Considering a tiled bath or tiled bathtub surround? Here’s how Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s trusted team for kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe design—delivers a beautiful, low‑maintenance result that’s compliant with Australian Standards and tailored for WA homes.
What is a tiled bath?
A tiled bath typically refers to a drop-in or inset bathtub installed into a framed “hob” or platform that is tiled to match your bathroom. It can also describe a bath/shower combination where the surrounds are tiled for a seamless look and easy cleaning.
The tiled wall and horizontal surfaces immediately around a bath—often including the hob (the raised platform), front apron and adjoining splash zones.
A gentle slope built into the substrate so water flows to the waste, preventing ponding. Typical falls are covered in AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas).
Why choose a tiled bath
- Design continuity: Match the bath hob and surrounds to your floor or feature wall tiles—great for Hamptons bathrooms, coastal palettes and stone-look porcelain schemes.
- Easy cleaning: Large-format porcelain minimises grout lines compared with mosaics.
- Storage options: Add a tiled niche for bath toys and candles, or integrate custom cabinetry WA homeowners love for additional towel storage.
- Durability: Correct waterproofing and epoxy grout stand up to family living and WA’s warm climate.
- Value: A coordinated bathroom supports whole‑home appeal alongside your kitchen renovations Perth and laundry renovation projects.
Not sure a tiled bath is right for your home? We’ll help you compare freestanding, back‑to‑wall and inset tub options based on space, cleaning preference and kid‑friendly use.
Our renovation process (Perth and WA)
- Consultation and measure: We assess space, plumbing locations and bath sizes commonly used in Australia (e.g., 1500–1700 mm) and discuss styles that complement your shaker kitchen, Hamptons kitchen or contemporary handleless cabinetry.
- Concept and selections: Choose tiles (porcelain, ceramic, mosaic), grout type, tapware and vanity tops (laminate, porcelain slab, solid surface). We also coordinate scullery, laundry and wardrobe finishes if renovating multiple rooms.
- Detailed design: Shop drawings specify the hob construction, fall to waste, tile layouts (herringbone or stacked), LED task lighting and storage details (soft-close drawers, 2PAC cabinetry, undermount sink in the vanity where desired).
- Compliance and scheduling: We plan works to AS 3740 and the NCC, coordinating licensed trades. We reference industry guidance from bodies like HIA and Master Builders WA.
- Build and waterproofing: Framing, sheeting, screeding and membrane application. Hob and wall junctions are detailed to avoid moisture ingress.
- Tiling and fit-off: Tiling, epoxy grouting in splash zones, silicone sealing, then install the bathtub, mixers, spout, and a frameless shower screen (if it’s a shower‑bath combo).
- Quality assurance and handover: We test fall to waste, check grout and silicone lines, confirm WELS-compliant fittings and provide care instructions.
Wet area waterproofing must comply with AS 3740. We also coordinate with the NCC (via the ABCB) and WA licensing requirements for trades.
Suggested references:
HIA,
Master Builders WA,
ABCB/NCC.
Materials and finishes for a tiled bath
Tiles
- Porcelain (recommended): Dense, low-porosity, excellent for bath hobs and surrounds; easy to match with stone-look or terrazzo-look schemes.
- Ceramic: Cost‑effective for walls; consider porcelain for horizontal surfaces to resist chipping.
- Natural stone: Beautiful but needs sealing and more maintenance—best for feature walls rather than horizontal splash zones.
- Mosaic feature tiles: Great for niches and fronts of hobs—think herringbone pattern or finger mosaics for texture.
Grout and sealants
- Epoxy grout: Highly stain‑resistant for splash zones and horizontal surfaces; ideal for families and rental properties.
- Premium cementitious grout: Cost‑effective for walls; seal if required.
- Sanitary silicone: Flexible movement joints at all junctions (hob/wall, internal corners).
A liquid or sheet membrane applied under tiles to stop moisture transfer. In a tiled bath surround, it extends over the hob and up the walls per AS 3740.
Vanity benchtops near the bath
Many Perth homeowners update the vanity at the same time. Here’s a quick comparison to help with splash‑zone performance and budget.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (note local restrictions) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent surface resistance; needs correct edging and sealing | Very good with modern high-pressure laminates; protect edges from standing water |
| Silica considerations | Subject to Australian regulatory restrictions; alternatives like porcelain or sintered stone are popular | No silica-cutting concerns |
| Heat/UV | Good heat performance; avoid thermal shock | Improved UV/heat resistance in premium ranges; use trivets for hot tools |
| Aesthetics | Stone-like appearance with consistent patterning | Extensive designs incl. stone-look and timber-look at sharp prices |
| Budget | $$–$$$ (check availability and compliance) | $–$$ (cost-effective) |
| Popular WA alternatives | Porcelain slab, sintered stone, and solid surface are excellent bathroom options | |
Note: Australia has implemented restrictions on engineered stone due to silica risks. For up‑to‑date information, consult Safe Work Australia. We offer compliant alternatives with the look you want.
Layouts and styles that suit a tiled bathtub
Compact bathrooms and family homes
- Shower‑over‑bath: A tiled bath with a frameless screen saves space and keeps water inside the wet area—perfect for kids.
