Thinking about a wood cabinet upgrade or replacing tired cupboards? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers everything you need to know about wooden cupboards for storage across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes — tailored for Perth and WA conditions.
Why choose a wood cabinet for your home
A well-designed wood cabinet brings warmth, texture and long-term durability to Australian interiors. Whether you’re planning a Shaker kitchen, a Hamptons-style scullery pantry, a streamlined contemporary laundry fit-out or a custom wardrobe, timber adds natural character that pairs beautifully with modern appliances and open-plan living.
Key benefits
- Natural appeal that suits coastal and heritage WA homes.
- Wide choice of species and finishes to match any aesthetic.
- Repairable and refinishable — outlasts many trend cycles.
- Custom cabinetry WA expertise for tricky spaces and integrated appliances.
- Premium hardware options such as soft-close drawers and hinges for daily comfort.
Storage that works hard
Wooden cupboards for storage can be configured for real-life use: deep drawers for pots and pans, appliance towers for wall ovens and microwaves, tall pantries with pull-outs, and slim utility cabinets for trays, chopping boards and cleaning gear. In wardrobes, tailor hanging heights, shoe racks and drawer inserts; in bathrooms, choose moisture-smart vanities; in laundries, plan tall cupboards for brooms and integrated hampers.
WA-specific considerations
- Seasonal movement: Allow for Perth’s dry summers and cooler winters when detailing timber doors and panels.
- Heat and moisture: Ensure clearances around cooktops meet AS/NZS 5601 and appliance manufacturer guidelines; consider heat-resistant splashback materials near gas hobs.
- Local appliance sizing: Most ovens and dishwashers in Australia are 600 mm or 900 mm wide — design cabinetry to suit, including adequate ventilation and service access.
- Compliance and durability: Domestic cabinetry is best built to AS/NZS 4386 guidelines for strength and performance.
A thin layer of real timber bonded to a stable substrate (such as moisture-resistant MDF). Veneer provides the beauty of natural wood with excellent stability and value.
Decorative paper fused to particleboard or MDF under heat and pressure. Durable, easy-care and available in many woodgrains and solid colours.
A painted cabinet finish cured with a hardener for a smooth, durable surface; ideal for Shaker doors and premium colours.
Our Perth renovation process
Joyce Kitchens has delivered kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust for decades. Here’s how we make wood cabinet projects run smoothly:
- In-home consult: Measure-up, discuss lifestyle, storage needs and style preferences (Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, minimalist, mid-century).
- Concept design: Floor plan and elevations, material palette, hardware and appliance integration (island bench, scullery pantry, integrated fridge).
- Detailed quote: Transparent inclusions, optional upgrades and allowances (benchtops, splashbacks, lighting).
- Final selections: Timber species or veneer, door profiles, handles (finger-pull or hardware), soft-close drawers, organisational inserts.
- Engineering and compliance: Cabinet construction to AS/NZS 4386, services coordination, clearances to AS/NZS 5601 where gas is involved.
- Manufacture: Precision CNC cutting, edge-banding and finishing to suit WA conditions.
- Installation: Perth-based trades coordinate demolition, services, cabinetry, benchtops and splashbacks.
- Handover and aftercare: Adjustments, cleaning tips and warranty discussion.
We recommend using licensed builders and following reputable Australian guidance. See resources from the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA for contracts, warranties and homeowner advice.
Helpful resources:
HIA |
Master Builders WA |
Safe Work Australia (engineered stone)
Materials and finishes (timber, veneer, melamine, 2-pack)
Popular timbers for WA homes
- Tasmanian Oak and Blackbutt: Light, versatile and great for Scandinavian or coastal looks.
- American Oak: Pronounced grain, takes stain well; ideal for contemporary or Shaker kitchens.
- Walnut: Rich tone, premium feel for feature islands or bathroom vanities.
- Veneer alternatives: Stable, sustainable and budget-friendly while retaining real timber character.
Door profiles and hardware
- Shaker profile in 2-pack polyurethane for Hamptons style.
- Flat, minimal doors in timber veneer with finger-pull handles for a contemporary look.
- Soft-close drawers and hinges for smooth, quiet use.
Finishes and durability
- Clear lacquer on timber or veneer to protect against humidity and spills.
- Melamine for high-use family zones and rental properties.
- 2-pack polyurethane for premium colour accuracy and durability.
Quartz-based benchtops containing crystalline silica. From July 2024, Australia has implemented a ban on engineered stone for new installations. Consider alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, solid surface or laminate.
Layouts and styles that suit WA homes
Layouts
- Galley: Efficient for townhouses and apartments; maximise with tall wooden cupboards for storage.
- L-shaped with island bench: Great for family living and entertaining.
- U-shaped with scullery pantry: Excellent zoning for bigger homes and avid cooks.
Styles
- Shaker kitchen / Hamptons style: 2-pack doors, decorative end panels and feature glass cupboards.
