How much does it cost to install a laundry island or bench extension? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

Modern Sydney homes are increasingly turning laundries into functional and stylish spaces, far beyond the basic washer-and-dryer setup. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is installing a laundry island or bench extension. This not only enhances storage and workspace but also transforms the laundry into a more practical, family-friendly hub.

If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to install a laundry island or bench extension?”, this guide will break down costs, design considerations, materials, installation, and suburb-specific insights to help you plan your renovation efficiently.

Why a Laundry Island or Bench Extension Makes Sense

Adding a laundry island or extending your existing benchtop provides multiple benefits:

• Extra Work Surface: Perfect for folding clothes, sorting laundry, or even working on small DIY projects.

• Improved Storage: Incorporate drawers, cabinets, or pull-out hampers underneath for a tidy, organized space.

• Enhanced Workflow: Reduces clutter on existing benchtops and makes laundry chores quicker.

• Family-Friendly Design: Useful in homes with kids, pets, or high laundry loads in suburbs like Castle Hill, Hornsby, or Mosman.

• Aesthetic Upgrade: Creates a modern, streamlined look, especially when combined with matching cabinetry and benchtop finishes.

Local Insight: In Surry Hills and Redfern, small islands or bench extensions help make the most of compact apartment laundries, whereas in Mosman or Neutral Bay, large free-standing islands become a design focal point of the room.

Factors Influencing Laundry Island or Bench Extension Costs

Several elements determine the overall cost:

1. Size and Layout

The size of the island or bench extension has the biggest impact on cost:

• Small Bench Extension (1–1.5m length): $1,500–$3,500

  • Ideal for compact laundries in Surry Hills, Redfern, or Marrickville.

• Medium Island or Extension (1.5–2.5m length): $3,500–$7,000

  • Provides extra storage, drawers, and counter space for family homes in Castle Hill, Hornsby, or Epping.

• Large Island (2.5m+ length with full cabinetry): $7,000–$15,000+

  • Includes built-in storage, pull-out hampers, and premium finishes, common in Mosman, Neutral Bay, and Eastern Suburbs.

2. Material Selection

Material choice affects durability, aesthetics, and cost:

• Laminate Benchtops: $150–$400 per m²

  • Affordable, moisture-resistant, practical for high-traffic laundries.

• Engineered Stone or Quartz: $600–$1,200 per m²

  • Sleek, premium finish with durability; popular in Mosman or Neutral Bay homes.

• Solid Timber or Timber Veneer: $400–$900 per m²

  • Adds warmth and a luxury feel; ideal for heritage homes in Paddington or Balmain.

• Waterproof Cabinetry Panels: $200–$500 per m²

  • Essential in coastal areas like Bondi, Coogee, or Manly to withstand humidity.

Tip: For family homes, durable and waterproof materials are essential to protect against spills, damp, and heavy usage.

3. Cabinetry and Storage Options

Including storage under the island increases both functionality and cost:

• Standard Drawers: $400–$800 per drawer

• Soft-Close Drawers: $500–$1,000 per drawer

• Pull-Out Hampers: $500–$1,500

• Custom Shelving or Organizers: $500–$2,000 depending on complexity

Local Insight: In Surry Hills and Redfern, storage tends to be compact and vertical, whereas Mosman or Castle Hill homes often feature full under-island cabinetry with integrated hampers and sorting trays.

4. Installation and Labour Costs

Professional installation is crucial to ensure durability and usability:

• Bench/Cabinet Installation: $1,500–$4,000 depending on complexity

• Hardware Installation: $100–$400 per component

• Custom Adjustments: $200–$1,000, particularly in older terraces or uneven floors in Balmain, Paddington, or Leichhardt

• Appliance Integration: $150–$500 if island incorporates laundry sink or appliance recesses

Attempting DIY installation for large islands can result in uneven surfaces or alignment issues, especially in custom designs or premium materials.

5. Suburb-Specific Cost Trends

Suburb Typical Cost Notes Mosman / Neutral Bay $7,000–$15,000 Luxury materials, full cabinetry, premium finishes Balmain / Paddington $5,000–$12,000 Heritage homes, timber cabinetry, adjustments for old floors Surry Hills / Redfern $1,500–$3,500 Compact benches and small islands, laminate finish Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee) $4,000–$10,000 Moisture-resistant boards, modern design, coastal finish Castle Hill / Hornsby $3,500–$8,000 Medium-large islands with drawers, pull-out hampers, and family-friendly layout

Coastal areas need moisture and humidity-resistant hardware, while older terraces often require reinforced cabinetry to support heavy benchtops or islands.

6. Benefits Beyond Cost

Investing in a laundry island or bench extension provides:

• Enhanced Usability: More space for sorting, folding, and storage.

• Improved Aesthetic Appeal: Creates a clean, modern look, even in small spaces.

• Organized Storage: Custom cabinetry or pull-out hampers keep items neatly tucked away.

• Increased Property Value: Functional, well-designed laundries are appealing to buyers in Sydney’s competitive property market.

• Family-Friendly Workflow: Reduces clutter and improves efficiency for busy households.

7. Budgeting and Planning Tips

1. Plan the Layout First: Decide on island size, cabinetry, and storage requirements early.

2. Select Durable Materials: Laminates, engineered stone, and waterproof cabinetry protect against wear and moisture.

3. Incorporate Multi-Functional Storage: Pull-out hampers, drawers, and shelves increase utility.

4. Hire Licensed Renovators: Professionals ensure correct installation, alignment, and long-term durability.

5. Check Suburb Requirements: Older terraces or apartments may require structural adjustments to support heavy benches or islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I add an island in a small laundry?
Yes, but choose compact designs or narrow benches that maximize floor space and maintain walkways.

Q2: How long does a laundry island last?
With quality materials and professional installation, 10–15 years is common.

Q3: Do bench extensions require plumbing?
Only if incorporating a sink. Otherwise, standard benchtops can be installed without plumbing changes.

Q4: Are islands more expensive than bench extensions?
Generally yes, because islands require additional cabinetry, hardware, and floor support.

Q5: Can islands be custom-designed?
Absolutely. Custom islands can match existing cabinetry, include pull-out hampers, drawers, and even integrated hidden ironing boards for maximum functionality.

Summary: Laundry Island and Bench Extension Costs in Sydney

Installing a laundry island or bench extension in Sydney typically ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on size, materials, cabinetry, storage, and installation complexity. From compact apartments in Surry Hills and Redfern to heritage terraces in Balmain or Paddington and spacious family homes in Castle Hill or Mosman, this upgrade significantly improves functionality, storage, and overall design appeal.

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