Combining a bath and shower is one of the most effective ways to maximise a compact bathroom without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re renovating an apartment ensuite in Subiaco or updating a family bathroom in Mandurah, Joyce Kitchens designs and installs custom bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA—bringing quality cabinetry, practical layouts and beautiful finishes together.
Why choose a shower tub combo for small spaces?
A well-planned shower tub combo for small spaces delivers the best of both worlds: a place to bathe kids or soak tired muscles and a full-height shower that feels open and modern. For many WA homes, a bathtub shower combo for small spaces is the most cost‑effective path to a functional, resale-friendly bathroom.
Core benefits
- Space efficiency: An alcove bath with an over‑bath shower uses the same footprint as a standard tub.
- Resale appeal: Buyers often prefer a home with at least one bath.
- Budget friendly: One waterproofed wet area, one set of taps, one drain line.
- Design flexibility: Screens, tiles and fixtures can match any style—from coastal to contemporary shaker.
Typical Australian sizes
Common bath lengths for compact rooms are 1500–1600 mm (with 700–750 mm width). If you can fit a 1675 mm bath, the extra shoulder room is noticeable. Always confirm door swings, towel rail clearance and the fall to waste in small rooms.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens brings whole‑home expertise—bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobe—to every project. That means smarter storage, coordinated finishes and robust construction for WA conditions.
- Consult & measure: We assess site access, plumbing, ventilation and natural light. We can also review adjacent spaces (e.g., a galley kitchen or laundry renovation Perth) for cohesive design.
- Concept & selections: Choose the bath type, screen style, tiles, vanity and an engineered stone benchtop or laminate top. We’ll guide tapware (WELS-rated) and accessories.
- Documentation: Plans and scope prepared to suit WA conditions. Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740; plumbing to AS/NZS 3500. HIA-aligned contracts available.
- Custom cabinetry WA: Vanities, mirrored cabinets and storage built to fit—soft-close drawers, handleless cabinetry and durable finishes.
- Build & install: Licensed trades complete demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, glazing and carpentry, then final fit-off.
- Handover: Quality check, care guide and warranties. We can continue with your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry or built-in wardrobes for a consistent look.
Definition: AS/NZS 3740 – Australian/New Zealand Standard for waterproofing domestic wet areas (showers, baths, floors, walls).
Definition: WELS – Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme rating the water efficiency of taps, showers and toilets in Australia.
Materials and finishes that last
Bath types for compact rooms
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, light, affordable, easy to install; ideal for most small bathrooms.
- Pressed steel/enamel: Tough surface, slimmer profile; cooler to touch but durable.
- Cast iron: Premium and long-lasting; very heavy—check structure and access.
- Stone/composite: Luxurious look; consider weight and cost in small spaces.
Screen and curtain options
- Semi-frameless slider: Great for tight rooms where a hinged panel would hit a vanity or toilet.
- Pivot/hinged: Minimal tracks, easy cleaning, needs clear swing room.
- Fixed panel: Clean look; pair with a rail shower and splash deflector.
- Quality curtain: Most budget friendly; ensure a curved rail for elbow room.
Tiles, grout and slip resistance
- Floor: Choose slip‑resistant tiles (look for P‑rating) and ensure correct falls to waste.
- Walls: Large formats reduce grout lines; vertical stacks add perceived height.
- Grout: Epoxy or high‑performance cement grout resists stains in wet areas.
Vanity benchtops in wet areas: Engineered stone vs laminate
For bathroom vanities, both materials can look fantastic when detailed correctly. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Engineered stone benchtop | Laminate benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent; non-porous with correct edge sealing | Very good; protect joins and cut-outs from standing water |
| Heat resistance | High, but avoid extreme heat; suitable for bathrooms | Moderate; avoid hot hair tools directly on surface |
| Look & feel | Premium stone look, seamless with undermounts | Wide range of colours, stone-look décors at lower cost |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe clean | Low; avoid standing water at edges |
Note: We follow current Australian guidance on the safe specification and fabrication of engineered stone products. Where appropriate, we’ll recommend alternative stone, porcelain or high‑pressure laminate solutions for your project.
Tapware and fittings for small baths
- Rail shower + diverter: Switch between handheld and overhead easily; perfect for rinsing the tub and children.
- Spout placement: End‑mounted spouts free up standing area; consider a bath mixer with integrated diverter.
