Considering a bath and shower combination for your Perth home? Here’s how to design a safe, space-smart and great-looking bathtub shower combo, with local standards, costs and finishes explained by the Joyce Kitchens team.
Why choose a bathtub shower combo?
A bathtub shower combo lets you keep the best of both worlds in a compact footprint: a full bath for kids, soaking or pets, and a fast, efficient shower in a bathtub for everyday use. It’s ideal for a small bathroom layout, apartments, ensuites and second bathrooms where space and resale value matter.
- Space-saver: fits into a standard 1700 mm alcove bath.
- Family-friendly: easy bathing for little ones, with future-proofing for guests.
- Budget-smart: fewer trades and less plumbing than separate bath + walk-in shower.
- Resale appeal: highly sought after in many Perth suburbs.
Our bathroom designers integrate the bath and shower combination with smart storage, custom cabinetry WA, and finishes that coordinate with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobes.
Core design principles for a safe, stylish bathtub shower combo
1) Bath type and size
- Alcove bath (shower-over-bath) is the most common: rectangular, straight sides, 1525–1700 mm long, 750–800 mm wide. Straight sides help reduce foot roll.
- Inset bath with tiled hob suits a classic look; a freestanding bath rarely suits a shower due to splash and safety concerns.
- Typical Australian sizes: 1700 x 750 mm for family bathrooms; 1525–1600 mm for smaller rooms.
2) Screens and splash control
- Frameless shower screen panel or quality semi-frameless screen with a pivot or sliding door reduces water escape.
- Use toughened safety glass compliant with AS 1288. A fixed 900–1000 mm panel with a return blade suits most layouts.
3) Waterproofing and drainage
- Waterproof walls and floors to AS/NZS 3740 with a continuous waterproofing membrane and a correctly graded floor.
- Choose slip-resistant tiles (P2–P3 for barefoot areas) and ensure adequate ventilation to manage humidity.
4) Tapware, storage and lighting
- Consider matte black tapware or brushed nickel tapware with WELS 3–4 Star showerheads.
- Add a tiled niche within easy reach of the shower, and a rail or safety grab bar if needed.
- Use dimmable task lighting and LED strip lighting under the vanity for night use.
Quick definitions
Our renovation process (Perth and WA)
- In-home consult: Measure, discuss goals and how the bath–shower fits your broader plans (including kitchen renovations Perth and laundry upgrades).
- Design + selections: Layout options, tile and colour board, cabinetry drawings, and specification of screens, tapware and lighting.
- Compliance check: We design to the NCC and relevant AS/NZS (waterproofing, plumbing). Licensed trades only.
- Quote + schedule: Transparent pricing, allowances for tiles and fixtures, and a realistic Perth-based timeline.
- Build + install: Demolition, plumbing/electrical rough-in, tiler Perth waterproofing and tiling, screen install, fit-off and clean.
- Handover: Quality check, warranties, and care instructions.
Tip for WA homes: older properties may reveal hidden issues (e.g., plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, termite or moisture damage). We allow for contingencies and keep you informed.
Materials and finishes that perform in Australian bathrooms
Tiles and surfaces
- Porcelain tiles are durable, low-porosity and ideal for wet walls; consider a mosaic feature on the back wall for visual impact.
- Use P2–P3 slip rating on bathroom floors. Light tones reflect more light in compact rooms.
- Vanity tops: porcelain slab, solid surface, or laminate as cost-conscious options. If considering “engineered stone”, check current regulations and safe alternatives.
Cabinetry and storage
- Moisture-resistant board with 2-pack paint or premium laminate fronts, soft-close drawers and integrated power points.
- Carry finishes through to your kitchen or laundry for a cohesive home—yes, even a shaker kitchen profile can inspire your bathroom vanity detailing.
Benchtop comparison for vanities and kitchens
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Stone-like appearance; consistent pattern (e.g., classic “Caesarstone” styles) | Wide range of colours, can mimic stone or timber at lower cost |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent surface resistance; needs careful edge and cut-out sealing | Good with proper sealing; avoid prolonged pooling at seams |
| Heat & impact | Good heat resistance; avoid direct hot pots | Moderate; use trivets and cutting boards |
| Regulatory note in AU | New national rules restrict traditional high-silica engineered stone; consider porcelain/sintered stone or low-silica certified options | No silica-related restrictions; budget-friendly and versatile |
| Typical cost (installed) | $$$ | $–$$ |
Speak to us about compliant options and supply in WA. We specify safe, durable alternatives that deliver the look of an engineered stone benchtop without the regulatory headache, or a premium laminate benchtop when budgets are tight.
