Perth’s climate makes the alfresco one of the most used spaces in many homes. Buyers increasingly want more than a slab and a roof: they want a built-in barbecue, bench space, a sink and storage. Alfresco kitchens are a strong upgrade opportunity for builders, but they need different thinking from indoor cabinetry.
Understand the exposure
How exposed the alfresco is drives every material choice. A deep, fully covered alfresco protected from rain is very different from an open, west-facing area that takes afternoon sun and wind-driven rain. Assess exposure at the design stage and specify materials accordingly.
Materials and finishes
Outdoor cabinetry must cope with heat, sun, moisture and temperature swings. Discuss material and finish options suitable for outdoor use with your cabinetry supplier, and avoid simply copying the indoor kitchen specification. UV exposure can affect some colours and finishes over time, so choose accordingly.
Hardware
Hinges, runners and handles outdoors need to suit the environment. Specify hardware appropriate for outdoor use, especially in coastal suburbs where salt air is a factor.
Benchtops
Outdoor benchtops need to handle heat from barbecues, sun exposure and moisture. Talk to your supplier about which benchtop materials suit your alfresco’s exposure, and make sure the benchtop is sealed and detailed for outdoor use.
Barbecue and appliance integration
Built-in barbecues require cut-outs and cabinet designs based on the specific model, including clearances and ventilation specified by the manufacturer. Lock in the barbecue model before design is finalised. Consider space for a bar fridge, and specify ventilation for it.
Gas, power and plumbing
Alfresco kitchens can need:
- A gas point or space for a gas bottle.
- Weatherproof power for appliances and lighting.
- Water and waste for a sink, if included.
Plan these before slab and rough-in, because retrofitting services to an alfresco is costly.
Drainage and floor falls
Alfresco slabs are often laid with falls for drainage. Cabinetry needs to account for these falls with adjustable legs or plinths, and water shouldn’t pool around the base of cabinets.
Standard and upgrade packages
Many builders offer alfresco kitchens as an upgrade package by size, for example:
- A compact barbecue bench with storage.
- A mid-size kitchen with sink and bar fridge space.
- A full outdoor kitchen with extended benches and overhead storage.
Fixed packages make pricing and selling straightforward.
Timing
Alfresco cabinetry is usually installed late in the program, once the alfresco is roofed and the slab is finished. Coordinate with paving and external works so the area is accessible and clean.
Care information
Outdoor cabinetry and benchtops need regular cleaning and some maintenance. Include outdoor-specific care notes in handover packs, such as covering the barbecue, cleaning hardware and checking seals.
One partner, indoor and out
Using one supplier for the kitchen and alfresco keeps design language consistent and means one team handles installation and support. See examples in our outdoor kitchens gallery and our custom cabinetry service.
Frequently asked questions
Can indoor cabinetry be used outdoors?
Not without review. Outdoor exposure needs materials, finishes and hardware suited to sun, heat and moisture.
When should the barbecue model be chosen?
Before the alfresco cabinetry design is finalised, because cut-outs and clearances depend on the model.
When are alfresco services planned?
Before slab and rough-in. Gas, power, water and waste are costly to add later.
Is an alfresco kitchen a good upgrade?
In Perth it is a popular choice, and fixed-price packages make it easy to sell.
How do floor falls affect outdoor cabinetry?
Alfresco slabs are often laid with falls for drainage, so cabinetry needs adjustable legs or plinths to sit level, and detailing that stops water pooling around the base.
What care should buyers be given?
Outdoor-specific notes, such as cleaning hardware regularly, covering the barbecue and checking seals, help outdoor cabinetry perform well over time.
Key takeaways for builders
- Assess alfresco exposure before choosing materials.
- Use outdoor-suitable finishes, hardware and benchtops.
- Confirm the barbecue model before design is final.
- Plan gas, power, water and waste before slab and rough-in.
- Sell alfresco kitchens as fixed-price packages.
Talk to Character Cabinets
If you are planning upcoming builds and want a cabinetry partner that designs, manufactures and installs in-house, talk to our team. Call 08 9234 3000 or contact us to discuss your next project or request a quote.