Bathtub Shower Combination: The Complete Australian Guide for Space‑Smart Bathrooms
Planning a bathroom renovation and weighing up a bathtub shower combination? This guide explains how to design a practical, beautiful shower‑over‑bath for Australian homes, with Perth‑specific tips, costs, compliance notes, and a step‑by‑step process from the Joyce Kitchens team.
Why choose a bathtub shower combination?
A bathtub shower combination (also called a shower‑over‑bath or bathtub shower combo) pairs the versatility of a full bath with the day‑to‑day practicality of a shower. For many Perth properties—whether a compact apartment ensuite or a family bathroom—the combo can maximise floor area and resale appeal without sacrificing comfort.
Core benefits
- Space efficient: Fits where a separate bath and shower won’t.
- Family‑friendly: Ideal for bathing children while keeping a proper shower for adults and guests.
- Cost‑effective: One waterproofing zone, one screen, one waste—fewer trades and less tiling than dual wet areas.
- Resale value: Buyers often prefer at least one bath in the home.
Key design considerations
- Comfort and safety: Choose a bath with a flat standing zone, anti‑slip surface, and consider a grab rail.
- Splash control: A semi‑frameless or frameless screen at ~2000 mm high helps contain spray better than curtains.
- Plumbing and fall: Ensure correct falls to the waste for both shower and bath edges to avoid pooling.
- Storage: Niches and a well‑planned vanity keep soaps and shampoos off the bath rim.
Renovation process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens delivers end‑to‑end bathroom design and cabinetry, coordinating with licensed trades for a smooth experience. Here’s the typical process for a shower‑over‑bath renovation in WA.
- Design consultation and measure: We assess services, ventilation, and usable footprint; we also discuss style goals that align across your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation, or wardrobe design if part of a wider project.
- Concepts and selections: Choose bath type, screen, tiles, vanity, and tapware. We’ll specify compliant waterproofing and drainage detailing to AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500.
- Quotation and documentation: Transparent scope, PC allowances, and schedule. Consider using a standard building contract through HIA or guidance from Master Builders WA for larger works.
- Strip‑out and services: Demolition, rough‑in plumbing and electrical by licensed trades, and ventilation upgrades where needed.
- Waterproofing: Membrane application by qualified installers to AS 3740; pre‑tiling inspection if required.
- Tiling and cabinetry: Walls, floors, niches, and installation of custom vanity and storage—our custom cabinetry WA team can match finishes to your shaker kitchen or butler’s pantry.
- Bath, screen and fit‑off: Set the bath, fit screen, taps, mixers, and accessories. Verify falls to waste and sealant joints.
- Handover: Final checks, care instructions, and warranty notes.
Apartment or strata? Seek written approval before works, and check if structural or waterproofing changes trigger additional compliance under the NCC—see the Australian Building Codes Board.
Materials and finishes that work
Bath types for shower‑over‑bath use
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, lighter to install, many shapes with flat standing areas.
- Pressed steel enamel: Durable, great scratch resistance; cooler feel; consider anti‑slip enamel options.
- Cast stone/synthetic stone: Premium look and excellent heat retention; heavier—check floor capacity.
Comparison: Bath materials for a shower‑over‑bath
| Material | Weight | Heat retention | Slip/safety | WA supply/lead time | Typical bath cost (excl. install) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Light | Good | Textured bases available | Generally in stock | $350–$1,200 |
| Pressed steel enamel | Medium | Moderate | Ask for anti‑slip enamel | Common in WA | $600–$1,800 |
| Cast stone/synthetic stone | Heavy | Excellent | Often grippy; confirm rating | Special order | $1,500–$3,500+ |
Shower screens and waterproofing
- Screens: Semi‑frameless or frameless toughened glass at ~2000 mm helps control splash better than curtains; consider a hinged return panel for access.
- Waterproofing membrane: Specify compliant membranes (AS 3740) and ensure junctions at bath lips and verticals are fully detailed.
- Tiles and grout: Porcelain tiles for durability; choose a slip rating suited to wet areas (e.g., P3–P4). Epoxy grout in shower zones reduces maintenance.
Vanities, storage and benchtops
Link your bathroom aesthetic to adjacent spaces. A shaker‑style vanity, soft‑close drawers, and quality hardware (e.g., Blum hardware) pair well with a coastal or Hamptons look. Finishes can match your kitchen’s 2pac finish, vinyl‑wrap doors, or timber accents.
- Benchtops: Porcelain slab or natural stone are excellent for vanities and the laundry. Laminate benchtops remain budget‑friendly.
