Thinking about a shower–bath combo for a bathroom renovation in WA or across Australia? Joyce Kitchens designs and builds modern bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes with custom cabinetry, quality fixtures, and compliant waterproofing. This guide covers styles, sizes, materials, costs, and the renovation process—everything Australian homeowners need to get the details right.
What is a shower–bath combo?
This guide focuses on “shower bath combo Australia” solutions that meet local building practices and standards. We’ll also touch on trends like the bathtub shower modern look and the emerging double shower bathtub concept for busy households.
Why Australians love shower–bath combos
- Space-saving: Combine two fixtures in one—perfect for compact bathrooms without compromising daily routines.
- Family-friendly: Bath toddlers safely, then switch to a full shower for adults and teens.
- Resale appeal: Buyers often prioritise a bath; a combo keeps options open without needing extra space.
- Budget-smart: One wet area to waterproof, tile and maintain.
- Design-flexible: From minimal frameless glass to sculptural, modern tubs that match contemporary tapware.
Core design insights for Australian bathrooms
1) Sizes, safety and compliance
We design shower–bath combos to suit Australian standards and conditions—including Perth’s coastal climate and hard water. Key considerations:
- Common bath lengths: 1500–1700 mm; widths 700–800 mm. For small rooms, 1500–1600 mm is a sweet spot.
- Waterproofing: Comply with AS 3740 (waterproofing of domestic wet areas). Waterproof the bath hob and surrounding walls to the required height.
- Plumbing and drainage: Work to AS/NZS 3500. Ensure adequate fall to waste to prevent pooling.
- Glass safety: Use safety glass compliant with AS/NZS 2208 and installed to AS 1288 for shower screens.
- WELS ratings: Choose efficient showerheads and mixers that meet Australia’s WELS scheme for flow and performance.
For guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA, and check product WELS ratings.
2) Popular layout options
- Inset bath with semi-frameless screen: The most common option. Practical, budget-friendly, and easy to clean.
- Inset bath with frameless panel: Minimal lines for a bathtub shower modern aesthetic.
- Freestanding bath with fixed glass: High-impact look but requires careful waterproofing and anti-splash detailing.
- Double shower bathtub: A longer bath with two shower outlets (e.g., an overhead rain plus a rail shower) for fast turnarounds or bathing siblings.
3) Detailing that elevates the experience
- Nib wall or return panel: Reduces overspray and creates a handy ledge for toiletries.
- Shower niche: A recessed shelf keeps shampoo out of the way; tile or stone-line it for durability.
- Slip resistance: Choose P4–P5 floor tiles for wet areas; consider a tile-over shower tray for added protection.
- Ventilation: Combine a quality exhaust fan with natural air. In humid WA summers, this protects cabinetry and grout.
- Tapware heights: Place rail showers at practical reach; ensure spout reach clears the tub edge.
- WELS: Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards rating for taps and showers.
- Fall to waste: The slope in tiling directing water to the drain to prevent pooling.
- Nib wall: A short, partial-height wall used to support glass and reduce splash.
- Shower niche: A recessed storage pocket built into the wall.
Our renovation process (Joyce Kitchens)
- Consult: We discuss your goals—space, storage, budget and style (from coastal minimal to classic shaker).
- Measure and design: On-site measure, then 3D design and drawings to plan the shower–bath combo and cabinetry.
- Selections: Tiles, tapware, vanity, shower screen, and lighting. We advise on compliant waterproofing and drainage.
- Build and install: Our licensed trades coordinate plumbing, electrical, waterproofing and tiling to Australian Standards.
- Hand-over: We check finishes, clean up, and share maintenance guidance for long-term performance.
We work to best-practice methods backed by reputable industry bodies in Australia. Ask us how we integrate a new bathroom with adjacent areas like the laundry or a powder room for a cohesive home upgrade.
Materials and finishes that last in WA conditions
Bath materials
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, cost-effective, easy to shape. Good scratch resistance with proper care.
- Steel enamel: Durable, great heat retention, very hard-wearing; heavier to install.
- Stone resin/solid surface: Premium look and feel; excellent thermal qualities; higher cost and weight.
Walls, floors and grout
- Porcelain tiles: Dense, low-porosity and ideal for wet zones. Consider larger formats to minimise grout lines.
- Epoxy grout: Resists staining and mould—great for family bathrooms and rental properties.
- Colour continuity: Tie floor and wall tones together for a seamless, modern feel.
Tapware and fittings
- Solid brass mixers and showers: Durable and repairable; choose reputable brands with ready spares.
- Shower screens: Frameless for minimal lines; semi-frameless for budget balance. Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 2208 and AS 1288.