- Niche storage: Add a tiled niche at shoulder height for shampoo, and a lower niche for bath toys.
- Slip resistance: Choose tiles with suitable slip ratings for bath edges and floors.
Design continuity with the rest of the home
Your bathroom can reflect details from your kitchen and laundry—think shaker cabinet profiles, 2PAC cabinetry finishes, stone‑look porcelain slab splashback tiles, soft‑close drawers, and LED task lighting. This whole‑home approach builds resale value and aligns with kitchen renovations Perth standards.
Popular aesthetics in WA
- Hamptons/coastal: White shaker vanity, brushed nickel tapware, subway or herringbone feature tile on the hob.
- Contemporary: Large-format stone‑look porcelain, matte black tapware, handleless cabinetry and a minimal apron detail.
- Warm natural: Timber‑look laminate vanity top, mosaic feature tiles and soft beige walls to suit open‑plan living zones.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Pricing varies by scope, tile choice and site conditions. As a general guide for WA homes:
- Tiled bath surround (new hob) with drop‑in bath: From $3,500–$8,500+ GST including framing, waterproofing, tiling, grout and fit‑off (excludes premium stone tiles and complex plumbing relocations).
- Shower‑over‑tiled bath conversion: From $4,500–$9,500 depending on screen type, waterproofing and tile selections.
- Full bathroom renovation: Typically $18,000–$35,000+ in Perth for mid‑range finishes; larger or premium projects can exceed this.
- Timeframe: 2–4 weeks for a bath surround refresh; 3–6 weeks for a full bathroom (allowing for lead times and curing).
We design to Australian standards, WELS-rated fixtures, and common Australian bath sizes (1500–1700 mm long x 700–800 mm wide). We’ll check clearances for mixers, spouts and any local appliance sizing considerations if you’re coordinating laundry or kitchen works at the same time (e.g., integrated washer/dryer, undermount sink, scullery or butler’s pantry details).
Practical planning checklist for your tiled bath
- Confirm bath type and size: inset/drop‑in suited to a tiled hob, with safe edge width for sitting.
- Choose tiles for horizontal surfaces: prioritise porcelain and consider epoxy grout.
- Set the fall to waste: ensure water runs away from the wall and into the bath or waste.
- Specify movement joints and silicone lines at all junctions.
- Decide on a niche location and dimensions early.
- Coordinate vanity and storage: custom cabinetry WA homeowners prefer for maximised space.
- Select compliant tapware and a WELS rating that suits water efficiency goals.
- Confirm waterproofing scope to AS 3740 (membrane extents and upturns).
- Plan lighting and power: LED task lighting, GPOs outside the splash zone.
- Book trades and lead times: tiles, screens, cabinetry, and benchtops.
WA case-style examples
Claremont family bathroom
A 1600 mm drop‑in tub set into a tiled hob in stone‑look porcelain. We added a 600 mm wide tiled niche and a frameless shower screen for a shower‑over‑bath combo. Epoxy grout on horizontal surfaces minimised cleaning. The coordinated vanity echoed the clients’ shaker kitchen across the hall for consistent styling.
Joondalup coastal refresh
We replaced an acrylic tub/skirt with a tiled bathtub surround using light coastal tiles and a matte white spout. A timber‑look laminate vanity and LED task lighting tied in with a recent laundry renovation. The bath became a calm focal point without compromising family practicality.
Why Joyce Kitchens
Since 1994, Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom cabinetry, functional layouts and durable finishes across kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom renovations Perth, laundries and wardrobes. Our designers manage your project from concept to handover with clear timelines, transparent pricing and Australian‑standard workmanship.
Ready to explore a tiled bath that suits your home? Contact Joyce Kitchens to book a measure and quote.
FAQ
What is a tiled bath and how is it different from a tiled bathtub surround?
A tiled bath usually means an inset/drop‑in tub built into a tiled hob (platform). The “tiled bathtub surround” refers to the horizontal and vertical tiled areas around the tub, including the hob, apron and adjacent walls. Both are designed and waterproofed as one coordinated system.
Are tiled baths waterproof under Australian Standards?
Yes—when designed and built to AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas). The membrane must extend across the hob, up the wall and around penetrations, with correct falls, movement joints and silicone at junctions.
How much does a tiled bath or tiled bathtub surround cost in Perth?
Allow roughly $3,500–$8,500+ for a new tiled hob and drop‑in bath (mid‑range tiles, standard plumbing). A shower‑over‑bath conversion may be $4,500–$9,500. Full bathroom renovations commonly range from $18,000–$35,000+ depending on scope and finishes.
Which tiles and grout are best for a tiled bath in Australia?
Porcelain tiles are ideal for horizontal surfaces due to strength and low porosity; ceramics suit walls. Use epoxy grout on splash‑prone, horizontal areas and premium cementitious grout on walls, with sanitary silicone at all corners.
Can you tile over an existing acrylic bath?
We don’t tile directly onto acrylic baths. Instead, we remove the old unit and construct a proper hob and surround, or replace it with a new inset tub designed for a tiled installation. This ensures waterproofing compliance and long‑term durability.