A beautifully designed bath and shower combination can save space, add value and make family life easier—especially in compact Perth homes and rentals. Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation, updating an investment property, or coordinating a whole-of-home project alongside your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe upgrades, Joyce Kitchens’ Perth-based designers make it simple to get a practical, compliant and great-looking result.
Core insights: When a bath–shower combo is the right choice
Why choose a bath and shower combination?
- Maximise floor space in small bathrooms while retaining a full bathing option.
- Great for family homes, guest bathrooms and rentals where versatility matters.
- Cost-effective compared with adding a separate shower enclosure.
Benefits and common pitfalls
- Benefits: space efficiency, lower plumbing costs, flexible use, easier heating and ventilation.
- Pitfalls to avoid: slippery bases, splash issues without the right screen, insufficient waterproofing, and poor tap/shower placement that causes cold drips.
Compliance and safety in WA
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs to Australian Standards, including:
- AS/NZS 3740: Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
- AS/NZS 3500: Plumbing and drainage
- National Construction Code (NCC) performance requirements
We recommend engaging licensed trades and following reputable guidance from organisations such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For WA waterproofing and building compliance updates, see Building and Energy (DMIRS).
A liquid- or sheet-applied barrier installed under tiles and around wet areas to stop leaks. Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740.
Our renovation process in Perth/WA
- In-home or showroom consultation: Measure-up, discuss your goals (e.g., adding a shower in a bathtub, improving storage, accessibility), and align with budget.
- Design and specification: We plan the bath–shower combo, niche shelving, screen, ventilation, and custom cabinetry WA homeowners prefer—complete with tapware, tiles and lighting.
- Selections: Tiles, vanity tops (e.g., porcelain/sintered stone, laminate), hardware (soft-close drawers, handleless cabinetry), and WELS-rated tapware.
- Documentation: Drawings and scope aligned with AS/NZS and NCC; we coordinate licensed trades.
- Build and install: Demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, glazing and final fit-off.
- Handover: Quality check, care instructions, and warranty support from a trusted Perth team.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards. Higher stars = less water. For showers, look for 3–4 stars for efficiency without compromising comfort.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Bathtub options for a shower for tub setup
- Alcove/built-in baths: Best for a shower in a bathtub; the tiled wall and an over-bath screen contain spray well.
- Back-to-wall baths: Clean look; ensure a compatible over-bath screen and correct fall to waste.
- Inset baths with tiled hob: Practical for kids and seated showering; specify a non-slip finish.
Over-bath screens and curtains
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass screens: Minimal visual bulk; choose toughened safety glass and consider a swing panel for easier cleaning.
- Quality curtain + rail: Cost-effective and flexible in tight spaces; use weighted hems and mould-resistant fabrics.
Tiles and slip resistance
- Floor tiles: Choose a slip rating suited to residential bathrooms (P2–P3). Porcelain tiles are durable and low-porosity for WA homes.
- Wall tiles: Ceramic or porcelain with mould-resistant grout (epoxy grout is a premium option).
Tapware and fittings
- Install a combined bath spout and rail shower or a twin shower set. Position mixer controls to avoid cold water drips.
- WELS-rated products reduce water and energy use—great for family bathrooms and rentals.
- Consider a practical niche shelf and a grab rail (stylish options exist) for multi-generational safety.
Vanity tops and cabinetry
Match your bathroom aesthetic to your broader home—many clients echo their shaker kitchen profile in vanity fronts or repeat kitchen finishes in the bathroom for a cohesive look across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and walk-in wardrobe zones.
| Surface | Pros | Considerations | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered stone benchtop (legacy installs) | Hard-wearing, premium look, stain resistant | Note: New fabrication/installation of crystalline-silica engineered stone is prohibited in Australia. Existing tops can be retained during renovations. | Existing kitchens/vanities being refreshed |
| Porcelain / Sintered stone | Heat, stain and UV resistant; low maintenance; excellent for wet areas | Requires experienced fabrication; premium price bracket | High-end bathrooms and kitchens |
| Laminate benchtop | Budget-friendly, wide design range, quick to install | Not as heat/impact resistant; seal edges well in wet zones | Cost-conscious bathrooms and laundries |
Regulatory note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new fabrication/installation in Australia. See government guidance via WA Building and Energy or Safe Work Australia. For alternatives, our designers recommend porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface. Refer to Building and Energy (WA) for updates.
The standard guiding plumbing design and installation in Australia. It covers water supply, sanitary plumbing, and drainage—critical for bathroom renovations.
