What is a contemporary bathtub shower?

This hybrid solution saves space, suits family homes and rentals, and can look just as premium as a separate walk-in shower when detailed well. It’s popular in shower baths Australia-wide, especially in compact homes and apartments where every millimetre matters.

Core design insights for Australian homes

• Size and ergonomics: Aim for a 1500–1700 mm bath length and 750–800 mm width. A straight or L‑shaped shower bath gives extra shoulder room. Position the shower at the tap end with a non-slip base (look for P3–P4 slip ratings).
• Waterproofing: Ensure waterproofing complies with AS/NZS 3740 for wet areas, especially where the shower hits the wall and screen meets the bath rim.
• Screen choice: A frameless fixed panel with a pivoting return is easy to clean and looks architectural. Consider a rail shower with WELS 3–4 Star efficiency.
• Storage: Include a tiled shower niche, a two-door mirrored shaving cabinet and a vanity with soft-close drawers for daily essentials.
• Thermal and UV reality in WA: Materials must handle Perth’s heat and coastal conditions—choose UV-stable finishes and hardware that resists corrosion.

Renovation process in WA

1) Consult and measure

Book a Joyce Kitchens designer for an in-home or showroom consult. We measure precisely, note plumbing and structural constraints, and discuss finishes that match the rest of your home—whether that’s a shaker kitchen with a classic profile or a sleek handleless look.

2) Concept and specification

• 3D design with layout options for your tub and shower combination
• Specification of cabinetry (two-pack polyurethane, laminate, or vinyl wrap), benchtops (engineered stone, porcelain), tapware, screen, tiles and lighting
• Hardware choices (Blum or Häfele) for reliable soft-close doors and drawers

3) Compliance and scheduling

We coordinate licensed trades and ensure works align with relevant Australian Standards and local requirements. For guidance on consumer rights and contracts, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA.

4) Strip-out and prep

• Site protection and demolition
• Plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Certified waterproofing application to AS/NZS 3740

5) Install and finish

• Bath set and levelled, walls lined, tiling completed
• Screen measured and installed (often after tiling)
• Vanity, mirrors, accessories, silicone and clean

Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks for a single bathroom, depending on material lead times and whether you’re coordinating a broader home upgrade such as kitchen renovations Perth or a laundry renovation at the same time.

Materials and finishes

Bath types

• Acrylic: Warm to touch, lighter to install and cost-effective. Choose reinforced bases for showering.
• Steel enamel: Very durable and scratch-resistant, cooler initially but long-wearing.
• Stone composite: Premium feel and weighty; ensure floor structure can support it.

Shower screens

• 10 mm toughened glass, frameless or minimal channels to reduce mould traps
• Quality hinges/seals; ensure fall to drain, tight silicone lines and a door swing that clears fixtures

Tiles and grout

• Porcelain tiles for durability; consider matte finishes for better slip resistance
• Epoxy grout in the shower zone to reduce staining

Vanity benchtops: Engineered stone vs laminate

These choices also carry across to kitchen and laundry benchtops, where an engineered stone benchtop or a modern laminate can define your look and budget.

Cabinetry and hardware

• Finishes: Two-pack polyurethane, laminate or vinyl wrap in matte or satin; colour-match to your kitchen or a shaker kitchen profile for continuity.
• Hardware: Blum soft-close drawers and hinges; Häfele storage inserts for grooming tools.
• Basins: Semi-recessed or above-counter; pair with an undermount sink in the kitchen for a cohesive, handleless cabinetry aesthetic.

Tapware and water efficiency

Choose mixers and showers with WELS star ratings to reduce water and energy use. Rail showers combine flexibility for kids with a clean, contemporary look.

Layouts and styles that work

1) Alcove shower-over-bath

Best for narrow rooms. A fixed frameless panel plus a pivot return keeps water in while feeling open.

2) L-shaped shower bath

Extra elbow room at the shower end without increasing overall length. Ideal for families.