- Contemporary minimalist: Veneer or melamine in warm woodgrain, integrated handles, low-profile kickboards.
- Mid-century modern: Walnut veneer, open shelving, matte black accents and a feature splashback.
Two WA case examples
- Mount Lawley Shaker refresh: American Oak veneer base cabinets with 2-pack Shaker uppers, island bench with undermount sink and a hidden butler’s pantry. Result: 40% more storage with soft-close drawers and a brighter, timeless look.
- Fremantle coastal galley: Tasmanian Oak veneer, handleless finger-pull doors, appliance tower and LED task lighting. Result: Improved flow in a compact footprint and a durable family-friendly finish.
Benchtops: Engineered stone vs laminate (Australia 2024+)
Benchtop selection affects budget, maintenance and compliance. Note: Australia has implemented a national prohibition on engineered stone for new installations (with limited exceptions for removals/repairs). Many WA homeowners now choose porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, solid surface or high-pressure laminate.
| Feature | Quartz/Engineered Stone (legacy) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Availability in AU | Not permitted for new installs (national ban 2024+). | Widely available in Australia and WA. |
| Heat and wear | Heat resistant; can chip at edges; requires care with impacts. | Good daily durability; use trivets for hot pots to protect surface. |
| Design range | Stone-like patterns, solid colours (legacy ranges). | Extensive colours, woodgrains and stone-look designs. |
| Seams and edge detail | Mitred edges and neat seams when professionally installed. | Post-formed or square edges; seams are more visible. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non-porous surface. | Very low maintenance; gentle cleaners recommended. |
| Typical installed price in Perth | N/A for new installs; legacy projects varied by brand and thickness. | Excellent value; among the most economical benchtop choices. |
| Compliance note | Subject to national restrictions; follow Safe Work Australia for guidance. | No special restrictions for residential use. |
If you want a premium, stone-like look without engineered stone, consider porcelain/sintered slabs or natural granite with an undermount sink and a durable splashback.
Costs and timelines in Perth and WA
- Kitchen facelift with wood elements: From $15,000–$25,000 including new doors in timber veneer or 2-pack, minor layout tweaks, new handles and soft-close hardware. Excludes major services changes and appliances.
- Full custom kitchen (wood cabinet focus): From $35,000–$70,000+ depending on room size, timber selection (solid vs veneer), benchtops, splashback and appliance package.
- Laundry cabinetry: Often $6,000–$15,000 depending on storage, benchtops and appliance integration.
- Bathroom vanity suites: From $2,500–$8,000+ depending on size, finish and basin/tapware choices.
- Wardrobe fit-outs: From $3,000–$12,000+ depending on internals, doors and lighting.
Lead time: Design to installation typically 6–10 weeks subject to selections, supply-chain factors and site readiness. All estimates are indicative and include GST. A detailed quote follows a measure and design consult.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Decide your style: Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, contemporary, or mid-century.
- Prioritise storage: deep drawers, appliance tower, scullery pantry, corner solutions.
- List appliances and sizes: 600/900 mm ovens, integrated fridge, dishwasher, microwave.
- Choose materials: timber veneer vs solid timber, melamine, 2-pack polyurethane.
- Select a benchtop alternative to engineered stone: porcelain/sintered stone, granite, solid surface or laminate.
- Plan lighting: task LEDs under wall units and inside tall cupboards.
- Note compliance: cooktop clearances (AS/NZS 5601) and cabinet construction (AS/NZS 4386).
- Set budget and timeline: include a 10–15% contingency.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens design consult to finalise layouts and finishes.
Ready to start? Talk to Joyce Kitchens for custom cabinetry WA homeowners rely on — from design through to installation.
FAQ
Are wood cabinets a good choice for Perth kitchens?
Yes. With the right design, finish and hardware, a wood cabinet performs beautifully in Perth homes. We allow for seasonal movement, specify durable lacquers or 2-pack finishes, and detail clearances around appliances to manage heat and moisture.
What timber is best for kitchen cabinets in Australia?
Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt and American Oak are popular for their stability and versatile grain. Walnut delivers a richer tone. Timber veneer on moisture-resistant board offers real-wood character with great stability and value.
How much does a wood cabinet kitchen cost in Perth?
As a guide, a facelift with timber elements can start around $15,000–$25,000, while a full custom kitchen typically ranges from $35,000–$70,000+ depending on size, materials, benchtops and appliances.
Are engineered stone benchtops still available in WA?
Australia has implemented a national ban on engineered stone for new installations from 2024. For a similar look or performance, consider porcelain or sintered stone, natural granite, solid surface or high-pressure laminate.
How do I care for wooden cupboards for storage?
Wipe spills promptly, use gentle cleaners, avoid directing steam onto door edges, use trivets for hot pots and have hinges and drawer runners adjusted periodically for best performance.