Thinking about a shower for tub conversion or a stylish shower-over-bath? Here’s a clear, expert guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s trusted team for bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design, custom cabinetry and renovations across WA.
Why choose a shower for tub?
A well-designed shower-over-bath (sometimes called a bath–shower combo) is a smart way to save space, add family-friendly flexibility and lift your resale appeal—especially in compact Perth homes and apartments.
Core benefits
- Space efficiency: one wet zone serves two purposes—ideal for smaller ensuites or family bathrooms.
- Family-ready: bathing young kids is easier in a tub; adults still enjoy a full-height shower.
- Budget friendly: fewer fixtures than separate shower and bath, less plumbing rework.
- Resale value: buyers often prefer at least one bath in the home.
Key considerations for Australians
- Waterproofing to AS 3740 and safety glass to AS/NZS 2208 are essential.
- Water efficiency: look for WELS 4–5 star showerheads to save on water bills.
- Slip resistance: choose floor tiles with P3–P4 slip rating and consider an anti-slip bath base.
- Accessibility: if mobility is a concern, a low hob or hobless design and a grab rail can help.
A raised edge (often 80–120 mm high) that contains water within the shower/bath area. A low hob can make access easier while still helping waterproofing.
A valve that limits hot water to 50°C at sanitary fixtures to meet the NCC and plumbing rules, improving safety for children and seniors.
How Joyce Kitchens delivers your renovation
We handle the whole journey—from design to installation—so your bathroom works beautifully with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobes.
Our step-by-step process
- Consultation and measure: We review your wish list, budget and compliance needs (Perth metro and WA regional by arrangement).
- Design and selections: 3D design, product curation and moisture-resistant custom cabinetry (soft-close drawers, smart storage, integrated niches).
- Costing and scheduling: Transparent proposal, realistic timeline, HIA-aligned contracts and documentation.
- Construction: Licensed trades for plumbing (AS/NZS 3500), waterproofing (AS 3740), electrical (AS/NZS 3000), tiling and glazing (AS/NZS 2208).
- Handover and support: Quality checks, care guides and product warranties.
We can coordinate other spaces at the same time—kitchen renovations Perth, laundries and robes—so finishes and profiles match across the home.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Best bathtubs for a shower-over-bath
- Acrylic inset baths with tiling flanges: warm to touch, lighter weight, good for tiling and screens.
- Steel enamel: very durable, crisp look; ensure slip-resistant base if using as a shower.
- Shapes: rectangular tubs are easiest to screen; aim for 1500–1700 mm length, 700–800 mm width.
Shower screens and hardware
- Frameless or semi-frameless toughened glass (10 mm typical) at 2000–2100 mm height improves containment and ventilation.
- Consider a pivot or sliding bath screen with quality seals; choose corrosion-resistant hardware for coastal WA.
- Thermostatic mixers or quality diverters make switching between bath spout and shower seamless.
Tiles, grout and waterproofing
- Porcelain or ceramic tiles with P3–P4 slip rating on floors; larger wall tiles reduce grout lines.
- Upgrade to epoxy grout in shower zones for superior stain and mould resistance.
- Waterproof to AS 3740 with a licensed waterproofer; ensure proper falls to waste.
A recessed shelf within the tiled wall—ideal in a shower-over-bath to keep bottles off the rim.
Cabinetry and benchtops (to match your kitchen and laundry)
Moisture-resistant cabinet carcasses and high-quality door finishes help your vanity last. Many clients coordinate their bathroom vanity with their shaker kitchen doors, finger-pull profiles, or the same soft-close hardware used in their scullery or butler’s pantry.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces vs Laminate
Australia has introduced restrictions on traditional high-silica engineered stone benchtops. We commonly specify porcelain or ultra-compact sintered surfaces instead. Here’s how they stack up against laminate for bathrooms and kitchens.
| Surface | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Ultra-compact | Heat and UV resistant, low porosity, stone-look detail, great for vanities and kitchen splashback continuity. | Premium price, needs experienced fabricators, specify matching basins carefully. | High-wear family homes, cohesive look across kitchen–laundry–bathroom. |
| Laminate | Budget friendly, many modern finishes, quick lead times. | Not heat-proof, visible joins, edge protection needed around wet zones. | Investment properties, quick refreshes, secondary bathrooms. |
Note: If you still have an engineered stone benchtop in mind, ask our designers about compliant alternatives with the same look and feel.
Layouts, styles and bathroom shower bath ideas
Popular Australian layouts for a shower-over-bath
- Back-to-wall tub with screen: simple plumbing, great for narrow rooms.
- Alcove bath (three-wall): excellent water containment, easiest for a glass panel or sliding screen.
- Corner bath refresh: swap to a rectangular inset bath to modernise and improve showering space.
