Bunnings vs Kmart Furniture: $19 Side Table Battle

If you’ve ever wandered through Bunnings on a Saturday morning, you might have noticed something new: a sleek $19 side table that looks like it belongs in a designer boutique. It’s part of the retailer’s Astin Sinclair range, launched quietly in February 2026, and it’s sparking a quiet furniture showdown with Kmart. This article breaks down the price, quality, and DIY potential of both stores, so you can decide where to spend your next home-decor dollar.

Bunnings Astin Sinclair side table price: $19 ·
Year Bunnings launched budget furniture line: 2026 ·
Viral DIY project combining Kmart and Bunnings: 2022 ·
Kmart store count in Australia: over 300 ·
Bunnings per‑store revenue advantage over Kmart: higher margins

Here is a quick summary of the key numbers to know.

Which store offers better value for furniture: Bunnings or Kmart?

Price comparison of similar items

At the entry level, Bunnings’ Astin Sinclair side table at $19 undercuts most Kmart console tables, which typically range from $25 to $35. A budget home‑haul video on YouTube explicitly groups Kmart and Bunnings as affordable home‑shopping sources, confirming that shoppers see price overlap. However, clearance deals can shift the balance: Bunnings furniture clearance often reaches 50% off older stock, while Kmart clearance is less predictable.

The implication: for pure dollar value on a single piece, Bunnings currently leads — but Kmart’s wider range means you may find cheaper overall room bundles. For a comparison with another budget flat-pack retailer, see our IKEA Display Cabinet Guide.

Quality and durability differences

Bunnings sells both budget and mid‑range furniture, often using solid wood in higher‑priced lines. Kmart focuses on affordable flat‑pack designs made from engineered wood. User reviews on Reddit indicate mixed opinions on durability for both, with some praising Kmart’s modern aesthetic and others pointing to Bunnings’ sturdier construction. CB Insights notes that Bunnings is anchored in home improvement, which may influence its furniture quality standards differently from Kmart’s discount‑department model.

The trade‑off: Kmart wins on style per dollar; Bunnings wins on structural integrity per dollar.

Customer satisfaction scores

While neither retailer publishes formal satisfaction scores for furniture alone, general retail surveys from news.com.au (2025) place Bunnings ahead on customer service and Kmart ahead on value perception. The data is incomplete, but the pattern suggests Bunnings edges out on trust while Kmart leads on price perception.

What are some Bunnings Kmart furniture competition ideas?

DIY side table from Kmart and Bunnings items

In April 2022, a woman’s side‑table project combining a Kmart console table with Bunnings timber went viral on TikTok and was picked up by news.com.au. The idea is simple: buy a basic Kmart table, add Bunnings timber legs or a custom shelf, and create a designer look for under $50.

Upcycling Bunnings timber with Kmart decor

Many TikTok creators recommend using Bunnings paint and hardware to refresh Kmart furniture, or vice versa. One popular project involves a Bunnings timber crate ($12) turned into a nightstand using Kmart drawer knobs ($2 each).

Budget‑friendly room makeovers using both stores

You can furnish an entire living room by pairing Bunnings shelving (e.g., the Astin Sinclair console table at $19) with Kmart accessories like cushions and rugs. The YouTube haul video cited earlier demonstrates exactly this strategy.

Why this matters: the competition isn’t just about buying from one store — it’s about combining both to maximise style on a tight budget.

How does the Bunnings Astin Sinclair range compare to Kmart furniture?

Astin Sinclair design vs Kmart modern range

Bunnings launched the Astin Sinclair line in February 2026 with a designer‑look aesthetic — clean lines, tapered legs, and matte finishes. Realestate.com.au reported the range as a direct challenge to Kmart’s dominance in budget furniture. Kmart’s modern range leans toward Scandinavian minimalism, often with higher gloss or coloured options.

Price points: side table $19 vs Kmart console table

The Astin Sinclair side table at $19 is the headline item. Kmart’s closest equivalent, the console table, is usually $25–$35. Bunnings also offers a matching coffee table at $29, creating a full set for $48 — Kmart’s similar two‑piece set costs around $55.

Materials and construction differences

Astin Sinclair uses medium‑density fibreboard (MDF) with a laminate finish, similar to Kmart’s core construction. However, early reviews on Reddit suggest Bunnings’ laminate is slightly thicker, reducing edge chipping. Neither brand uses solid wood at these price points.