Layouts and styles
Popular bath–shower layouts
- Alcove bath at room end: The shower sits at the wall with the window positioned above the bath; pair with a semi-frameless screen.
- Back-to-wall bath with hinged screen: A sleek option for modern apartments; ensure clearance for cleaning and towel rails.
- Hobbed inset bath with niche: Ideal for family homes; keep the mixer accessible from outside the spray zone.
Style cues that tie your home together
- Coastal Hamptons: Shaker-profile vanity doors, light porcelain tiles, brushed nickel tapware—pair with your shaker kitchen for a unified look.
- Modern Minimal: Handleless cabinetry, matt black tapware, frameless shower screen, and a subtle terrazzo-look tile.
- Scandi Family: Timber-look laminates, soft-close drawers, neutral tiles and open-plan living continuity through colour and hardware choices.
We often coordinate bathroom designs with kitchen, laundry renovation and wardrobe fit-outs to streamline schedules, share finishes, and manage costs efficiently.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help with planning in WA:
- Retrofit a shower in a bathtub (retain layout): $5,500–$12,000+ GST, depending on waterproofing scope, screen, tiling and tapware.
- Full bathroom renovation including bath–shower combo: $18,000–$35,000+ GST for typical Perth homes; premium selections can exceed this.
- Over-bath glass screen: $600–$1,500+
- Rail or twin shower set (WELS-rated): $350–$1,200+ (supply)
- Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740: $800–$2,000+, depending on size and complexity
Allowances vary with tile type, plumbing changes, ventilation upgrades and joinery. We provide fixed-scope quotes after a detailed measure and specification.
Two quick Perth case examples
Case 1: Floreat family bathroom
A family needed a bath and shower combination without sacrificing storage. We specified an inset bath with a semi-frameless screen, a niche shelf, and a shaker-profile vanity echoing their kitchen renovations Perth. The porcelain vanity top and soft-close drawers simplified cleaning. Result: Safe, splash-controlled bathing for kids and a stylish adult shower experience.
Case 2: Fremantle apartment ensuite
Space constraints called for a back-to-wall bath with a pivoting frameless panel. We increased ventilation, selected P3 slip-rated floor tiles, and used handleless cabinetry to visually expand the room. The cohesive finishes linked seamlessly with the client’s open-plan living and compact laundry fit-out.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure bath wall-to-wall width; common AU bath lengths are 1500–1700 mm—confirm door clearances.
- Decide on screen vs curtain and note window positions and heights.
- Confirm water pressure, drainage fall and ventilation strategy (fan ducted to exterior).
- Pick tiles (slip rating), grout type, and niche locations.
- Choose tapware with an appropriate WELS rating.
- Plan storage: vanity drawers, mirrored cabinets, and laundry integration if needed.
- Agree on finishes that tie in with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe colours.
- Set a realistic budget and contingency (10–15%).
- Engage licensed trades and ensure AS/NZS-compliant waterproofing and plumbing.
Why Joyce Kitchens
Since 1990, Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—across bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes. From shaker kitchen inspiration to modern minimal bathrooms, our Perth designers specify compliant, durable materials and manage the details for a stress-free renovation.
Ready to plan your bath and shower combination? Book a free consultation with our Perth team.
FAQ
Is a bath and shower combination a good idea for small bathrooms in Australia?
Yes. A bath and shower combination is space-smart, cost-effective and practical for families and rentals. With correct waterproofing, a suitable screen or curtain, and slip-rated floor tiles, it’s a safe and versatile solution in compact Australian bathrooms.
What size bath suits a shower in a bathtub?
Common Australian bath lengths are 1500–1700 mm. For comfortable showering, allow at least 700–750 mm internal width at shoulder height, a flat standing area, and a rail or twin shower set positioned to avoid cold drips.
Do I need waterproofing behind a shower for tub combo in WA?
Yes. Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740, including walls adjacent to the bath and the floor area. Always use licensed waterproofers and tilers to meet Australian Standards and the NCC.
What does a bath–shower combo renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, retrofitting a shower over an existing bath can range from $5,500–$12,000+ GST. A full bathroom renovation with a bath–shower combo typically runs $18,000–$35,000+ GST, depending on selections and layout changes.
What is the best screen or curtain option for a shower over bath?
Frameless or semi-frameless glass screens look premium and control spray well. Quality curtains with weighted hems are budget-friendly and flexible in very tight spaces. Choose safety glass and ensure proper sealing and falls.