Height, clearances and smart details
- Shower rose height: 2000–2100 mm from finished floor; bath spout at 650–750 mm.
- Niche height: 1050–1200 mm from floor; out of direct shower spray.
- Towel rails: 900–1100 mm; consider a heated rail for winter in WA.
- Electrical: follow AS/NZS 3000 bathroom zones—no GPOs in splash zones; use IP-rated fittings.
Style notes
- Coastal WA: matte white or pale sand tiles, brushed nickel hardware, timber-look vanity.
- Classic: shaker profile vanity doors, stone-look benchtop, heritage taps.
- Contemporary: black-framed semi-frameless screen, large-format tiles, wall-hung vanity.
Bringing your bathroom into the same palette as your galley kitchen or open-plan space—matching splashbacks, laminate benchtops or porcelain surfaces—builds a cohesive, high-end feel throughout your home.
New bathtub ideas to consider
- Inset acrylic tub with slip-resistant base for safer showering.
- Slightly wider 800 mm tubs for better shoulder room under the shower.
- Curved-glass bath screens to maximise elbow room.
- Wall mixers and a rail shower plus rain head for flexibility.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Every project is unique, but these ranges are typical for Perth and WA projects delivered by a licensed team.
- Shower-over-bath upgrade (new inset tub, tapware, bath screen, partial retile, plumbing, waterproofing): from $7,500–$15,000+
- Tub-to-shower conversion (remove bath, build full walk-in shower): from $12,000–$22,000+
- Full bathroom renovation (layout tweaks, new vanity, tiling to ceiling, lighting): commonly $18,000–$35,000+, premium projects higher
- Timeline: design and selections 1–3 weeks; on-site works typically 2–4 weeks depending on scope and lead times
Allow for compliance (AS 3740 waterproofing, licensed trades), disposal, and potential rectification in older homes. Strata approvals may be required for apartments.
Helpful Australian resources:
HIA,
Master Builders WA,
WELS water ratings.
Two quick WA case examples
Subiaco apartment: bath–shower combo for resale
Objective: add a bath without losing a shower in a tight main bathroom. We specified a 1600 mm acrylic inset tub with a semi-frameless screen, porcelain tiles and a wall-hung vanity with two-pack polyurethane doors. The result: day-to-day practicality for tenants, plus improved buyer appeal.
Canning Vale family home: kid-friendly, low-maintenance
Objective: upgrade a dated corner bath. We replaced it with a 1700 mm rectangular tub, added a rail-and-rain shower, epoxy grout and a recessed niche. Matching vanity profile to the client’s new shaker kitchen created a cohesive look across the renovation.
Planning checklist: your shower for tub done right
- Decide: keep a bath with shower or convert to a walk-in shower?
- Measure: is 1500–1700 x 700–800 mm available for a comfortable tub?
- Choose a tub with a tiling flange and anti-slip base.
- Confirm waterproofing to AS 3740 and safety glass to AS/NZS 2208.
- Select WELS 4–5 star showerheads and mixers.
- Plan a niche position away from direct spray.
- Set shower rose height around 2000–2100 mm.
- Pick durable grout (epoxy in wet zones) and P3–P4 floor tiles.
- Match your vanity cabinetry to your kitchen/laundry scheme for continuity.
- Use licensed trades and HIA-style contracts; check strata approvals if needed.
FAQ
Is a shower-over-bath still a good idea in Australia?
Yes. A shower-over-bath is ideal for compact bathrooms and family homes where you want the flexibility of both bathing and showering. It’s budget friendly, helps resale, and—when designed with slip-resistant surfaces, proper waterproofing to AS 3740 and quality screens—feels just as comfortable as a dedicated shower.
How high should the shower head be over a bath?
Plan the shower rose at 2000–2100 mm from the finished floor with the screen around 2000 mm high to control overspray. Keep the bath spout at about 650–750 mm. Ensure the niche is reachable (around 1050–1200 mm) and away from direct spray.
Do I need waterproofing or approvals in WA for a shower for tub?
Waterproofing to AS 3740 is mandatory, plumbing must meet AS/NZS 3500, and electrical work must meet AS/NZS 3000. Use licensed trades and obtain strata approvals for apartments. Building permits are usually not needed unless you alter structure or windows, but your designer will confirm.
Which bathtub is best for a shower-over-bath?
An acrylic inset bath with a tiling flange is the easiest to seal and screen. Steel enamel is also durable. Choose a rectangular shape (1500–1700 x 700–800 mm) with an anti-slip base and enough shoulder room for comfortable showering.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion or shower-over-bath cost in Perth?
As a guide: a shower-over-bath upgrade starts from $7,500–$15,000+, while a tub-to-walk-in-shower conversion is typically $12,000–$22,000+. Full bathroom renovations usually range from $18,000–$35,000+ depending on finishes and layout changes.