How much should I allocate for cabinets, benchtops, and flooring? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

Planning a laundry renovation in Sydney can be exciting, but one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How much should I allocate for cabinets, benchtops, and flooring?” Whether you live in a modern apartment in North Sydney, a terrace in Newtown, or a family home in the Northern Beaches, budgeting effectively is key to achieving a functional and stylish laundry without overspending.

In this guide, we break down costs, materials, and practical considerations for cabinets, benchtops, and flooring in a Sydney laundry renovation.

Why Cabinets, Benchtops, and Flooring Are Critical in a Laundry Renovation

The laundry is often one of the most used spaces in a home, yet it is frequently overlooked in terms of design and functionality. Investing in quality cabinets, durable benchtops, and practical flooring can:

• Maximise storage and workflow efficiency

• Protect against water damage and mould growth

• Enhance the overall aesthetic and resale value of your home

• Reduce long-term maintenance costs

In Sydney’s competitive real estate market, a well-designed laundry can be a selling point, especially in suburbs like Mosman, Balmain, or Manly where buyers pay attention to every detail.

Cabinets: Storage Solutions and Cost Considerations

Types of Laundry Cabinets

1. Laminate Cabinets

   • Cost-effective and widely available in Sydney.

   • Typical cost: $400–$700 per linear metre including installation.

   • Popular in Inner West homes (Marrickville, Leichhardt) for their affordability and variety of finishes.

2. MDF Cabinets with Melamine Finish

   • Smooth, durable, and moisture-resistant.

   • Typical cost: $600–$900 per linear metre.

   • Suitable for modern apartments in Chatswood or North Sydney where a sleek look is desired.

3. Custom Timber or Hardwood Cabinets

   • High-end option for heritage homes in Paddington, Balmain, or Mosman.

   • Typical cost: $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre.

   • Offers exceptional durability and bespoke designs, perfect for open-plan or luxury renovations.

Planning Your Cabinet Budget

When budgeting, consider:

• Number of cabinets: Base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall units.

• Hardware: Handles, soft-close hinges, and drawer runners can add $20–$50 per unit.

• Customisation: If you need built-in spaces for laundry baskets, ironing boards, or hidden appliances.

A mid-range Sydney laundry renovation with standard cabinets typically costs $3,000–$6,000, while high-end custom cabinetry can exceed $10,000.

Benchtops: Choosing Durability and Style

The benchtop is the workhorse of the laundry. It needs to withstand moisture, heat, detergents, and everyday wear.

Common Benchtop Materials

1. Laminate Benchtops

   • Affordable and versatile, with many colours and textures.

   • Typical cost: $200–$450 per linear metre.

   • Often chosen for apartments in Glebe or Newtown for budget-conscious renovations.

2. Engineered Stone (Quartz)

   • Durable, low maintenance, and resistant to stains.

   • Typical cost: $700–$1,200 per linear metre.

   • Popular in luxury homes in Mosman, Manly, and the Eastern Suburbs for a polished look.

3. Timber Benchtops

   • Warm, natural aesthetic but requires regular maintenance to prevent water damage.

   • Typical cost: $600–$1,000 per linear metre.

   • Suited for heritage terraces in Balmain or Paddington, adding character and charm.

4. Stainless Steel

   • Extremely durable and hygienic; ideal for heavy-use areas.

   • Typical cost: $900–$1,500 per linear metre.

   • Often used in custom modern designs or wet rooms where a commercial-grade finish is desired.

Flooring: Durability, Safety, and Style

Laundry flooring must withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, and occasional spills.

Popular Flooring Options in Sydney

1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

   • Most common choice for Sydney homes due to durability and water resistance.

   • Typical cost: $70–$150 per square metre installed.

   • Ideal for Northern Beaches homes where humidity is higher.

2. Vinyl Flooring

   • Cost-effective, waterproof, and easy to clean.

   • Typical cost: $50–$120 per square metre installed.

   • Popular in apartments in Surry Hills or Marrickville for quick renovations.

3. Natural Stone (e.g., Travertine, Slate)

   • High-end and extremely durable, but more expensive and requires sealing.

   • Typical cost: $200–$400 per square metre installed.

   • Favoured in luxury homes in Mosman or Neutral Bay for premium finishes.

4. Timber or Engineered Wood

   • Offers warmth but needs proper sealing for water resistance.

   • Typical cost: $150–$300 per square metre installed.

   • Suitable for heritage homes in Paddington or Balmain, creating a cohesive classic aesthetic.

How to Allocate Your Budget Across Cabinets, Benchtops, and Flooring

A balanced approach is key to avoid overspending on one element while compromising another. For a mid-range Sydney laundry renovation:

• Cabinets: 40–50% of total budget

• Benchtops: 25–35% of total budget

• Flooring: 15–25% of total budget

For example, in a $20,000 renovation:

• Cabinets: $8,000

• Benchtops: $5,500

• Flooring: $4,000–$5,000

High-end renovations can exceed $40,000–$50,000 in luxury suburbs such as Mosman, Neutral Bay, or Double Bay, depending on materials and customisation.

Additional Budgeting Tips for Sydney Homeowners

1. Factor in Installation Costs

   • Cabinet, benchtop, and flooring installation typically adds 20–30% to material costs.

2. Consider Moisture and Ventilation

   • Proper ventilation reduces mould risks. Suburbs with higher humidity, such as Manly or Balmoral, may require waterproofing or specialised flooring treatments.

3. Plan for Future Needs

   • Allocate extra space for additional appliances, storage, or laundry accessories.

4. Consult Local Suppliers

   • Sydney-based suppliers often offer discounts when buying multiple items together, which can save hundreds of dollars.

5. Choose Coordinated Finishes

   • Consistency in cabinet colours, benchtop material, and floor style creates a cohesive look, increasing resale value.

MB9 Australia Pty Ltd: Your Sydney Laundry Renovation Partner

At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, we specialise in end-to-end kitchen, bathroom, and home renovations across Sydney, including:

• Inner West: Marrickville, Leichhardt, Newtown

• Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Bronte

• Lower North Shore: Mosman, Neutral Bay, Crows Nest

• Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl

Our team manages every detail—from cabinets and benchtops to flooring and finishing touches—ensuring your laundry is both functional and visually stunning. With MB9, you get expert planning, licensed trades, and high-quality craftsmanship, tailored to your style and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Budgeting for cabinets, benchtops, and flooring is essential for a functional and stylish laundry renovation.

• Typical costs in Sydney range from $3,000–$6,000 for cabinets, $200–$1,500 per linear metre for benchtops, and $50–$400 per square metre for flooring, depending on materials and finish.

• Allocate your renovation budget wisely: 40–50% cabinets, 25–35% benchtops, 15–25% flooring.

• Factor in installation, moisture protection, and local Sydney conditions for accurate budgeting.

• MB9 Australia Pty Ltd provides complete laundry renovation services, coordinating all trades to deliver a high-quality result.

For homeowners planning a laundry renovation in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.