3) Back-to-wall freestanding bath with screen

Delivers a designer look in larger bathrooms—pair with a minimal channel screen and a wall-mounted mixer.

4) Wet-room inspired

Level thresholds and linear drains can create a spa-like vibe, but waterproofing complexity and fall-to-drain need expert planning.

Real WA examples

• Cottesloe Ensuite Refresh: We replaced a cramped cubicle with a 1600 mm steel-enamel shower bath, added a tiled niche, epoxy grout and a custom vanity in two-pack satin. Coastal-grade hinges and a heated towel rail completed the look.
• Joondalup Family Bathroom: For busy mornings, we specified an L-shaped acrylic bath, a semi-frameless screen and a laminated vanity top to meet budget—matching the home’s new handleless kitchen with an engineered stone benchtop and subway splashback.

Costs and budgeting (AUD)

• Shower-over-bath upgrade: $7,500–$15,000+ including bath, screen, tiles, plumbing and waterproofing (scope-dependent).
• Full bathroom renovation: $18,000–$35,000+ depending on tile choices, custom cabinetry and stone.
• Premium extras: Heated towel rails ($600–$1,500), LED mirrors ($300–$900), stone or porcelain benchtops ($1,200–$3,000+ for typical vanities).

Bundling projects—kitchen, laundry and bathroom—can optimise scheduling and save on site costs. Joyce Kitchens also designs sculleries and butler’s pantries, integrates appliances from brands like Miele or Fisher & Paykel, and delivers cohesive finishes throughout your home.

Pre-renovation checklist

• Measure room accurately; confirm door and hallway clearances for bath delivery
• Pick a bath size and type (1500–1700 mm; acrylic, steel or stone)
• Decide on screen style (fixed panel, pivot return, full-length shower curtain alternative)
• Select tiles and grout (consider slip rating, grout type and maintenance)
• Confirm vanity storage (drawers vs doors), mirror cabinets and a shower niche
• Choose benchtop (engineered stone, porcelain or laminate) and cabinetry finish (two-pack, laminate, vinyl wrap)
• Specify tapware and shower rail; check WELS star ratings
• Plan ventilation and heating (exhaust fan, heated towel rail)
• Book licensed trades and waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740
• Set realistic timeline and contingency (10–15%)

Why Joyce Kitchens

Since 1994, Joyce Kitchens has delivered custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes designed for daily life. From shaker kitchens to ultra-modern handleless cabinetry, our team can coordinate your bathroom project alongside a kitchen renovation, ensuring consistent finishes, smart storage and considered lighting across your home.

Ready to discuss your contemporary bathtub shower? Book a free design consult in our Perth showroom.

Standards and consumer advice: see HIA, Master Builders WA and AS/NZS wet-area requirements (check AS/NZS 3740 via Standards Australia).

FAQ

Is a tub and shower combination right for a small bathroom?

Yes. An alcove or L-shaped shower bath makes one room do two jobs, saving space and cost. Opt for a 1500–1600 mm bath, a frameless fixed panel and a shower niche to keep clutter off the rim.

What sizes work best for shower baths in Australia?

Common lengths are 1500, 1600 and 1700 mm, with 750–800 mm width. If you’re tall, consider 1700 mm; for compact rooms, 1500–1600 mm is practical, especially with an L-shaped end for shoulder room.

How do I stop water splashing onto the floor?

Use a quality screen with well-fitted seals, set correct falls to the floor waste, and silicone neatly at all junctions. A pivoting return panel helps contain spray while keeping access easy.

Which materials last longest near the WA coast?

Steel enamel or high-quality acrylic baths, corrosion-resistant fittings, porcelain tiles with epoxy grout, and cabinetry with moisture-resistant substrates. Choose brass-bodied tapware and coastal-grade hardware.

Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate my kitchen, laundry and bathroom together?

Absolutely. We deliver cohesive design—matching benchtops, cabinetry profiles and colours—across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes to reduce disruption and improve value.