Thinking about a shower-over-bath for your Perth or WA home? A well-designed bathtub shower combination can save space, boost family functionality, and lift resale value—without compromising style. Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes across Perth, bringing custom cabinetry WA craftsmanship and practical design thinking to every project.
Why choose a shower-bath combination?
A shower-bath combination delivers two functions in one footprint—ideal for family homes, compact ensuites, and investment properties. You’ll often retain the versatility of bathing children or soaking tired muscles while enjoying the convenience of a daily shower. Done well, modern shower bath solutions look streamlined and add value, especially in small bathrooms where a separate walk-in shower isn’t feasible.
- Space-smart: Fits into a standard alcove bath zone (typically 1700 × 750 mm).
- Budget-friendly: One waterproofed zone, one screen, one set of tapware.
- Future-proof: Choose a back-to-wall bath with a level entry and rail-ready walls to add grab rails later.
Core design insights that make the difference
Dimensions and ergonomics
- Bath length: 1600–1700 mm works best for showering comfort; go 1500 mm only if space is tight.
- Shower end: Prefer a flat-bottomed bath end for stable footing; consider a P-shaped or L-shaped modern shower bath for extra elbow room.
- Screen choice: A semi-frameless or frameless shower screen with a 900–1000 mm opening minimises water escape. Sliding screens are great in tight rooms.
- Niches and rails: Add a tiled wall niche at 1100–1200 mm height for shampoo and a heated towel rail within reach.
Safety and compliance (Australia/WA)
- Slip resistance: Choose slip-resistant tiles meeting AS 4586 with suitable wet-area ratings.
- Glass: Use Grade A safety glass complying with AS/NZS 2208 for protected glazing.
- Waterproofing: Apply a compliant waterproofing membrane to AS 3740; shower areas require vertical and horizontal coverage beyond the screen.
- Water efficiency: Pick WELS 4–5 star tapware and a rail shower with a handpiece for versatility.
For guidance on working with licensed trades and contracts, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA). You can also explore consumer advice at Master Builders WA, and check water-saving labels via the WELS scheme.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
Whether you’re planning bathroom renovations Perth wide or combining updates with kitchen and laundry renovations, our process keeps things smooth:
- In-home consult: We discuss how you use the space, storage needs, and style direction—coastal, contemporary, or Hamptons/shaker.
- Design + 3D: We develop layout options including shower bath combination Australia–ready solutions, integrating custom cabinetry WA with soft-close drawers and moisture-resistant materials.
- Selections: Tiles, tapware, engineered stone benchtop or laminate vanity tops, screens, lighting and ventilation.
- Project planning: Timeline, trade sequencing, and compliance to relevant AS/NZS standards.
- Build + handover: Licensed trades, tidy site management, and a clear handover pack for care and maintenance.
Materials and finishes that last
Bath types
- Acrylic alcove bath: Warm to touch, lighter for second-storey installs, easy to pair with a screen.
- Steel/enamel: Durable but can feel cooler; ensure anti-slip surface at the shower end.
- Back-to-wall bath: The freestanding look without the cleaning gap; suits a pivot or fixed panel screen.
Shower screens
- Frameless shower screen: Minimalist look, easy to clean, premium finish.
- Semi-frameless shower screen: Cost-effective with slim profiles.
- Sliding or fixed panel: Great for tight access; consider a water deflector strip and good sealing.
Walls, floors and grout
- Porcelain tiles: Hard-wearing and low porosity—ideal for showers and floors.
- Large-format tiles: Fewer grout lines; match with epoxy grout in the shower zone for durability.
- Feature walls: Vertical subway or stone-look slabs for a modern shower bath aesthetic.
Tapware and fittings
- Thermostatic mixer: Stabilises temperature—safer for kids and guests.
- Combo rail + hand shower: Flexible for washing hair or rinsing the bath after cleaning.
- Storage: Add a wall niche, mirrored shaving cabinet, and under-vanity drawers.
Comparison: Engineered stone vs laminate for wet-area benchtops
Choosing between engineered stone and laminate for your vanity or adjoining powder room? Here’s a quick guide (also relevant to kitchens, where a consistent finish complements your shaker kitchen or handleless cabinetry).
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Feel | Premium, stone-like patterns with seamless under-mount sinks (kitchen) and above-counter basins (bathroom) | Wide range of décors, good timber looks on a budget |
| Water Resistance | Excellent; low porosity | Good, but protect edges and cut-outs from standing water |
| Heat/UV Resistance | Good, but use trivets/heat mats (kitchen); in bathrooms heat is rarely an issue | Moderate; avoid hot items and prolonged sun |
| Maintenance | Simple wipe-down; occasional pH-neutral cleaner | Very low maintenance; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Indicative Supply & Install (Perth) | $600–$1,000+ per m² (profile/brand dependent) | $250–$450+ per m² |
| Best For | Upscale bathrooms, kitchen renovations Perth, long-term durability | Budget refreshes, rentals, laundry renovations Perth |
Prices are indicative only. We’ll confirm accurate quotes during design.
