Thinking about a bathroom shower tub (shower-over-bath) that looks contemporary and works hard for family life? Here’s a practical, design-led guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s specialists in custom cabinetry, kitchen renovations Perth, laundries, bathrooms and wardrobes—tailored to Australian conditions, materials and codes.
Core Insights: When a Shower-Over-Bath Makes Sense
A bathroom shower tub—often called a shower-over-bath—can be the most space-smart way to deliver both a deep soak and a practical daily shower in one footprint. If you’ve searched “shower bath AU” or “contemporary bathtub shower,” you’re likely comparing function, safety and finish quality. Here’s our no-nonsense take for Australian homes:
- Great for family bathrooms and compact ensuites: Works well in 1.7–2.2 m wide rooms where a separate shower bay would squeeze circulation.
- Plan for safety: Choose a slip-resistant bath base, a fixed or hinged screen, and a hand-shower rail. Add grab rails (properly anchored) where needed.
- Think long-term maintenance: Fewer grout lines, durable screens and correct fall-to-drain reduce cleaning and mould.
- Design cohesion: Tie your vanity, laundry makeover and even shaker kitchen or handleless cabinetry finishes together to lift whole-home value.
A bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor and fully waterproofed. Ideal for linear drains and a minimal, contemporary look.
A compliant liquid or sheet barrier installed beneath tiles to stop leaks. Critical around baths, showers, nib walls and balconies in Australian homes.
WA compliance note: Showers and baths must be waterproofed to AS 3740 and plumbed to AS/NZS 3500. Screens should use Grade A safety glass to AS 2208/AS 1288. Always use licensed trades.
Our Renovation Process (What to Expect in WA)
1) Consultation and Brief
We start with a measure and design session—capturing lifestyle needs, storage, and your broader home style (from custom cabinetry WA to shaker kitchens and wardrobes). We’ll discuss WELS-rated tapware, shower mixers and saving floor space with a wall-hung vanity.
2) Layout & Compliance
- Confirm clearances: Aim for 600 mm clear in front of the bath, and a 820 mm door leaf for accessibility.
- Drainage & falls: Typical shower floors slope 1:60–1:80 to a point or linear drain.
- Electrical & lighting: Plan LED task lighting, exhaust, and safe GPO placement.
3) Materials, Finishes & Specification
We guide you through tiles, porcelain slabs, laminate benchtops, solid surface, natural stone, screens and hardware to balance budget, longevity and style across bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations.
4) Build & Installation
- Demolition and preparation, certified waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry and screen install.
- Plumbing/electrical fit-off by licensed trades, then final clean and handover.
Suggested authorities: Check guidance from the Australian Building Codes Board (NCC/AS 3740), HIA, and Master Builders WA. For work with silica-containing materials, see Safe Work Australia.
Materials & Finishes That Last
No two bathrooms are the same, but Perth’s climate and water quality reward durable, low-maintenance choices. Here’s what we commonly specify for a contemporary bathtub shower and coordinating vanity:
Baths for a Shower-Over
- Acrylic shower-baths: Warm to touch, lighter weight, integrated anti-slip textures.
- Steel/enamel: Very durable, holds heat well, heavier to install.
- Back-to-wall: Clean silicone lines, good for narrow rooms.
- Freestanding (with overhead shower): Dramatic look; factor in splash control and a quality screen.
Shower Screens
- Fixed panel or hinged frameless/sem-frameless screens keep water in and cleaning simple.
- All safety glass to AS 2208/AS 1288; specify quality hardware and silicone.
Tapware & Accessories
- WELS 4–5 star mixers and hand-showers reduce water use and bills.
- Rain shower + hand shower combo for comfort and quick rinse-down of the bath.
- Thermostatic mixers: safer for kids and seniors.
Ultra‑compact surfaces (e.g., porcelain) pressed and fired for high heat, stain and UV resistance—excellent for vanities and splashbacks in wet areas.
Benchtops for Vanities: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Slab | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & Stain Resistance | Excellent; non‑porous and mould resistant | Good; protect edges and cut-outs |
| Heat Resistance | High; suitable for hot tools with care | Moderate; avoid direct high heat |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe-down | Low; avoid abrasive cleaners |
| Typical Installed Cost (Perth) | $$$ (premium) | $ (budget-friendly) |
| Edge Profiles | Mitred square, slim modern edges | Postformed or square ABS edges |
| Look/Styles | Stone, concrete, terrazzo effects | Wide range incl. oak veneer look, marble-look |
Note on engineered stone benchtops: Due to national safety changes, new fabrication/installation of engineered stone is prohibited in WA. We’ll guide you toward compliant, beautiful alternatives such as porcelain slabs, natural stone and solid surface. See Safe Work Australia for the latest updates.
