Shower Bath Combo: Smart Ideas, Local Tips and Costs for Australian Homes
Maximise space without sacrificing comfort. A well-designed shower bath combo (also called a bathtub shower combination or “shower over bath”) is one of the most versatile solutions for compact and family bathrooms across Australia. As Perth-based whole-of-home designers, Joyce Kitchens creates cohesive bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes that look great and work hard—backed by custom cabinetry, quality hardware and local know‑how.
Why choose a shower bath combo?
- Space-smart: Perfect for small bathrooms and apartments where a separate shower isn’t feasible.
- Family-friendly: Bath time for kids today; streamlined showering tomorrow.
- Resale appeal: Buyers often appreciate bathrooms with shower over bath for flexibility.
- Budget efficient: One waterproofed wet area instead of two.
When might you go separate? If you have ample floor area, accessibility needs that favour walk-in showers, or a luxury ensuite plan, a dedicated shower can be ideal—our designers can map that out alongside your main bathroom combo for best resale and practical daily use.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
1) Consult and measure
We start with an in-home or showroom consult to confirm your goals, measure accurately and review services. We’ll also plan storage (shaving cabinets, niches, soft-close drawers) so everything has its place.
2) Compliance and documentation
- Plumbing and drainage to AS/NZS 3500.
- Waterproofing to AS 3740 (wet areas), including waterstop angles and membrane terminations.
- Safety glazing to AS 1288 for screens.
Use licensed trades and keep waterproofing certificates on file. You can verify licences via WA’s Building and Energy resources.
3) Product and finishes selection
Whether you prefer a back-to-wall acrylic bath, steel enamel tub, or a solid surface design with a frameless screen, we’ll balance comfort, durability and cleanability. We’ll match your bathroom style with the rest of your home—great if you’re doing kitchen renovations Perth, a laundry fit‑out or upgrading wardrobes too.
4) Build and install
- Demolition and prep.
- Plumbing rough-in and set-out heights (spout, mixer, shower head).
- Waterproofing with flood testing where appropriate.
- Tiling (consider P3–P4 slip-rated floors), then glazing and fit-off.
- Joinery install for vanity and storage; custom cabinetry WA fabrication for a perfect fit.
Authority links: See HIA, Building and Energy (WA) and Safe Work Australia for guidance and updates.
Materials and finishes that last
Bath types
- Acrylic: Warm underfoot, cost-effective, lighter weight—good for upstairs installs. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Steel enamel: Very durable and scratch resistant; cooler to the touch initially; holds a crisp look for years.
- Solid surface: Premium feel and heat retention; heavier; ideal in designer schemes.
Screens and splash control
- Frameless: Minimal look, easy to clean; thicker toughened glass.
- Semi-frameless: Excellent value and stability.
- Framed: Budget-friendly; modern slim frames can look great.
Tapware and accessories
- Wall mixers or twin rail showers for family flexibility.
- Brushed nickel, chrome or matte black for modern Australian bathrooms.
- Built-in niches for bottles; towel hooks near the dry zone.
Vanity benchtops: bathroom and kitchen synergy
When we coordinate your bathroom vanity with your kitchen and laundry, your home feels resolved—think matching tones with a porcelain slab vanity and a complementary kitchen full-height splashback. Below is a quick comparison many homeowners ask about.
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium, stone-like appearance; consistent patterns | Vast designs, including stone-look and timber-look |
| Moisture performance (vanities) | Excellent when edges are sealed correctly | Very good with quality substrates and edge sealing |
| Heat & UV | Good, but avoid direct high heat | Improved heat resistance; still avoid hot pots/tools |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous surface | Low; wipe clean |
| Budget | Higher material and fabrication costs | Cost-effective; great for rentals and families |
Important AU note: Many states and territories have implemented a prohibition on new fabrication of engineered stone benchtop products. Talk to our team about compliant alternatives such as porcelain, sintered stone, natural stone and high-pressure laminate benchtop options for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.
Layouts and styles that work in Australia
Layouts for small to mid-size bathrooms
- Alcove shower bath combo: Bath set end-to-end between walls with a glass screen; efficient and tidy.
- Back-to-wall bath: Sleek edge against tiles; easy to clean and great water control.
