Open Shower Design in Perth: Beautiful, Practical Doorless Walk‑In Bathrooms
Open shower design—also called a doorless walk‑in shower or screenless shower—delivers a clean, contemporary bathroom with fewer barriers, easy access, and less glass to clean. As Perth’s specialists in custom bathrooms, kitchens and cabinetry, Joyce Kitchens designs doorless walk‑in solutions that look incredible and comply with Australian standards for waterproofing, drainage and safety.
Why choose an open shower?
- Low maintenance: fewer tracks and panels to clean; no soap‑scum on glass in a true no glass shower.
- Accessibility: ideal for a stand up bathroom with minimal thresholds—great for ageing in place.
- Spacious feel: visually enlarges small walk in shower bathrooms with uninterrupted sightlines.
- Contemporary look: suits modern, coastal and Hamptons interiors and pairs beautifully with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.
- Flexible layouts: from compact bathroom walk in nooks to luxurious walk in double shower ideas for master suites.
Design essentials: waterproofing, drainage, ventilation
Open showers perform brilliantly when the fundamentals are right. Here’s what we prioritise in every Perth bathroom renovation.
Waterproofing to AS/NZS standards
All wet areas are waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 (residential wet areas) with compatible membranes, bond breakers and falls, installed by licensed waterproofers and certified on completion. We coordinate with your plumber to meet AS/NZS 3500 requirements for fixtures and floor wastes. For further reading, see the Australian Building Codes Board.
A liquid‑applied or sheet product installed under tiles to prevent water ingress into the substrate and adjacent rooms.
Drainage and floor falls
- Linear drains allow a single‑plane fall, ideal for large‑format tiles and walk in shower large formats.
- Point wastes are cost‑effective but require multiple falls. We select slip‑rated tiles and precise screeding.
- Typical falls are 1:80 to 1:60 to the waste, depending on the system and tile size.
The slope built into the floor to direct water into the drain, measured as a ratio (e.g., 1:80).
Water control and splash management
- Smart placement: Recess the shower head away from the opening; use a half‑height nib wall to contain spray where needed.
- Tile to ceiling to protect plasterboard in screenless showers.
- Choose hand showers with shut‑off and rainfall showerheads positioned for minimal overspray.
A short partition (often 900–1200 mm long, 120–200 mm thick) used to shield splash and provide a niche for storage.
Ventilation and warmth
- Install a ducted exhaust sized to the room (AS 1668 guidelines) and cross‑vent where possible.
- Consider underfloor heating, heated towel rails and warm LED lighting to offset drafts in open shower designs.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Consultation: In‑home or showroom chat to review walk in bathroom shower goals, style and budget. We can align your bathroom with your shaker kitchen or contemporary cabinetry for whole‑home cohesion.
- Measure & design: Laser measure, 3D designs, and selections for tiles, tapware, vanity and lighting. We provide walk in shower images and pictures of walk in showers to help you visualise.
- Compliance: Plans checked against the NCC and AS/NZS 3740. We liaise with your strata/council if required. See HIA and Master Builders WA for homeowner guidance.
- Build: Licensed trades complete demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing and tiling. We deliver custom cabinetry and engineered stone benchtop options for vanities.
- Handover: Waterproofing certificates, warranties, and care guides. We can coordinate matching finishes for kitchen renovations Perth clients often complete at the same time.
Materials and finishes for open showers
Tiles and surfaces
- Floor tiles: Grip‑rated porcelain (P4–P5 wet pendulum) for safety in stand up bathroom zones.
- Walls: Large‑format porcelain or stone‑look porcelain minimises grout lines; feature mosaics for niches.
- Benchtops: Engineered stone for the vanity is heat and stain resistant; compact laminate is a budget‑friendly alternative.
Tapware and fittings
- Tapware finishes: Brushed nickel, chrome or matte black suit contemporary bathroom showers.
- WELS ratings: Choose 4–5 star shower heads to reduce water use without sacrificing comfort.
- Storage: Built‑in niches and wall‑hung cabinets with soft‑close drawers keep the look uncluttered.
A long, narrow floor waste that allows a single slope in the shower, popular in walk in doorless shower designs.
Benchtop comparison for vanities
Choosing the right vanity surface shapes both performance and price.
| Material | Best for | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered Stone | Premium vanities, master bath walk in shower ideas | Durable, water and stain resistant, seamless look; complements engineered stone benchtop choices in kitchens | Higher cost; must use trained installers; avoid direct heat |
| Laminate | Budget updates, rentals, small doorless walk in shower ideas | Great value, many designer finishes, quick install | Not for inside showers; edge protection needed; shorter lifespan than stone |
Layouts and styles: small to master suites
Small doorless walk‑in shower ideas
- Use a single‑plane fall with a linear drain along the back wall.
