When it comes to kitchen renovation projects, you’ve probably heard the term kitchen joinery and wondered: what is kitchen joinery? Why is it so popular in home renovation projects? And how is it really different from flat-pack kitchens?
The first thing to know is that flat-pack kitchens and kitchen joinery are two very different things in home renovation projects. When you’re planning to have a kitchen designed specifically to suit your needs and style, you’re actually looking for custom kitchen joinery. So, what is kitchen joinery?
In this blog, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about kitchen joinery projects. From kitchen joinery costs to the reasons why it’s important for Melbourne homeowners to explore different types of kitchen joineries, all your questions will be answered right here.
So, let’s not waste any more time and dive in!
What Is Kitchen Joinery?
It’s time to start with the basic questions, like what is kitchen joinery, and what exactly kitchen joinery refers to. As a matter of fact, kitchen joinery refers to custom-made cabinets, drawers, shelves, and any built-in features designed specifically for your kitchen. It doesn’t matter if it’s a full renovation or a simple upgrade; if it’s built to fit your space in different angles, it’s considered kitchen joinery.
Unlike flat-pack kitchen cabinets from factories, kitchen joinery is made to suit your kitchen and your specific needs. In this process, you could get some help from professionals. Kitchen joiners are the professional tradespeople who take care of the entire process for you. They handle measuring, planning, building, and even installing custom items. If you’re starting a kitchen makeover project and are wondering about renovation costs, design plans, and more, a professional kitchen joiner can help you answer those questions.
Kitchen Joinery Costs in Melbourne
Let’s get into the kitchen joinery costs. To actually get started with the reno project, you need exact cost estimates so you know how far you can go in the process.
Kitchen joinery costs can vary in many aspects. The type of home you choose, its dimensions, and the location of your property all play an important role. Other factors, such as the size of your kitchen, materials used, and design complexity, also affect the overall cost. Here’s a simple kitchen joinery cost breakdown to help you plan your renovation budget:
- Basic Kitchen Joinery Costs ($8,000 – $15,000): Great for smaller kitchens and apartments with the use of standard materials and simple layouts.
- Mid-Range Custom Joinery ($15,000 – $30,000): Includes mid-quality finishes, soft-close drawers, and custom storage solutions. Best for a medium-sized kitchen with mid-quality in everything.
- Luxury or Bespoke Joinery ($30,000 – $60,000+): Premium materials in the market, such as solid timber, marble, or stone benchtops, and advanced storage designs.
What Factors Influence the Kitchen Joinery Cost?
Here are the factors that directly influence your kitchen joinery costs:
- Materials Used: The type of kitchen materials, including laminate, veneer, timber, or polyurethane, affects the cost. Premium materials like solid oak or American walnut will be more expensive than laminate options.
- Kitchen Size and Layout: Large kitchens with more cabinets, islands, drawers, and integrated features always need more time and resources to build.
- Design Complexity: Small, medium, and large kitchens will cost more if they have complicated designs. Curved cabinetry or hidden storage mechanisms are two important factors that add to the overall cost.
- Hardware and Finishes: Handles, hinges, drawer runners, lighting, and finishes such as matte, gloss, or textured laminates can directly impact the overall pricing. These details may seem minor at first, but they can really influence your kitchen joinery costs.
- Installation and Labour: Professional kitchen joiners and installers charge differently based on experience and project complexity. In Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs, professional joinery labour typically costs between $80 – $150 per hour.
If you’re working with a professional Melbourne joinery company like Silktouch Joinery, you can take a deep breath here. They’ll give you a detailed plan after reviewing your kitchen layout, preferred materials, and design goals.
Why Custom Kitchen Joinery Is Essential for Melbourne Homes
Now that you know what is kitchen joinery, let’s look at why some people prefer it over flat-pack kitchens. Custom kitchen joinery allows you to:
- Maximise Space: Use every single corner and inch of your space with custom kitchen joinery. Making the most of your kitchen cabinet layout is essential especially in older homes with unusual designs.
- Express Your Style: Kitchen joinery in Melbourne allows you to choose every single part of your kitchen exactly how you want it. You can select colours, the best cabinet materials and finishes for your kitchen that reflect your personal taste and complement your home’s architecture.
- Improve Storage: Clever joinery often means more kitchen cabinet storage, less clutter, and easier access to everything you need. This level of optimization is sadly not often available with flat-pack kitchens.
- Enhance Durability: A well-crafted kitchen joinery setup uses high-quality materials and expert workmanship. This ensures your kitchen remains as beautiful and functional as it was on day one for many years to come.
- Increase Property Value: Kitchen joinery can significantly increase your home’s value, especially in prestigious and luxurious neighbourhoods like Toorak, Camberwell, and Kew.
Exploring the Types of Kitchen Joinery: Cabinets, Pantries, Islands, and More
After learning what is kitchen joinery, you might be wondering: what’s next? So, let’s explore the different types of kitchen joinery, including custom cabinets, pantries, kitchen islands, and more.
1. Custom Cabinets and Drawers
When you picture a kitchen, what comes to mind first? Most would agree that it’s the cabinets and drawers. These elements form the foundation of your kitchen, so they must be thoughtfully designed and well-crafted.
