Above Bath Shower: Practical Perth Guide to Shower‑Bath Combos, Materials, Layouts and Costs
Planning an above bath shower for a compact ensuite or family bathroom? Here’s a clear, WA‑specific guide from the Joyce Kitchens team — the same specialists trusted for kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom renovations Perth, laundry renovation and custom cabinetry WA.
Why choose an above bath shower?
An above bath shower (also called a shower bath combo or bathtub shower combination) gives you a full shower without sacrificing a tub — ideal for apartments, family bathrooms and short‑stay rentals around Perth and regional WA.
- Space‑smart: combine bathing and showering in one footprint.
- Resale appeal: families often prioritise a bath.
- Budget‑friendly: typically less costly than adding a separate shower recess.
- Design‑flexible: suits contemporary, coastal, or classic shaker styles that tie in with your kitchen or laundry.
A bathroom layout where a showerhead and screen/curtain are installed over a bathtub, creating a combined wet zone for showering and bathing.
Renovation process (step‑by‑step)
1) Measure and plan
We start by confirming room dimensions, ceiling height, window/sill locations and plumbing points. For comfortable use, a 1500–1700 mm long bath with straight sides is ideal for showering.
2) Choose your bath
- Acrylic: warm to touch and lighter weight — popular for second‑storey installs.
- Pressed steel: durable, slimmer profile; can be cooler on contact.
- Cast iron: premium and heavy; usually suits ground floors with adequate structure.
3) Select the screen and showerware
We recommend a toughened glass semi‑frameless shower screen or fixed panel, and a combination of rainfall shower head with a handheld shower rail for flexibility. Ensure WELS‑rated mixer taps and shower heads to save water.
4) Waterproofing and plumbing compliance
All wet areas are waterproofed to AS 3740 and plumbing is carried out to AS/NZS 3500 by licensed trades. This includes hob detailing, membrane to walls/floors, correct falls and sealed penetrations.
A continuous barrier applied under tiles and around the bath to stop water ingress into walls/floors — critical for longevity and insurance compliance in Australian bathrooms.
5) Tiling, screens and finishing
We tile with slip‑conscious finishes, fit the screen to AS 1288 toughened safety glass, seal joints, and install accessories such as niches, grab rails and towel hooks.
6) Ventilation and lighting
Include an exhaust fan sized for the room and a run‑on timer. Pair with LED task lighting around mirrors and a soft ambient scheme for relaxing baths.
Joyce Kitchens coordinates the trades, timelines and selections so your bathroom, kitchen and laundry upgrades run as one smooth project.
Materials and finishes
Tiles and wall linings
- Porcelain tiles for durability and low porosity (great for walls and floors).
- Slip resistance: aim for P3–P4 on floors (AS 4586 guidance) where practical.
- Splashback tiles like glazed subways or large‑format looks reduce grout lines.
Screen options
- Fixed glass panel: minimalist, easy to clean, excellent water control.
- Hinged bath screen: swings for easier access and cleaning.
- Frameless vs semi‑frameless: frameless is premium; semi‑frameless balances value and maintenance.
Tapware and accessories
- Mixer tap with scald‑safe setting and WELS efficiency.
- Rail shower for kids and guests, plus a rainfall head for adults.
- Grab rails and shelves integrated neatly into the tile set‑out.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards system that rates fittings like shower heads and taps for water use — higher stars mean lower consumption.
Vanity and benchtop options (bathroom and kitchen continuity)
To tie your bathroom to a shaker kitchen or modern galley kitchen, carry the same cabinetry language — finger‑pull profiles, two‑pack cabinetry finishes, or matching laminate colours. Here’s a quick comparison of common benchtop options we specify for vanities (and often kitchens/laundries too):
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Heat, stain and UV resistant; thin profiles; premium look; great for wet zones. | Higher upfront cost; specialist fabrication; edge detailing matters. | Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, splashbacks. |
| High‑Pressure Laminate | Excellent value; wide design range; quick lead times. | Less heat resistance; visible joins; avoid standing water around edges. | Budget‑smart vanities, rental refreshes, pantries and sculleries. |
Note: If you’re researching an engineered stone benchtop, be aware of Australia’s restrictions on engineered stone products containing crystalline silica. Ask us about compliant alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or natural stone.
Heat‑treated glass that’s stronger than standard glass and designed to break into small granules — required for shower screens in Australia.
Layouts and styles
Small bathrooms and ensuites
- Use a straight‑sided 1500–1600 mm bath with a fixed or hinged screen to maximise elbow room.