Layouts and styles for modern shower baths
Popular layout options
- Alcove bath with fixed panel: Clean and minimal; add a towel hook near the screen.
- Alcove bath with sliding screen: Best for tight access or toilets/vanities close by.
- Back-to-wall bath + pivot panel: Freestanding look with the practicality of a sealed back.
- L- or P-shaped bath: A wider showering zone at one end for extra comfort.
Style cues to tie the home together
- Coastal Hamptons: White shaker vanity, brushed nickel tapware, soft greys, and an engineered stone benchtop that matches the kitchen.
- Modern Minimalist: Handleless cabinetry, matt-black fixtures, large-format stone-look porcelain tiles.
- Mid-century Warmth: Timber-look laminates, curved mirrors, and warm brushed brass accessories.
Tip: If your kitchen features a shaker kitchen look, continue the profile through your bathroom vanity doors. The continuity supports whole-home design cohesion—great for valuation and daily enjoyment.
Costs and timelines in Perth
- Basic shower-over-bath upgrade: $3,000–$7,000 (screen, tapware, minor tiling, silicone and sealing).
- Mid-range refresh: $8,000–$18,000 (new bath, screen, tiles, vanity, lighting, painting).
- Full bathroom renovation: $20,000–$40,000+ (layout changes, new plumbing points, custom cabinetry, premium finishes).
- Timeframes: 1–3 weeks for minor upgrades, 3–6 weeks for full renovations, subject to lead times and scope.
We follow recognised practices and recommend engaging licensed trades. For guidance and consumer information in WA, see HIA and Master Builders WA (links above). Standards such as AS 3740 (waterproofing) and AS/NZS 2208 (toughened safety glass) apply.
Two WA case-style examples
Case 1 — Kensington Apartment
A 1970s one-bathroom apartment needed a compact, modern shower bath. We installed a 1700 × 750 mm acrylic alcove bath, a sliding semi-frameless screen, slip-resistant floor tiles, a wall niche, and a rail shower with WELS 4-star efficiency. The result: hotel-clean lines and easier cleaning, completed in 14 days.
Case 2 — Hillarys Family Home
A growing family preferred a freestanding look without losing shower practicality. We specified a back-to-wall bath with a pivot frameless screen, thermostatic mixer to stabilise temperature, and custom cabinetry WA vanities matching their kitchen renovations Perth. The cohesive materials palette extended to their laundry renovations Perth for whole-home synergy.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure the alcove width and confirm door swing clearances.
- Decide the shower end (left/right) and check stud positions for mixer/rail fixing.
- Confirm fall to waste and floor structure suitability for a bath install.
- Select a bath with a flat showering zone and slip-resistant finish.
- Choose your screen type: frameless, semi-frameless, sliding or fixed.
- Pick WELS-rated tapware and a thermostatic mixer if kids or guests use the bath.
- Plan storage: wall niche, shaving cabinet, under-vanity soft-close drawers.
- Coordinate finishes with your kitchen and wardrobe design for consistency.
- Book licensed waterproofing and electrical (correct IP rating near wet zones).
- Schedule works to minimise downtime—ask us about temporary facilities.
Ready to plan your bathroom—with Joyce Kitchens
From modern shower bath layouts to complete bathroom, kitchen and wardrobe design, our Perth team will help you balance form, function and budget. Book a design consultation and see what’s possible in your home.
FAQ
Is a shower-over-bath a good idea for small bathrooms in Australia?
Yes—if you can’t fit a separate shower, a shower-over-bath is a smart, space-efficient solution. Choose a flat-bottomed bath end, slip-resistant tiles, and a quality screen to minimise water escape.
What size bath works best for a shower bath combination in Australia?
1600–1700 mm lengths are ideal. If space is tight, 1500 mm can work, but prioritise a wider shower end (L- or P-shaped) and ensure a comfortable standing area near the mixer and rail shower.
Do I need council or building approval in WA for a bathroom renovation with a shower-over-bath?
Most like-for-like swaps don’t need a building permit, but moving plumbing/drainage or structural work may. Use licensed trades and follow AS 3740 waterproofing. Your designer can advise based on scope.
What waterproofing and glass standards apply to shower bath combinations in Australia?
Waterproofing should meet AS 3740 (internal wet areas), and toughened safety glass should comply with AS/NZS 2208. Tiles should meet AS 4586 slip-resistance guidance for wet areas.
How much does a shower bath combination cost in Perth?
Expect $3,000–$7,000 for a basic upgrade and $8,000–$18,000 for a mid-range refresh. A full bathroom renovation with layout changes can range from $20,000–$40,000+ depending on selections and scope.