- WELS 3–4 Star: Balance efficiency with comfort for WA water conditions.
Layouts, styles and storage ideas
Layout options that fit
- Alcove bath (three walls): The most common layout; easy to tile and screen.
- Back‑to‑wall bath: A modern look with simplified cleaning—pair with a fixed panel screen.
- Corner bath: Only where geometry demands; choose compact, rectangular alternatives first.
- Door planning: Consider cavity sliders to free up precious floor area.
Style cues (tie in with your kitchen and laundry)
- Coastal: Warm whites, sandy stone‑look tiles, brushed nickel tapware and V‑groove vanity doors.
- Modern shaker: Shaker‑profile vanity doors to echo your shaker kitchen; matte white or navy with stone tops.
- Contemporary: Handleless cabinetry, large‑format tiles, framed shower screen in matte black.
Storage that works hard
- Custom mirrored cabinets: Recessed if possible for a cleaner profile.
- Vanity drawers: Soft‑close drawers with cut‑outs for the P‑trap keep essentials organised.
- Niches: A tiled niche above the bath keeps bottles off the rim—no more clutter.
- Whole‑home cohesion: Continue finishes into your butler’s pantry, laundry and built‑in wardrobes for a curated feel.
Two quick WA case examples
Subiaco apartment: We replaced a shower cubicle and short tub with a 1600 mm acrylic back‑to‑wall bath, semi‑frameless slider, vertical white stack tiles and a compact vanity with an engineered stone benchtop. The room feels bigger and is easier to clean.
Mandurah cottage: A family needed a bathroom shower tub for kids. We used a 1500 mm bath with a pivot screen, warm terrazzo‑look floor tiles and a coastal shaker vanity to match their renovated kitchen splashback and stone benchtops.
Costs, timeframes and approvals in WA
Typical budget ranges (Perth metro)
- Partial upgrade (retain layout): $5,000–$12,000 for new bath, taps, screen, refresh tiling and a new vanity.
- Full small‑bathroom renovation: $18,000–$35,000 depending on tiling scope, plumbing moves, ventilation and finishes.
Lead times vary with tile and screen selections. Allow 2–4 weeks onsite for a streamlined small‑bathroom remodel, plus design and procurement time.
Compliance and guidance
- Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740; plumbing to AS/NZS 3500.
- Use licensed trades; consider HIA contracts and warranties for peace of mind.
- Check strata/shire requirements for apartments and character homes.
Useful Australian resources: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, and WA Building and Energy.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure room, door openings and the bath alcove; confirm a 1500–1600 mm bath will fit.
- Choose your screen type (slider, pivot, fixed) based on clearances.
- Confirm ventilation (window or compliant exhaust fan) to control moisture.
- Select tiles with appropriate slip rating and plan grout and trims.
- Pick tapware with suitable WELS rating and a shower rail height that suits all users.
- Decide on vanity storage: drawers vs doors, integrated clothes hamper, power inside cabinet.
- Coordinate finishes with your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry and wardrobes for a consistent palette.
- Set a contingency (10–15%) for unexpected plumbing or substrate repairs.
FAQ
Is a shower tub combo a good idea for small bathrooms?
Yes. A shower-over-bath saves space, offers flexibility for families and adds resale value by keeping a full bath in the home. With the right screen, tiles and storage, it can feel open and premium even in tight rooms.
What size bath works best in a small Australian bathroom?
In compact WA bathrooms, 1500–1600 mm long by 700–750 mm wide is common. If space allows, a 1675 mm bath improves comfort. Always check door swings, screen clearance and the fall to waste before ordering.
Do I need a building permit in WA for a bathroom renovation?
Most like-for-like bathroom renovations don’t require a building permit, but waterproofing and plumbing must comply with AS/NZS standards and be performed by licensed trades. Strata and heritage homes may need additional approvals—check with your local council or strata manager.
How much does a shower-over-bath renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a focused upgrade can start from around $5,000–$12,000, while a full small-bathroom renovation typically ranges from $18,000–$35,000 depending on layout changes, tiles, screens and vanity selections.
How do I minimise water splashing onto the floor?
Select a quality screen (semi-frameless slider or a hinged panel with a good seal), ensure correct tile falls and use a proper bath lip and silicone detailing. A handheld rail shower also helps you rinse within the bath area.