HIA |
Master Builders WA |
WA Building and Energy
Layouts and styles that suit a bath and shower combination
Popular layouts
- Alcove combo: Bath across the short wall with a fixed glass panel and wall-mounted showerhead—efficient for narrow rooms.
- L-shaped shower bath: Slightly wider at the shower end for more foot room.
- Corner alcove: Works in quirky rooms; ensure screen geometry contains spray and allows access.
Style cues
- Contemporary coastal: White porcelain tiles, sandy grout, timber-look vanity, brushed nickel tapware.
- Modern black + white: Charcoal floor with P3 slip rating, white walls, frameless shower screen, matte black tapware.
- Transitional: Vanity doors echo your shaker kitchen, with chrome hardware for timeless appeal.
Accessibility and safety
- Opt for straight-sided baths, a textured base, and a low step-in height.
- Place mixers and niche away from the shower spray to reduce scald risk; ensure a tempering valve to AS/NZS 3500.
- Add a removable rail-style hand shower for flexibility.
Perth costs and budgeting for a bathtub shower combo
Every project is unique, but these ballpark figures help plan your bathroom renovation Perth wide:
- Bath (alcove or L-shaped): $400–$2,000+
- Glass screen (fixed/pivot/sliding): $350–$900+
- Tapware and shower set: $350–$1,200+
- Waterproofing and tiling: $1,800–$5,000+ depending on tile size and patterns
- Plumbing and electrical (licensed): $1,200–$3,000+
- Vanity and storage (custom): $1,500–$6,000+
Typical installed range in Perth: $4,500–$12,000+ for a standalone bath-shower upgrade. For a full small-bathroom renovation with new vanity, tiles and lighting, allow $18,000–$35,000+ depending on selections and scope.
WA case-style examples
Subiaco apartment refresh
A 1600 x 750 mm straight-sided bath with a 1000 mm frameless panel, white 300 x 600 mm wall tiles and a timber-look vanity with soft-close drawers. LED strip lighting under the vanity adds night visibility. Result: minimal splash, easy cleaning, and a bright, airy feel.
Fremantle family home
A full 1700 mm bath for kids with a pivot screen, tiled niche, P3 floor tiles and brushed nickel tapware. The vanity style nods to their nearby shaker kitchen for a cohesive home story.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure the bath wall-to-wall length (aim for 1700 mm if space allows).
- Confirm plumbing locations and water pressure; specify WELS 3–4 Star showerheads.
- Select a straight-sided bath for safer footing; confirm screen width and swing.
- Choose P2–P3 floor tiles and AS 1288-compliant safety glass.
- Plan storage: vanity drawers, mirrored cabinet, and a tiled niche.
- Agree on waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 with documented membrane coverage.
- Match finishes to nearby rooms (kitchen, laundry, wardrobes) for flow.
- Confirm lead times for tiles, tapware and glass to lock in the schedule.
Why Joyce Kitchens for your bath–shower combo
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA. From concept to completion, we coordinate licensed trades, ensure compliance, and deliver design-led solutions that fit the way you live. Whether you need a stylish bathtub shower combo, a full bathroom renovation Perth wide, or a coordinated kitchen and laundry upgrade, our team is ready to help.
FAQ
Is a bathtub-shower combo a good idea for small bathrooms in Australia?
Yes—an alcove bath with a fixed or semi-frameless glass screen gives you a full-featured shower in a compact footprint, keeps bath time for kids, and typically costs less than building a separate walk-in shower. Choose straight-sided baths, slip-resistant tiles and compliant waterproofing for safety and comfort.
How much does a bath and shower combination cost in Perth?
Expect $4,500–$12,000+ for a bath–shower retrofit depending on the bath, screen, tiles and plumbing. A full bathroom renovation with a bath–shower combo, new vanity and tiling typically ranges from $18,000–$35,000+ based on selections, layout changes and site conditions.
What size bath works best for a shower in a bathtub?
A 1700 x 750–800 mm straight-sided bath suits most Australian family bathrooms. In smaller rooms, 1525–1600 mm still works well. Aim for a wider, squarer shower end and pair it with a 900–1000 mm glass panel for good splash control.
What tiles and finishes are safest for a shower-over-bath?
Use P2–P3 slip-rated floor tiles, porcelain or ceramic wall tiles, and toughened safety glass to AS 1288. A textured bath base, well-positioned mixer, quality silicone sealing and a compliant waterproofing membrane to AS/NZS 3740 round out a safe, durable setup.
Do I need waterproofing and approvals for a bathtub shower combo in WA?
Yes—wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 by trained installers, and plumbing must comply with AS/NZS 3500. Council approval is usually only needed if you alter structure or drainage; your designer and licensed trades will advise and provide compliance documentation at handover.