Custom kitchen joinery gives you the freedom to choose not just the size, but also the shape, colour, and most importantly the style to suit your space and lifestyle. If you are someone who prefers sleek, handleless cabinets for a modern look or classic shaker-style doors for a more traditional feel, a kitchen joinery company in Melbourne can bring your vision to life.
Silktouch is the friendly kitchen joinery company in Melbourne that everyone must know these days, especially if you live in Australia. So if you are searching for kitchen joinery services in the areas we mentioned earlier, you might want to check out Silktouch Joinery, a Melbourne-based company that specializes in custom kitchen cabinets. But they don’t stop at kitchens!
SilkTouch also offers a range of other services, including:
- Interior design & consultation services,
- Laundry storage solutions,
- Wardrobes,
- Wall-units,
- Along with home renovation projects.
2. Built-In Pantries and Clever Storage Solutions
One of the main goals of kitchen joinery is to maximise storage. That’s why a built-in pantry is considered essential and is highly recommended. It keeps your food organised and unbelievably easy to access.
There are also other smart storage options, such as walk-in pantries, pull-out pantries, or even hidden pantries concealed behind cabinet doors. Kitchen joinery experts can also have clever storage ideas like spice racks, pull-out bins, and corner storage solutions to make your kitchen more efficient and clutter-free.
3. Kitchen Islands and Breakfast Bars
A kitchen island can instantly refine the luxury and functionality of your kitchen. If you have the space for one, it’s definitely worth adding. As one of the best kitchen design trends, the island offers extra bench space, additional storage, and can double as a spot for casual meals or entertaining guests.
Kitchen islands are one of the best layout options that give you enough room to host gatherings, prepare food comfortably, and keep everything within reach. In larger homes, especially in areas like Balwyn or Toorak, a custom island can become the stunning centrepiece of the kitchen.
4. Appliance Integration and Open Shelving
To make your kitchen truly unique, consider appliance integration and open shelving. With custom joinery, appliances like fridges and dishwashers can be hidden behind matching cabinet panels, creating a clean, seamless look.
Open shelving is another stylish and functional option even for small kitchen designs. It’s perfect for displaying dishes, cookbooks, plants, or decorative items—making your kitchen feel more open, modern, and personalised.
Popular Kitchen Joinery Styles in Melbourne and Surrounding Suburbs
In this section, we’ll highlight some of the most popular kitchen joinery styles seen in Melbourne homes and suburbs.
- Modern Minimalist Kitchens: Modern minimalist kitchens are a top choice in Melbourne, especially for those who want a clean, sleek, and clutter-free look. This style can come in many forms including clean lines, handleless cabinetry, and neutral or light colour palettesThis style is also ideal for smaller spaces, as light colours and minimalist design can make your kitchen feel more open and spacious.
- Classic and Traditional Kitchens: Older-style homes with traditional kitchen designs are still very popular in Melbourne. Heritage homes in areas like Kew and Camberwell often suit classic joinery styles, such as shaker doors, timber finishes, and warm, neutral tones. These kitchens feel timeless, charming, and welcoming.
- Hamptons and Coastal Style Kitchens: Inspired by the colours of the sea which are white, soft blue, and coastal tones, the Hamptons style is also highly popular and recommended. It features panelled cabinetry, elegant handles, and a light, airy feel. This style is particularly loved in family homes across Balwyn and Toorak, creating a relaxed yet refined coastal aesthetic.
- Industrial and Contemporary Kitchens: As the name suggests, industrial-style kitchens focus on darker colours, metal finishes, and open shelving. This aesthetic works particularly well in warehouse conversions and modern townhouses in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. Keep in mind that steel cabinetry is a common choice in industrial kitchens, not only because it fits the look, but also because it’s extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Luxury Custom Kitchens: For those seeking the ultimate in both form and function, luxury custom kitchens include high-end materials like marble, solid timber, custom lighting, and premium appliances. These kitchen styles are commonly found in exclusive homes in areas like Toorak and Kew, offering both elegance and elite performance.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is kitchen joinery in Melbourne, you might be tempted to start planning a kitchen project that’s specifically designed for you. While many people still opt for flat-pack kitchens, which are also available at Silktouch Joinery, if you’re looking for something exceptional, long-lasting, and durable, we highly recommend choosing custom joinery, even for smaller spaces. For more inspiration and updates, be sure to follow our Instagram account!
FAQs
1. Do I need council permits for kitchen joinery in Melbourne?
If you’re only updating cabinets within your existing kitchen, you usually don’t need permits. But if you’re removing walls, changing plumbing or electrical, or altering your home’s exterior, you might. Always check with your local council or kitchen joiner to be sure.
2. What materials are best for Melbourne kitchens?
Melbourne’s weather can be humid and change often. Materials like moisture-resistant MDF, plywood, and laminates are good choices. Timber looks great but needs sealing, and stone benchtops are strong and long-lasting.
3. Can kitchen joinery be customised for accessibility?
Yes! Joinery can be designed for easier use with features like lower benchtops, pull-out shelves, and soft-close drawers. Perfect for people with mobility needs—just tell your joinery expert what you require.