Across four core categories, Bunnings is cheaper on three out of four, with Kmart slightly undercutting only on TV stands due to a clearance promotion. The pattern: Bunnings’ new range consistently undercuts Kmart on the most popular items.

Are Bunnings furniture clearance items worth buying?

Typical clearance discounts at Bunnings

Bunnings furniture clearance often includes last‑season stock, with discounts up to 50% off. Products like outdoor settings and desk units are frequently marked down in February and August. A shopper on Reddit noted picking up a $129 desk for $64 in a clearance bin.

Quality of clearance vs regular priced items

Clearance items are usually identical to regular stock — just older finishes or overstock. No reported quality drop for clearance items.

Comparison with Kmart clearance

Kmart also has clearance but less frequent, typically rotating stock every 8–12 weeks. Discounts range from 20% to 40%. However, Bunnings’ clearance is more predictable, making it easier to plan a budget purchase. For more on discount furniture shopping, read our Furniture Outlet Dandenong piece.

The catch: clearance items at both stores are final sale, so inspect before buying.

How does Bunnings furniture quality compare to Kmart?

Material quality: solid wood vs engineered wood

Bunnings’ mid‑range lines (like Astin Sinclair) use MDF, but its higher‑end outdoor and utility furniture often uses solid pine or treated timber. Kmart exclusively uses engineered wood (particleboard or MDF) for its indoor furniture. This means Bunnings offers a tier above Kmart in certain categories.

Assembly and sturdiness

Both brands require assembly. Reddit reviews indicate Bunnings furniture has slightly more pre‑drilled holes and clearer instructions. Kmart furniture occasionally suffers from misaligned screw points. Sturdiness tests by DIY Youtubers show Bunnings tables hold up to 30 kg without wobble, whereas Kmart equivalents start wobbling at 20 kg.

Longevity and warranty

Bunnings offers a 12‑month warranty on furniture; Kmart offers 30 days for change of mind and 12 months for manufacturing defects. User reports on TikTok suggest Bunnings furniture lasts 3–5 years under normal use, Kmart 2–4 years.

What this means: the choice depends on your specific use case and expected lifespan.

Comparison Table: Bunnings vs Kmart Furniture

Seven dimensions, one pattern: Bunnings wins on durability and price per year; Kmart wins on instant affordability and style variety.

The pattern: Bunnings leads on almost every objective measure, though Kmart stays competitive on price perception and variety.

Spec Table: Bunnings Astin Sinclair Side Table vs Kmart Console Table

Six specs, one contrast: Bunnings uses slightly heftier materials at a lower price, while Kmart offers more colour options.

The contrast: Bunnings offers better specs and price, but fewer colour choices.

Pros and Cons

The verdict: Bunnings has the edge for durability and price, but Kmart still appeals to style‑conscious shoppers.

DIY Furniture: Step‑by‑Step Project Using Both Stores

Want to build a hybrid side table for under $40? Here’s how.

1. Buy the base: Kmart console table ($29) or Bunnings Astin Sinclair side table ($19) as the starting piece.
2. Add Bunnings timber legs: Purchase four 40 cm pine legs ($2 each) from Bunnings’ hardware aisle.
3. Attach with brackets: Use L‑brackets ($3 for pack) to secure legs to the underside.
4. Paint or stain: Apply Bunnings furniture paint ($12) to match your decor. Let dry overnight.
5. Finish with Kmart knobs: Replace existing knobs with Kmart ceramic ones ($2 each) for a designer touch.

Total cost: $27–$39. Total time: 1 hour. The result looks like a $100 piece from an upmarket store.

Timeline

• April 2022: Woman creates side‑table from Kmart and Bunnings items, goes viral on TikTok and covered by news.com.au.
• February 2026: Bunnings launches Astin Sinclair designer‑look furniture line starting at $19, directly competing with Kmart.

Why the chronology matters: the DIY culture of combining stores predates Bunnings’ official furniture range. The launch formalises what the community already knew — both stores can work together.

Clarity: What We Know and What We Don’t

The balance: confirmed facts are solid, but several key questions remain unanswered.

Quotes from the Community

“Bunnings is taking on Kmart with $19 furniture that looks like it cost three times as much. It’s a smart move into the budget decor space.”

— Realestate.com.au reporter, 2026

“I put together a side table from Kmart and Bunnings for under $30. It’s now my favourite piece in the house.”

— TikTok creator, DIY video 2022

“The margins at Bunnings must be thinner on furniture, but they’re betting you’ll buy a drill too. Kmart just doesn’t have that cross‑sell advantage.