Cabinetry & Storage
- Custom cabinetry WA: Wall-hung vanities, appliance garage in laundries, soft-close drawers, handleless cabinetry, two-pack or vinyl wrap doors.
- Coordinate with your shaker kitchen, scullery or walk-in pantry finishes for a cohesive home.
Floors & Walls
- Large-format porcelain tiles or hybrid flooring in adjoining spaces for easy cleaning.
- Stone or porcelain splashback behind the vanity for durability and style.
Practical Pre-Reno Checklist
- Decide bath size (1500–1700 mm typical in AU) and preferred screen style.
- Confirm stud locations for grab rails and screen anchors.
- Select WELS-rated mixers and shower sets.
- Choose vanity benchtop (porcelain/sintered or laminate) and basin (undermount or above-counter).
- Plan storage: mirrored cabinets, recessed niches, tall linen cabinet.
- Confirm waterproofing scope to AS 3740 and drainage falls.
- Lock in tile selections and grout type (epoxy for lower maintenance).
Useful AU resources:
Australian Building Codes Board •
HIA homeowner guides •
Safe Work Australia: Engineered Stone
Layouts & Styles for a Contemporary Bathtub Shower
Layouts that Work
- Single-wall: Bath/shower under a window with a wall-hung vanity opposite.
- L-shaped: Bath on the long wall, toilet tucked behind a nib wall for privacy.
- Wet room zone: Linear drain with slight ramp, fixed glass panel and back-to-wall bath.
Style Directions
- Coastal minimal: Light porcelain slab vanity top, matte-white wall tiles, brushed nickel tapware.
- Modern shaker: Shaker-profile vanity fronts to echo your shaker kitchen, satin brass hardware, fluted glass.
- Urban contemporary: Concrete-look tiles, black fixtures, wall-hung vanity with oak-look fronts.
A long, narrow floor waste that allows large-format tiles and a single fall—great for wet rooms and barrier-free transitions.
Short Australian Case Examples
Cottesloe Ensuite: We replaced a cramped corner shower with a 1700 mm back-to-wall bath and a frameless hinged screen. A porcelain slab vanity, soft-close drawers and LED task lighting tied into the clients’ handleless kitchen. Result: light, calm, low-maintenance.
Fremantle Family Bathroom: A 1500 mm steel/enamel tub with a fixed glass panel suited a tight terrace footprint. We added a tall linen cabinet, undermount sink to a laminate benchtop, and a rain+hand shower combo. The laundry makeover next door borrowed the same oak-look fronts for cohesion.
Costs & Timeframes in Perth
- Cosmetic update (retain layout, new screen, tapware, vanity, repaint): approx. $8,000–$18,000.
- Mid-range renovation (new bath, waterproofing, tiling, custom vanity, lighting): approx. $18,000–$35,000.
- Premium (wet room conversion, porcelain slab benchtops, niches, heated floor, bespoke storage): from $35,000–$60,000+.
Timeframes: 2–6 weeks on site depending on scope, lead times and approvals. Licensed plumbing, electrical and waterproofing are non‑negotiable in WA.
Tip: Bundling projects—e.g., bathroom, laundry and a kitchen refresh—can reduce overall labour mobilisation and help align finishes across your home.
FAQ
Are shower-over-bath combos still a good idea for Australian bathrooms?
Yes—if space is tight or you want bathing flexibility for kids and guests. Choose a slip-resistant bath base, a quality fixed or hinged glass screen, and WELS 4–5 star tapware. They’re not ideal for accessibility; in that case, consider a walk-in shower or wet room.
What size bath and shower do I need for a combined setup?
Common Australian bath lengths are 1500, 1650 and 1700 mm. Aim for at least 1500 mm for comfortable showering over a bath, with a shower area of about 900 x 900 mm equivalent. Keep 600 mm clear in front of the bath and use a 820 mm door leaf where possible.
How much does a bathroom shower tub renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide: $8k–$18k for cosmetic updates, $18k–$35k for mid-range full renovations, and $35k–$60k+ for premium wet room conversions with porcelain slabs and bespoke cabinetry. Structural changes, premium fixtures and complex tiling add cost.
How do we waterproof and comply in WA?
Use licensed waterproofers and plumbers. Waterproof to AS 3740, plumb to AS/NZS 3500, and use safety glass to AS 2208/AS 1288. Floors should fall around 1:60–1:80 to the drain, with proper puddle flanges and silicone detailing.
What’s better for a shower bath—glass screen or curtain?
A framed, semi-frameless or frameless glass screen controls splash and looks premium. Curtains are budget-friendly and easy to replace but less effective at containing water. If using glass, ensure Grade A safety glass and quality hinges/seals.
