Benchtops: what to choose in 2025
Engineered stone containing crystalline silica has been banned across Australia. For new benchtops, porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone with appropriate controls, solid surface, and laminate are popular choices.
Porcelain / Sintered Stone vs Laminate: quick comparison
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone (e.g., Dekton, Caesarstone Porcelain) | Laminate (e.g., Laminex, Polytec) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; suitable near cooktops and WA sunlit spaces | Good indoors; avoid direct high heat |
| Stain & scratch resistance | Excellent; very hard-wearing | Good for everyday use; use boards and trivets |
| Seams & waterfall edges | Great for seamless look and waterfall ends | Edges can show; waterfall options limited |
| Cost (installed) | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Low | Low; avoid standing water on edges |
We also help with splashback tiles, feature stone, and LED strip lighting to elevate reused cabinetry.
Layouts and styles that suit reused cabinets
Layouts
- Galley kitchen: Ideal if you’ve found two matching runs of base and wall cabinets.
- L‑shaped: Combine one long run plus a shorter side; add a movable island if sizes differ.
- U‑shaped: Best for larger sets; mind corner solutions (rotating trays, blind corner pull‑outs).
- Island bench: Often built new to match your used set; can house an undermount sink or seating.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen: Timeless; easy to reface; suits Hamptons or coastal Perth homes.
- Handleless/finger-pull: Clean lines; pair with integrated appliances for a sleeker result.
- Contemporary flat panel: Melamine or 2‑pack fronts with soft‑close drawers.
Costs in Perth/WA: realistic ranges
- Used cabinet set: $500–$3,500+ depending on size, age and condition
- Modifications (cut-downs, fillers, new doors): $150–$300 per cabinet (typical)
- Refacing (new doors/drawers, handles): from $3,000–$9,000+ for an average kitchen
- Benchtops installed:
- Laminate: ~$400–$800 per linear metre
- Porcelain/sintered stone: ~$1,200–$2,500 per linear metre
- Installation of cabinets: $1,500–$4,000+ (scope dependent)
- Plumbing/electrical by licensed trades: $800–$2,500+
- Demolition/disposal: $400–$1,200
Scenario guide
- Tight budget: Used cabinets + new laminate tops + basic refacing: $6,000–$12,000
- Hybrid: Reused bases + new upper cabinets + porcelain top: $12,000–$20,000+
- Full custom: New custom cabinetry WA‑made throughout: from $20,000+ depending on size and finishes
Note: Prices vary with room size, access, chosen finishes and appliance specs.
Our renovation process
- Consultation: Discuss your goals and whether used cabinets are suitable or if new custom will be better value.
- Measure & design: Laser measure, layout options (galley, L‑shaped, U‑shaped), 3D visuals.
- Scope & quote: Clear inclusions for cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, and hardware.
- Build or reface: WA manufacture for new items; careful preparation for refacing.
- Install & commission: Qualified fitters and coordination with licensed trades.
- Aftercare: Guidance on cleaning and maintenance for your finish type.
WA compliance, durability and climate considerations
- Standards & guidance: Domestic kitchen construction and installation should align with AS/NZS cabinetry and building practice. Engage licensed trades for electrical (AS/NZS 3000) and gas (AS/NZS 5601) clearances.
- Heat & moisture: In WA’s warm climate, ensure heat protection panels beside ovens and good ventilation for dishwashers to protect doors and edges.
- Coastal air: Specify corrosion‑resistant hardware and good sealing near sinks for longevity.
- Rangehood: Duct to outside where possible; check height and clearance rules for your cooktop width.
Useful authorities:
Practical checklist: buying used kitchen cupboards for sale
- Measure every cabinet, benchtop, panel and filler; sketch a plan with widths and heights.
- Open and close each door/drawer; check for soft‑close function or hinge sag.
- Inspect for water damage at sink, dishwasher and kickboards.
- Check edges for chips, peeling vinyl wrap, or swollen melamine.
- Confirm a complete set: doors, drawer fronts, shelves, legs, kickboards, fillers, bulkheads.
- Verify appliance gaps: 600/900 mm cooktop, oven housing, fridge recess width and height.
- Ask age of the kitchen, brand (e.g., Laminex/Polytec fronts), and any previous repairs.
- Plan benchtop replacement if the old one won’t fit your new layout.
- Factor in transport, storage and short‑term weather protection during renovation.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens consult to confirm feasibility before you commit.
Ready to make used cabinets look new?
Whether you’ve already found a set of used kitchen cabinets or want advice on new custom cabinetry, our Perth team can design, manufacture and install a space you’ll love. Contact Joyce Kitchens to book a free in‑showroom or in‑home consultation.
FAQ
Are used kitchen cabinets a good idea for a Perth renovation?
Yes—if the carcasses are sound, sizes are compatible with your room and appliances, and you budget for modifications. We often blend used cabinets with new custom pieces, refacing, and a fresh benchtop to achieve a cohesive, long‑lasting result.
Can Joyce Kitchens install second hand kitchen cabinets for sale I’ve found online?
We can assess your find, advise on feasibility, and quote to modify, reface and install. If costs outweigh benefits, we’ll propose a value‑smart custom alternative so you can make an informed choice.
What should I check before buying used kitchen cupboards for sale?
Measure everything, check for water damage and delamination, confirm complete parts (doors, shelves, kickboards), and ensure clearances for cooktop, oven and fridge. Our checklist above covers the key steps.
Can you reface or repaint used cabinets?
Absolutely. We replace doors/drawer fronts, upgrade to soft‑close hardware, and can organise 2‑pack repainting where suitable. We’ll advise on the best finish for WA conditions near heat and moisture.
How much does it cost to fit used cabinets in Perth?
As a guide, modest projects run from $6,000–$12,000 using used cabinets with new laminate tops. Hybrid solutions with some new custom units and porcelain benchtops typically land from $12,000–$20,000+.