- Place the shower head on a side wall and keep the opening at least 800 mm from the spray zone.
- Opt for wall‑hung vanity and floating toilet (concealed cistern) to maximise floor space.
Case study: Subiaco terrace ensuite (1.8 × 2.2 m)
We converted a dated cubicle into an open shower with a 1100 mm opening and a 900 mm nib wall to protect the vanity. Large‑format porcelain and a warm LED strip made the room feel larger. Total build time: 3 weeks.
Walk‑in double shower ideas for master suites
- Dual rainfall heads and a central linear drain for symmetrical fall.
- Half‑height wall with niche separating the two zones for privacy without glass.
- Floor heating and ceiling heat lamps to keep the area cosy.
Case study: Cottesloe coastal master
A 2.4 × 1.4 m walk in double shower with stone‑look tiles and brushed nickel tapware. The adjoining vanity echoes the family’s shaker kitchen profile for a cohesive home, crafted by our in‑house cabinetmakers.
Style notes to tie in with the rest of your home
- Hamptons/Coastal: White shaker fronts, soft greys, and chrome tapware. Great if you have a shaker kitchen nearby.
- Scandi/Contemporary: Timber‑look laminates, matte black tapware, and light stone‑look porcelain.
- Minimalist wet room: Full screenless showers, integrated drain, and large‑format tiles for seamless lines.
Costs for open showers in Perth
Every project varies, but these ballparks help planning.
- Open shower (within a broader bathroom renovation): from $7,000–$15,000 for compact spaces; $15,000–$25,000+ for premium master suites with double heads and underfloor heating.
- Key line items (indicative):
- Demolition and prep: $1,200–$3,000
- Waterproofing (AS/NZS 3740): $800–$1,500
- Tiling (supply & lay): $80–$180/m² (tile dependent)
- Linear drain and plumbing: $900–$2,500
- Electrical, lighting, exhaust: $600–$2,000
- Vanity and benchtop: $1,200 (laminate) to $3,500+ (engineered stone)
Tip: Combining your bathroom works with kitchen renovations Perth projects (or laundry/wardrobe) can reduce per‑room costs through shared trades and deliveries.
Open shower planning checklist (WA‑ready)
- Confirm room size and clearances; target at least 1200 × 900 mm for comfortable no‑door use.
- Choose drain type (linear vs point) and tile size before screeding.
- Select P4–P5 slip‑rated floor tiles and seal grout as specified.
- Position shower head to minimise spray at the opening; consider a nib wall if space allows.
- Specify ducted exhaust and underfloor heating or heated towel rails.
- Match vanity style to adjacent spaces (e.g., shaker profiles, handles, colours).
- Confirm compliance with AS/NZS 3740 and obtain waterproofing certificates at handover.
Why Joyce Kitchens for your bathroom?
- Integrated design: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes—one team, consistent finishes.
- Custom cabinetry WA made: Local manufacturing and installation.
- Standards‑aligned: We follow the NCC and AS/NZS standards, and work with reputable trade partners.
- Showroom guidance: View walk in shower images, samples and mock‑ups to fast‑track decisions.
Ready to explore open shower design and doorless walk in shower ideas for your home? Contact Joyce Kitchens for a friendly consult and a tailored 3D design.
FAQ
Are doorless walk‑in showers cold or drafty?
They don’t have to be. Position the shower head away from the opening, add underfloor heating or heated towel rails, and use warm LED lighting. A short nib wall can block drafts without adding glass.
Do open showers meet Australian waterproofing standards?
Yes—when built correctly. We waterproof to AS/NZS 3740 with certified membranes, correct falls to a linear or point drain, and tile to the ceiling around the shower zone. You’ll receive a waterproofing certificate at handover.
What size do I need for a screenless shower?
We recommend at least 1200 × 900 mm with smart head placement. For tighter rooms, 1100 × 900 mm can work with a nib wall. Master bath walk in shower ideas often start at 1400 × 1000 mm or larger.
Can I do an open shower in a small bathroom?
Absolutely. Small doorless walk in shower ideas include a single‑plane fall with a linear drain, wall‑hung vanity and large‑format tiles to make the room feel bigger. We’ve delivered successful solutions in 1.7–1.9 m wide rooms.
How much does an open shower cost in Perth?
Expect from $7,000–$15,000 for compact spaces and $15,000–$25,000+ for premium master suites, depending on tile selection, drainage type, plumbing changes and heating.