Tub and Shower Combination: An Australian Guide to Space‑Smart Bathroom Design
Make the most of your bathroom footprint with a tub and shower combination built for Australian conditions. Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA—combining custom cabinetry, robust materials and practical layouts that suit your home and lifestyle.
What is a tub and shower combination?
Definition: Tub and Shower Combination
A tub and shower combination (also called a shower-bath) is a bath with an integrated overhead or rail shower, often enclosed by a screen or curtain. It delivers bathing and showering in the same footprint—ideal for family bathrooms, rentals and compact homes.
Definition: Double Bath Shower
A double bath shower is a longer or wider combo designed to comfortably fit two bathers, or a shower area with two shower heads over a bath. It’s a premium option for larger bathrooms and couples.
Why choose a shower-bath in Australia
- Space efficiency: One wet area serves both bathing and showering—perfect for small bathrooms and ensuites.
- Family-friendly: Safer bathing for kids while retaining a full-height shower for adults.
- Rental appeal: Increases flexibility and marketability to a wider range of tenants.
- Budget-friendly: Less tiling and plumbing than separate zones while still feeling complete.
In Australia, most tub and shower combinations are 1500–1700 mm long. We regularly design around local product sizes, mixer reaches and Australian tapware configurations to ensure splash control and safe access.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Consultation and measure – We assess your current bathroom, plumbing points, waterproofing condition and structural constraints.
- Design and 3D visuals – We model your shower-bath layout, vanity, storage and lighting. Expect smart storage like soft-close drawers, mirrored shaving cabinets and custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.
- Selections – Taps, tiles, screens, ventilation, vanity benchtops, and bath type (acrylic, steel enamel or composite).
- Compliance – We design to Australian codes, including AS 3740 (waterproofing of domestic wet areas), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage) and the NCC. We can liaise with your builder or work under HIA contracts via trusted partners.
- Build and installation – Demolition, plumbing rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, screens and fixtures. We schedule to minimise downtime.
- Final fit-off and QA – WELS-rated tapware checks, silicone, fall to waste and screen sealing tested for Perth conditions.
Joyce Kitchens also delivers kitchen renovations Perth families trust—so your kitchen, laundry renovation and bathroom can be planned as one cohesive project (think matching profiles, a classic shaker kitchen door, or a coastal Hamptons style carried through your home).
Materials and finishes for shower-baths
Bath types
- Acrylic – Warm to touch, affordable, lighter for upstairs installs. Consider reinforced bases for durability.
- Pressed steel enamel – Very robust, excellent heat resistance for WA summers, slightly cooler feel.
- Composite/cast stone – Premium feel and acoustics; heavier and generally higher cost.
Walls, floors and screens
- Tiles – Porcelain tiles are durable; consider slip resistance (P2–P3) on floors. Mosaic features can define the shower zone.
- Waterproofing – Correct membranes to AS 3740 are essential for a combined area where splash is higher.
- Shower screens – Frameless glass or semi-frameless with a return panel reduces spill. A rail shower plus overhead option provides flexibility.
Tapware and ventilation
- WELS 4–5 Star fixtures save water without sacrificing performance.
- Ventilation – A quality exhaust fan sized to the room protects your custom vanity and cabinetry from moisture.
- Mixers and spouts – WA-friendly spout reach and shower arm heights prevent overspray; thermostatic mixers are great for families.
Vanities and benchtops
Your vanity cops humidity from a shower-bath. We specify moisture-resistant cabinetry, durable laminates, and stone alternatives. While many clients ask about an engineered stone benchtop, note that traditional quartz-based engineered stone has been restricted nationally; we’ll recommend compliant porcelain/sintered stone or low-silica alternatives with the same premium look.
Layouts and styles
Popular Australian layouts
- Alcove bath-shower (1500–1700 mm) with a fixed panel and swing screen—works in most family bathrooms.
- Corner shower-bath where door swing or window placement is tricky.
- Back-to-wall freestanding bath with overhead shower—more luxe, suits larger rooms.
- Double bath shower with dual showers and longer bath—ideal for couples or spa-like retreats.
Style cues we can match across your home
- Hamptons style with shaker profiles, soft whites and brushed nickel tapware.
- Coastal/Scandi with light timbers, matte black tapware and crisp white tiles.
- Contemporary with slab fronts, finger-pull rails, and a frameless glass screen.
Because we also craft kitchens and wardrobes, we can unify your bathroom vanity with your custom cabinetry WA kitchen, scullery and pantry storage—same profiles, colours and hardware for a seamless renovation.