- Engineered stone note: Engineered stone benchtops are subject to an Australia‑wide ban on new supply and installation. Ask us about compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered surfaces or natural stones for your vanity or kitchen waterfall edge.
- Lighting: LED strip lighting under mirrors or in niches improves night‑time usability.
Layouts and styles that suit your home
Popular layouts for bathrooms with shower over bath
- Wall‑to‑wall bath: Efficient for small rooms; place the mixer at the open end for safer access.
- Alcove bath with niche: Incorporate a full‑height niche for storage to keep the rim clear.
- Laundry/bath combo: In compact homes, combine a shower‑over‑bath with stacked washer/dryer and overheads for a family‑friendly utility zone.
Styles and finishes
- Hamptons/coastal: Shaker cabinetry, soft whites, subway tiles, brushed nickel tapware.
- Contemporary: Large‑format porcelain tiles, matte black fixtures, floating vanity with integrated appliances nearby in the laundry if part of a wider renovation.
- Classic family: Semi‑frameless shower screen, durable surfaces, easy‑clean fittings.
Short Australian examples
Mount Lawley apartment (WA): Replaced a tired tub with a new acrylic shower‑bath, added a 2000 mm semi‑frameless screen, porcelain tiles, and a compact vanity with soft‑close drawers. The result: a brighter space that feels larger and functions better for tenants.
Cottesloe family home: Updated the main bathroom with a pressed‑steel bath, anti‑slip enamel, and a tiled niche. The vanity echoes the kitchen’s shaker kitchen profile for a cohesive look across the home.
Costs and budgeting in WA
Costs vary with layout, selections, and site access. The figures below are indicative for Perth and broader WA as at 2025.
- Shower‑over‑bath retrofit (like‑for‑like, cosmetic): $6,000–$15,000
- Mid‑range bathroom with shower‑over‑bath: $18,000–$30,000
- High‑end bathroom with premium finishes: $30,000–$45,000+
Allowances:
- Bath: $350–$3,500+
- Screen: $600–$1,800
- Tiling (supply & install): $90–$150/m²+
- Waterproofing: $35–$55/m²
- Plumbing/electrical labour: common Perth rates apply; allow for mixer relocation if needed.
Note: Complex layouts, structural changes, and premium tiles increase cost. Discuss contract and consumer protections with Master Builders WA or HIA if undertaking major building works.
Practical pre‑renovation checklist
- Confirm bath length fits (typical 1500–1700 mm) and door swing clears.
- Select a bath with a flat standing base and anti‑slip surface.
- Decide on screen type and height (aim ~2000 mm).
- Plan mixer and shower rail position for safe access.
- Specify waterproofing to AS 3740 and verify falls to waste.
- Choose tiles with suitable slip rating and easy‑clean grout.
- Lock in ventilation and lighting plan.
- Coordinate vanity storage—drawers for everyday items; niche for shower products.
- Set a realistic contingency (10–15%).
How Joyce Kitchens can help
From bathroom concepts to custom cabinetry WA, our designers can unify your bathroom, kitchen, laundry and robes in one project—streamlining selections, timelines, and quality. Whether you love a coastal vanity that matches your glass splashback in the kitchen, or want consistent 2pac finish doors and soft‑close drawers throughout, we’ll make it effortless.
Ready to explore your bathtub shower combo—or a full home refresh with a scullery, butler’s pantry or laundry redesign? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens today.
FAQ
Is a bathtub shower combination right for my small Perth bathroom?
Yes—if you need both functions in a compact footprint. Typical bath lengths are 1500–1700 mm and a screen height around 2000 mm helps control splash. Choose a bath with a flat standing area and anti‑slip finish for comfort and safety.
How much does a shower‑over‑bath renovation cost in WA?
As a guide, a simple retrofit can be $6,000–$15,000, while a mid‑range full bathroom sits around $18,000–$30,000 and premium builds $30,000–$45,000+. Selections, layout, and site access will move the needle.
What type of bath is best for a shower‑over‑bath?
Acrylic is warm and light with good shapes for standing; pressed steel enamel is tough; cast stone retains heat beautifully but is heavy. Prioritise a flat standing zone, anti‑slip texture, and consider a grab rail.
Do I need waterproofing and permits?
Yes—waterproofing must comply with AS 3740, and plumbing/electrical work requires licensed trades. Strata approvals may be needed in apartments. Larger builds should align with the NCC; your designer or builder can advise.
Can Joyce Kitchens design my bathroom as well as my kitchen?
Absolutely. We design bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes, coordinating finishes across spaces—think shaker‑style vanities, matching cabinetry, and durable benchtops—so your renovation feels cohesive and smart.