- Corner combo: Useful in tight plans; consider custom screens to optimise entry.
Style cues you’ll love
- Classic coastal / Hamptons: Shaker-profile vanity doors, handleless cabinetry where practical, light porcelain, brushed nickel.
- Contemporary: Matte black fixtures, large-format porcelain slabs, minimal frameless screen lines.
- Family-ready: Extra towel storage, robust finishes, easy-clean grout, sturdy bath edges for safer step-over.
Design continuity matters. We often echo kitchen elements—like a Caesarstone-look porcelain top or matching hardware—to tie your bathroom to a galley kitchen, island bench space or even the butler’s pantry. Our joinery teams use quality Blum hardware and create custom solutions for vanities, laundries and walk‑in robe fitouts.
Costs, timelines and lead times
How much does a shower bath combo cost in Perth?
- Bath + screen + tapware package: From ~$1,800 to $5,000+ depending on size (1500–1700 mm), material and screen type.
- Installation (plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, glazing): From ~$3,000 to $9,000+ depending on site access, rectification work and selections.
- Full bathroom renovation with shower over bath: Typically $18,000–$40,000+ in Perth, driven by tile selection, custom cabinetry and scope.
Lead times: Allow 2–8 weeks for product procurement and booking; on-site works commonly 2–3 weeks for a standard bathroom, subject to inspections and drying times. Coordinating with kitchen/laundry upgrades can streamline trades and save time.
Quick local case examples
Subiaco apartment refresh
In a 2.1 × 2.2 m bathroom, we installed a 1500 mm back-to-wall acrylic bath with a semi-frameless screen, tiled to ceiling in light porcelain, and added a compact vanity with soft‑close drawers. Result: brighter space, better storage and an elegant bathtub shower combination for visiting grandkids.
Joondalup family upgrade
A 1700 mm steel enamel bath with an easy-clean niche, P4 floor tiles and a durable vanity in 2‑pack polyurethane. We mirrored colours with the open-plan kitchen’s engineered stone benchtop look using porcelain. The cohesive palette tied bathroom, kitchen and laundry fit‑out together.
Pre‑renovation checklist
- [ ] Confirm room size and bath length (1500, 1600 or 1700 mm).
- [ ] Choose bath type (acrylic, steel enamel, solid surface).
- [ ] Select screen style (frameless, semi-frameless, framed) compliant with AS 1288.
- [ ] Decide mixer and shower rail positions; check stud layout for fixings.
- [ ] Plan storage (niche, shaving cabinet, vanity drawers) and ventilation.
- [ ] Finalise tiles with suitable slip rating; confirm grout and silicone colours.
- [ ] Book licensed waterproofers and plumbers; keep certificates (AS 3740, AS/NZS 3500).
- [ ] Align bathroom finishes with kitchen/laundry for a whole-home look.
Ready to explore bathrooms with shower over bath, or update your kitchen and laundry at the same time? Speak with Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s custom design and renovation team—about practical layouts, beautiful finishes and reliable installation.
FAQ
Is a shower bath combo a good idea for small bathrooms?
Yes—shower bath combos save space, add family flexibility and improve resale in compact homes. With a quality screen, smart storage and compliant waterproofing, they deliver everyday convenience without feeling cramped.
What size bath works best for a shower over bath?
Common sizes are 1500 mm for tight rooms and 1700 mm for more comfort. Choose a back-to-wall or square-edged tub with a flat standing area and pair it with a sturdy screen for safer step-in and better splash control.
How much does a shower bath combo cost in Perth?
Allow roughly $1,800–$5,000+ for the bath, screen and tapware, plus $3,000–$9,000+ for installation depending on tiling, waterproofing and plumbing. Full bathroom renovations typically range from $18,000 to $40,000+ in Perth.
Which screen is best: frameless, semi-frameless or framed?
Frameless is the most minimal and easy to clean; semi-frameless offers strong value; framed is budget-friendly. Ensure glazing meets AS 1288 and consider door swing, towel reach and cleaning access in your choice.
Do I need special waterproofing for a shower over bath?
Yes. Wet area waterproofing must comply with AS 3740. Use licensed trades, include waterstop angles, and ensure correct membrane upturns and penetrations. Keep your certificates for peace of mind and resale.