Bathtub Tile Design Ideas for Australian Homes | Joyce Kitchens

Core Bathtub Tile Design Ideas

When planning a bath surround, think beyond looks. Prioritise water management, easy cleaning and slip resistance, then layer in colour, pattern and texture. Here are proven ideas that suit family bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms across Australia.

1) Timeless subway tiles with a twist

• Classic white subway tiles laid in herringbone or vertical stack elongate walls and visually lift ceiling height.
• Contrast with a coloured feature niche or a bold epoxy grout for extra definition.

2) Seamless large-format porcelain

• Low grout lines make cleaning easier, ideal for shower-over-bath zones.
• Choose rectified, matte-finish tiles for a refined, contemporary look that pairs with Scandi style or coastal bathroom schemes.

3) Textured and kit-kat mosaics

• Finger (kit-kat) mosaic tiles add character to bath aprons and niches.
• Keep grout sealed to resist WA’s mineral-rich water and soap scum.

4) Terrazzo-look porcelain for pattern without the upkeep

• Get the terrazzo vibe with porcelain for durability and simpler maintenance than natural stone.
• Soft greys and oat tones suit Hamptons bathroom palettes and open-plan living homes.

5) Colour drenching with paint and tile

• Mix mid-height wall tiles with a moisture-rated paint above for budget control.
• Coordinate tile tones with your vanity or even your nearby kitchen splashback for whole-home cohesion.

Renovation Process (WA-ready)

Whether you’re updating a single bath surround or completing bathroom and laundry renovation together, a clear process avoids delays and rework.

1. Consult & Measure: We assess existing waterproofing, substrate condition and ventilation. For families, we check tub size compatibility with local alcoves and frameless shower screen options.
2. Design & Selection: We plan layout, tile patterns, niche positions and storage. If you’re also planning kitchen renovations Perth, we coordinate finishes so your bathroom, kitchen and wardrobe fitout work together.
3. Compliance: Waterproofing must comply with AS/NZS 3740 (Internal Wet Areas). Floors typically require a slip rating around P3–P4; talk to your tiler about AS 4586 test data.
4. Demolition & Prep: Remove old tiles, rectify walls, install cement sheet, set falls and prime.
5. Waterproofing: Apply membranes to specs (corners, penetrations, tub lip junctions). Cure times are non‑negotiable.
6. Tiling & Grouting: We recommend flexible adhesives; consider epoxy grout in shower-over-bath areas for mould resistance.
7. Fit-off & Seal: Install tapware, silicone junctions, mirrors and screens. Seal grout if not epoxy.
8. Aftercare: Use pH‑neutral cleaners and re-seal grout annually where applicable.

For regulations and guidance, see the NCC via the Australian Building Codes Board and your chosen HIA/MBWA member contractor.

Useful references:
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC) |
Housing Industry Association (HIA) |
Master Builders WA

Materials & Finishes

Popular tile types for bath surrounds

• Porcelain: Dense, low porosity, excellent for shower-over-bath; great in matte or lappato finishes.
• Ceramic: Cost-effective, wide colour range; ideal for walls and feature layouts.
• Natural stone: Luxurious but needs sealing and careful maintenance; consider honed finishes.
• Mosaics: Perfect for curves and niches; ensure quality membranes and sealing.

Comparison: Porcelain vs Ceramic vs Natural Stone

Grout and sealants

• Epoxy grout resists stains and mould—ideal near baths and niches.
• Colour-match silicone at all junctions (wall-to-tub, internal corners) for movement and waterproofing.

Coordinating with the rest of your home

For a consistent aesthetic, we often link the bathroom to the kitchen and laundry: repeat brushed nickel tapware, echo your shaker kitchen profile on the vanity, or match vanity benchtops to an engineered stone benchtop (or compliant alternatives) used in the kitchen. Our custom cabinetry WA team can tailor vanities, mirrored storage, and even a butler’s pantry or walk-in robe to the same palette.

Layouts & Styles That Work

Best tile layouts for bath surrounds

• Vertical stack: Emphasises height in compact ensuites.
• Herringbone: Adds movement; great as a feature wall behind a freestanding bath.
• Offset/brick bond: Classic and forgiving for walls slightly out of square.
• Mosaic sheets: Flexible for curves on bath aprons; ensure a flat substrate.

Matching the bath type

• Alcove bath: Tile three walls; add a niche and a full-height feature band.
• Shower-over-bath: Prioritise matte or structured tiles near the tub edge; specify a frameless shower screen for clean lines.
• Freestanding bath: Choose a single dramatic wall (stone-look porcelain, textured kit-kat) to anchor the tub.

Heating and comfort

• Consider underfloor heating to counter chilly winter mornings in southern WA.
• Good ventilation reduces condensation on grout and paint.

If you’re also upgrading a galley kitchen or converting a laundry, we’ll carry the same timber tones or hardware finishes across spaces to tie the home together.

Costs in Perth & WA

Budgets vary by tile selection, complexity, and substrate condition. As a general guide (AUD, typical Perth metro ranges):

• Tile supply: $30–$130/m² for ceramic/porcelain; $120–$300+/m² for natural stone.
• Tiling labour: $60–$120/m² depending on format, pattern and prep.
• Waterproofing: $35–$50/m² (area dependent).
• Demolition & prep: $500–$1,500 for a typical bath surround.
• Retile bath surround (3 walls): $2,500–$6,000+ depending on tile type, niche, epoxy grout and screen.
• Full bathroom renovation: $15,000–$35,000+ depending on scope, plumbing moves and fixtures.

Note: If you’re pairing with kitchen or wardrobe works, consolidated scheduling may reduce downtime and site costs. For stone vanity tops, discuss compliant options if you’re matching an engineered stone benchtop aesthetic.

Quick Bathroom Tiling Checklist (Perth & WA)

• Confirm AS/NZS 3740-compliant waterproofing scope and drying times.
• Pick tiles with suitable slip rating (floors P3–P4); use matte near shower-over-bath.
• Choose grout: epoxy near tubs and niches; colour to match or contrast.
• Decide layout (vertical stack, herringbone, offset) and niche positions early.
• Plan ventilation and heating; check exhaust fan capacity for room size.
• Seal grout (if not epoxy) and schedule a maintenance plan.
• Coordinate finishes with kitchen/laundry cabinetry for a unified home.

FAQ

What are the best tiles for a bathtub surround in Australia?

Porcelain tiles are the most durable and low‑porosity option, especially for shower-over-bath areas. Ceramic works well for walls and feature patterns. If you love natural stone, choose honed finishes and commit to sealing. Pair with epoxy grout in high-splash zones.

How much does it cost to retile around a bathtub in Perth?

Allow $2,500–$6,000+ for a typical three-wall bath surround, including demolition, prep, waterproofing, tiling and grout. Costs rise with large-format or stone tiles, niches, epoxy grout and new glass screens.

Can I tile over existing bathroom tiles?

Yes, if the original tiles are sound, well-adhered and the substrate can accept extra weight. Surfaces must be cleaned, etched or primed, and junctions made flush. We still recommend checking waterproofing and falls before proceeding.

What grout is best for a shower-over-bath?

Epoxy grout is ideal because it’s highly resistant to stains and mould. For a softer look, you can use premium cement-based grout with a quality sealer, but expect more maintenance over time.

Do I need waterproofing behind a bathtub tile surround?

Yes. Internal wet areas must comply with AS/NZS 3740. Membranes should cover walls to required heights, tub lips, junctions and penetrations, with correct curing before tiling.