- Wall‑hung vanity with soft‑close drawers to keep floors clear.
- Bright, low‑contrast tiles and generous mirrors improve perceived space.
Family bathroom
- Opt for a wider tub and a rail shower for kids’ heights.
- Anti‑slip base and a gentle bath hob to step over safely.
- Easy‑clean grouts and drain set‑out to minimise puddling.
Style palettes that tie in with your home
- Coastal/Shaker: white two‑pack cabinetry, brushed nickel tapware, vertical subways — complements a shaker kitchen.
- Contemporary: matte black fixtures, frameless shower screen, large‑format porcelain tiles.
- Scandi: timber‑look laminates, finger‑pull profiles, warm neutrals that flow through to your pantry and laundry fit‑outs.
Costs in Perth and WA
Every site is unique, but these typical ranges help with early budgeting. All figures include GST and standard fixtures.
- Convert existing bath to a bathtub shower combination: $3,500–$9,500+
- New bath, screen, tiling, waterproofing (light cosmetic): $7,500–$14,000
- Full bathroom refresh with above bath shower: $14,000–$28,000+
Allow more for structural changes, relocation of plumbing, premium porcelain slabs, under‑tile heating, or custom glass. Typical timeframe is 3–7 working days for a simple conversion or 2–4 weeks for broader bathroom works.
Quick WA case examples
Subiaco Apartment — space‑first approach
A 1600 mm acrylic tub with a semi‑frameless fixed panel and a compact rail shower. Large‑format porcelain tiles and a slim, wall‑hung vanity with soft‑close drawers reduced visual clutter. Result: zero splash outside the wet zone and a brighter, more open feel.
Fremantle Cottage — family‑ready
We replaced a corner tub with a straight‑sided 1700 mm bath for safer showering. Added a hinged bath screen, matte black mixer tap and a tiled niche at children’s height. The style linked back to the home’s shaker kitchen with matching two‑pack cabinetry colour.
Above‑Bath Shower Planning Checklist
- Measure wall‑to‑wall width and confirm bath length (1500–1700 mm is versatile).
- Select straight‑sided bath with anti‑slip base; confirm waste position.
- Choose screen type (fixed, hinged, semi‑frameless) and height (typically 1400–1500 mm above bath rim).
- Confirm waterproofing scope to AS 3740 and fall to waste.
- Pick WELS‑rated mixer tap, rainfall head and handheld rail.
- Plan ventilation (exhaust capacity and run‑on timer) and LED task lighting.
- Align vanity/cabinet finishes with your kitchen/laundry for whole‑home cohesion.
- Book licensed trades and allow contingency for rectification behind walls.
Standards and resources we work with
Design your above bath shower with Joyce Kitchens
From concept to completion, our Perth team integrates bathrooms with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design for a seamless, value‑adding result. Book a showroom consult and we’ll tailor layouts, materials and custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.
FAQ
Is an above bath shower compliant in WA? What standards apply?
Yes — when designed and installed correctly. In WA, bathrooms are waterproofed to AS 3740, plumbing must meet AS/NZS 3500 and shower screens use toughened safety glass to AS 1288. Slip‑resistant flooring to AS 4586 is recommended. Always use licensed trades and request waterproofing and plumbing compliance documentation.
What size bath works best for a shower bath combo?
Most Perth bathrooms suit a 1500–1700 mm long bath with straight sides and an anti‑slip base. Allow comfortable stepping space over the bath edge and consider a screen height of around 1400–1500 mm above the bath rim. Where possible, keep about 1000 mm clear floor area in front for access.
How much does it cost to convert a bath to a bathtub shower combination in Perth?
Expect roughly $3,500–$9,500+ including GST for a straightforward conversion. That typically covers a new or retained bath, waterproofing, tiling around the wet zone, a semi‑frameless screen, WELS‑rated showerware and licensed plumbing. Timelines range from 3–7 working days depending on scope and tile lead times.
Which is better over a bath — a shower screen or a curtain?
A fixed or hinged glass screen gives better water control, a cleaner look and stronger resale appeal. A curtain is cost‑effective and softer for young families but needs regular replacement and can feel cooler in winter. For most long‑term homes, a semi‑frameless screen is the sweet spot.
Can I place an above bath shower under a window or in a small bathroom?
Yes. Use water‑tolerant window reveals (uPVC, porcelain slab or solid surface), slope the sill to drain and add a custom screen return to contain spray. In tight rooms, consider a 1500–1600 mm straight bath, a rail shower, smart storage and strong ventilation to keep moisture in check.