- Heated towel rails: Consider low-voltage options for comfort and faster drying in winter.
Vanities and benchtops (bathroom, kitchen and laundry)
Our custom cabinetry WA team builds moisture-resistant vanities with soft-close hinges and quality hardware (think Blum). Finishes range from 2-pack to timber veneers.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance (WA summers) | Excellent; highly heat and UV resistant | Moderate; avoid hot pans and direct heat |
| Scratch and stain resistance | Very high; low porosity | Good day-to-day; can mark with knives |
| Look and edge detail | Premium, stone-like; mitred edges | Huge decor range; square/ABS edges |
| Cost | $$$ (premium) | $ (budget-friendly) |
| Applications | Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, splashbacks | Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries |
| Maintenance | Low; no sealing required | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
Layouts and styles we design
Modern and minimal
For a bathtub shower modern look, pair an inset bath with a single frameless glass panel, matte black or brushed nickel tapware, and a wall-hung vanity with LED task lighting.
Classic with contemporary comfort
Prefer timeless? Mix shaker-style cabinetry on the vanity, soft neutrals, and a semi-frameless screen. This blends beautifully with classic kitchens if you’re renovating multiple rooms.
Family-first functionality
Consider a double shower bathtub with a rail shower and overhead rain, anti-slip floor tiles, and a generous niche for bottles at kid-friendly height.
Costs and timelines in Australia (2025 guide)
Prices vary by site, selection and scope. Typical ranges for a bathroom featuring a shower–bath combo:
- Shower–bath combo components: $1,800–$4,500 (bath, screen, mixers, shower rail, spout, drain).
- Waterproofing and tiling: $2,500–$6,500 depending on tile size, substrate repair and grout type.
- Plumbing and electrical: $1,200–$3,500 including new mixers, waste, fan/light upgrades.
- Vanity and storage: $1,500–$5,000+ for custom cabinetry, mirrors and shaving cabinets.
- Total project (indicative): $8,000–$20,000+ for a standard bathroom upgrade; premium finishes can exceed this.
Timeline: Most bathroom renovations run 2–4 weeks on site after design and selections are finalised. We schedule trades to minimise downtime and keep your home functional.
Short WA case examples
Case 1: Compact coastal apartment
A Perth coastal apartment needed a bath for resale but had a tight layout. We fitted a 1500 mm acrylic inset tub with a frameless panel, a wall-hung vanity, and epoxy grout. The space now feels modern, easy to clean, and meets AS 3740 waterproofing requirements.
Case 2: Busy family home
A northern suburbs family wanted fast morning routines. We installed a longer tub with a rail plus rain shower—a “double shower bathtub” setup—with a nib wall to control splash and a wide niche for bottles. Durable porcelain tiles and P4 slip-rated floors keep the room safe.
Practical planning checklist
- Confirm bath size (1500–1700 mm) and whether you need left- or right-hand showering.
- Select your screen: frameless panel or semi-frameless door (ensure safety glass to AS/NZS 2208).
- Choose slip-resistant floor tiles (P4–P5) and specify fall to waste.
- Decide on shower outlets: rail, overhead rain, or both for a double shower bathtub.
- Plan niches and storage: keep everyday bottles within easy reach.
- Pick tapware with suitable WELS ratings and durable finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, matte black).
- Confirm waterproofing scope to AS 3740 and ventilation capacity for WA humidity.
- Coordinate vanity, mirror cabinets and lighting (LED task lighting over vanity).
- Set your budget range and allow contingency (10–15%).
FAQ
Is a shower–bath combo compliant in Australia?
Yes—when designed and installed correctly. Waterproof to AS 3740, use safety glass to AS/NZS 2208 installed to AS 1288, and ensure plumbing meets AS/NZS 3500. Select WELS-rated tapware and engage licensed trades.
What size bath is best for a shower–bath combo in a small bathroom?
Most small bathrooms work well with a 1500–1600 mm long bath about 700–750 mm wide. This provides enough standing room for showering while keeping circulation space around the vanity and toilet.
How much does a shower–bath combo cost to install in WA?
Allow roughly $8,000–$20,000+ for a bathroom renovation featuring a shower–bath combo, depending on selections, tiling scope, plumbing complexity and custom cabinetry. We provide fixed, itemised proposals after design.
Are freestanding baths suitable for shower-over setups?
They can be, but they demand meticulous waterproofing and a well-designed fixed glass panel to manage splash. For everyday family use, an inset bath with a screen is typically more practical and easier to clean.
What is a double shower bathtub and is it practical?
A double shower bathtub combines a bath with two shower outlets (often a rail plus rain head). It’s practical for families who need faster turnarounds or to bathe kids together, provided the bath is long enough and splash control is considered.