Costs in Perth/WA
Indicative only—site conditions, access and selections will affect price.
- Tub and shower combination supply & install: $2,500–$6,500+
- Small bathroom (combo, vanity, tiles, fixtures): $18,000–$35,000
- Mid-range family bathroom: $25,000–$50,000
- Premium bathroom with double bath shower, bespoke joinery: $45,000–$90,000
Allow for waterproofing, potential plumbing relocation, fall-to-waste adjustments and custom screens. We’ll provide a transparent scope and timeline during your design consult.
Vanity surface comparison: Porcelain/Sintered “Engineered” vs Laminate
Bathroom vanities in a shower-bath zone need moisture and heat resistance. Here’s a quick comparison when choosing a benchtop adjacent to your combo.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone (Engineered Alternative) | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent scratch, stain and heat resistance; ideal near wet areas. | Good everyday durability; avoid prolonged pooling water and direct heat. |
| Appearance | Premium stone looks, ultra-slim profiles, large-format slabs. | Huge colour range, from timber-look to marble-look at lower cost. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, non-porous; wipe with pH-neutral cleaner. | Low maintenance; avoid harsh abrasives and reseal edges as required. |
| Cost (installed) | $$$–$$$$ | $–$$ |
| Regulatory note (AU) | Compliant alternatives to quartz-based engineered stone are available; we’ll guide selection. | No special restrictions; widely used in kitchens and bathrooms. |
Practical renovation checklist
- Measure for a 1500–1700 mm bath footprint and check door swings and window heights.
- Confirm waterproofing to AS 3740 and plumbing compliance to AS/NZS 3500.
- Choose a slip-resistant floor tile (P2–P3) and a screen solution to control splash.
- Plan storage: deep vanity drawers, mirrored cabinets, built-in niches.
- Select WELS 4–5 Star tapware and a quality exhaust fan sized to the room.
- Decide on a style palette that matches your kitchen/laundry joinery.
- Consider future-proofing: grab-rail capable walls, low-lip bath, and thermostatic mixers.
- Book a Joyce Kitchens design consult for layout options and a fixed-scope quote.
Quick WA case studies
Subiaco Apartment Ensuite
We replaced a cramped shower with a 1500 mm acrylic shower-bath, frameless return panel and matte black rail shower. A slim porcelain benchtop and soft-close drawers maximised storage. Result: a flexible space with better light and resale appeal.
Fremantle Family Bathroom
For a coastal Hamptons look, we specified a steel enamel bath with overhead shower, shaker vanity fronts and brushed nickel fixtures. A niche shelf keeps bottles tidy, while a powerful exhaust prevents salt-air humidity build-up.
Local compliance and resources
We recommend reviewing recognised Australian resources during planning:
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – contracts and consumer guides
- Master Builders WA – WA building information
- Australian Building Codes Board – NCC and wet-area guidance
Design your tub and shower combination with Joyce Kitchens
From bathroom upgrades to full-home joinery—kitchens, laundries, wardrobes—we deliver cohesive design, project coordination and premium finishes that work for Australian homes. Book a consult and see how a smart shower-bath can transform your space.
FAQ
What is a tub and shower combination and is it right for Australian bathrooms?
A tub and shower combination integrates a bath with an overhead or rail shower in the same footprint. It’s ideal for Australian homes where space is tight, delivers family-friendly flexibility, and can be styled to match your broader renovation.
Are shower baths Australia compliant with local standards?
Yes—when designed and built correctly. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740, plumbing must follow AS/NZS 3500, and the installation should align with NCC requirements. We specify compliant screens, falls to waste and ventilation for Australian conditions.
What size tub and shower combo suits a small bathroom or ensuite?
Common sizes are 1500–1700 mm in length. For compact rooms, a 1500 mm bath with a fixed panel and rail shower works well. Ensure adequate mixer reach, screen width and door clearances to prevent splash.
How much does a double bath shower cost in Perth?
A double bath shower (longer bath and/or dual showers) typically forms part of a mid-to-high spec bathroom. Expect from $45,000–$90,000 for a full bathroom renovation in Perth, depending on selections and site conditions.
Which vanity benchtop is best near a shower-bath—engineered stone or laminate?
In bathrooms with higher moisture, porcelain/sintered stone (compliant engineered alternatives) offers superior durability and heat resistance. Quality laminate remains cost-effective; just detail edges well and manage ventilation.