How much does it cost to install a hidden ironing board? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

Modern laundry renovations in Sydney are no longer just about washing machines and benchtops—they’re about smart storage, functional design, and sleek, minimalist solutions. One trend that’s growing rapidly is the hidden ironing board, seamlessly integrated into cabinetry to save space while maintaining style and efficiency.

If you’ve ever asked, “How much does it cost to install a hidden ironing board?”, this guide will provide a detailed breakdown of costs, design options, installation considerations, and suburb-specific insights to help you budget your Sydney laundry renovation effectively.

Why a Hidden Ironing Board is a Smart Laundry Upgrade

A hidden ironing board is not just a luxury—it’s a practical investment for your home workflow and space management:

• Space-Saving: Ideal for small or medium-sized laundries, common in Surry Hills, Redfern, and Marrickville apartments.

• Clutter-Free: Folds away neatly, reducing visual clutter in open-plan designs.

• Integrated Design: Can be built into cabinetry that matches your benchtops and storage systems.

• Enhanced Home Appeal: Buyers appreciate clever storage solutions in Sydney’s competitive property market.

• Ease of Use: Quick setup and stowing away improves efficiency for busy families in Castle Hill, Hornsby, or Mosman.

Local Insight: In high-density areas like Surry Hills or Redfern, hidden ironing boards are ideal because every square metre counts. In larger family homes in Castle Hill or Mosman, they’re often combined with pull-out drawers, laundry hampers, or fold-down benchtops for a streamlined workflow.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Hidden Ironing Boards in Sydney

Several factors influence the overall cost:

1. Type of Hidden Ironing Board

Different types vary in design, material, and installation complexity:

• Pull-Out Ironing Boards: $400–$800

  • Slides horizontally from cabinetry; suitable for compact spaces in Redfern, Surry Hills, or Marrickville.

• Fold-Down Ironing Boards: $600–$1,200

  • Mounts vertically in a cabinet door or wall; common in heritage terraces in Balmain or Paddington.

• Integrated Cabinet Ironing Boards: $800–$2,000+

  • Fully concealed within custom cabinetry, sometimes combined with drawers, storage bins, and benchtops. Popular in premium homes in Mosman, Neutral Bay, and the Eastern Suburbs.

2. Material and Quality

• Standard MDF Board with Laminate Finish: $400–$800

  • Affordable, moisture-resistant, and functional.

• Engineered Timber or Solid Timber Board: $800–$1,500

  • More durable, premium look, often used in heritage homes in Balmain or Paddington.

• Soft-Close Mechanisms: $100–$300 extra

  • Adds luxury feel, prevents slamming, and enhances safety.

Tip: Soft-close and full-extension mechanisms are worth the investment—they significantly improve usability and longevity.

3. Installation Costs

Professional installation is essential for smooth operation and durability:

• Cabinetry Integration: $300–$1,000 depending on complexity

• Electrical Requirements (if board includes heating or lighting): $150–$400

• Custom Cabinet Reinforcement: $200–$500, especially in older homes with uneven floors or walls in Paddington, Balmain, or Leichhardt

• Labor Charges: $100–$400 per hour depending on installer expertise and complexity

DIY installation is possible for simple pull-out boards but may compromise smooth operation, especially in high-end or heavy-duty designs.

4. Laundry Size and Layout

• Small Laundry (3–5m²): $500–$1,200

  • Compact pull-out boards under benchtops are ideal.

• Medium Laundry (5–8m²): $800–$2,000

  • Fold-down boards integrated with cabinets or alongside pull-out hampers.

• Large Laundry (8–12m²+): $1,500–$3,500+

  • Full cabinet integration, combined with storage and custom features.

Homes in Surry Hills, Redfern, and Marrickville typically use small pull-out boards, while family homes in Castle Hill or Mosman often have large integrated cabinetry solutions.

5. Suburb-Specific Trends and Costs

Suburb Typical Cost Notes Mosman / Neutral Bay $1,500–$3,500 Luxury integrated cabinetry with soft-close mechanisms Balmain / Paddington $1,200–$2,500 Fold-down boards integrated in heritage-style cabinets Surry Hills / Redfern $500–$1,200 Compact pull-out boards under benchtops, space-saving focus Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee) $1,000–$2,500 Moisture-resistant finishes, coastal home adaptation Castle Hill / Hornsby $1,500–$3,000 Large laundries, full cabinetry integration with drawers and storage

Local Insight: Coastal suburbs require moisture-resistant hardware, while older heritage terraces may need reinforced cabinetry to support fold-down or pull-out boards.

6. Benefits Beyond Cost

Investing in a hidden ironing board offers practical, aesthetic, and long-term value:

• Space Efficiency: Maximizes limited laundry square meters.

• Clean and Stylish: Reduces visual clutter and complements modern or heritage cabinetry.

• Convenient: Quick to use and stow away, ideal for busy households.

• Increased Resale Appeal: Buyers value practical, well-designed laundry spaces.

• Enhanced Home Workflow: Integrates seamlessly with storage, benchtops, and cabinetry.

7. Budgeting Tips for Hidden Ironing Boards

1. Plan During Design Stage: Avoid retrofitting costs by integrating it into your cabinetry plan.

2. Prioritize Smooth Mechanisms: Full-extension, soft-close, or fold-down designs improve usability.

3. Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials: Essential for Sydney’s humid coastal climate.

4. Integrate with Other Storage: Combine with pull-out drawers or hampers for efficient use.

5. Hire Experienced Installers: Ensures safe, compliant, and durable installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can a hidden ironing board be installed in an existing laundry?
Yes, but cabinet modifications may be required. Retrofits are easier in modern cabinetry rather than older timber cabinets.

Q2: Are hidden ironing boards durable?
Yes, with quality hardware and proper installation, they last 10–15 years or more.

Q3: Do they take up a lot of space?
Not at all. Designed to fold or slide seamlessly into cabinetry, they’re ideal for compact laundries in Surry Hills, Redfern, and Marrickville.

Q4: Can it be integrated with pull-out drawers or hampers?
Absolutely. Many modern designs combine drawers, hampers, and the ironing board in one efficient system.

Q5: Are fold-down boards better than pull-out boards?
It depends on space and preference. Fold-down boards save vertical space, while pull-out boards slide horizontally and may fit better under benchtops.

Summary: Hidden Ironing Board Costs in Sydney Laundry Renovations

Installing a hidden ironing board in a Sydney laundry typically costs $500–$3,500, depending on type, material, cabinetry integration, and suburb-specific considerations. From compact apartments in Surry Hills and Redfern to heritage terraces in Balmain or Paddington, and family homes in Castle Hill or Mosman, a hidden ironing board is a functional, stylish, and space-saving solution that enhances your laundry’s usability and aesthetic appeal.

For expert kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services in Sydney—including custom cabinetry, pull-out drawers, hidden ironing boards, benchtops, and full laundry redesigns—visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.