Considering a modern shower bath for your Perth home? As WA specialists in kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe design, Joyce Kitchens shares practical guidance on bath shower design, materials, waterproofing, layouts and costs—so you can renovate with confidence.
Why choose a shower bath combination?
A shower bath combination is a smart way to get the flexibility of a full bathtub with the everyday convenience of a shower—especially useful in compact Perth homes and apartments. It’s also a strategic investment for resale: families often shortlist homes with at least one bath, while professionals want a fast, modern shower.
- Space efficiency: one wet zone instead of two.
- Budget control: less tiling, glass and plumbing than separate fixtures.
- Kid‑friendly and guest‑ready: easy bathing now, showering later.
- Design cohesion: modern lines that match your vanity, storage and custom cabinetry WA finishes.
At Joyce Kitchens, we integrate bathroom design with your broader renovation—aligning finishes across kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation, wardrobes and sculleries for a top‑to‑toe home refresh.
Sizes, layouts and styles that work in Australia
Common Australian bath sizes
- Compact: 1500 mm (great for small bathrooms and apartments)
- Standard: 1600–1700 mm (most common in new builds and renos)
- Generous: 1700–1800 mm (family homes, larger bathrooms)
For a comfortable over‑bath shower, allow at least 900 mm of clear shoulder width in the bathing end, and consider a flared shower end if you choose a shower bath with an asymmetrical shape.
Popular bath shower design layouts
- Straight alcove: bath between three walls, with a fixed glass panel and optional swinging door.
- Back‑to‑wall freestanding bath: minimal cleaning behind the bath and a sleek, modern shower bath look.
- Niche with nib wall: a short tiled wall to support tapware, a shelf or to anchor a glass screen.
Modern shower bath styles
- Frameless or semi‑frameless glass screen for a clean, modern shower bath vibe.
- Tile‑in bath with mitred edges to match a minimalist, shaker kitchen inspired palette in connected spaces.
- Matte black, brushed nickel or chrome tapware to tie in with kitchen undermount sink and integrated appliances aesthetics.
Accessibility and safety notes for Australia
- Slip resistance: look for R10–R12 rated floor tiles for wet areas.
- Shower rail and mixer at comfortable height; consider thermostatic mixers for safety.
- Water temperature: tempering valves typically limit hot water to 50°C in bathrooms (check local plumbing regulations and AS/NZS 3500 guidance).
- Ventilation: meet NCC requirements and consider a timed exhaust fan to manage Perth humidity and protect two‑pack polyurethane or timber finishes.
Your renovation process with Joyce Kitchens
- In‑home or showroom consult in Perth: we measure, assess services and discuss layouts, storage and finishes. We coordinate with other spaces—kitchens, laundries, wardrobes—to ensure continuity across custom cabinetry WA.
- Design and selections: we present CAD drawings and mood boards—think engineered stone benchtop options (Caesarstone, Quantum Quartz), porcelain slab splashbacks, tapware, tile selection and shower glass.
- Compliance: we brief licensed trades to meet AS 3740 waterproofing and relevant plumbing/electrical standards. We can work with your builder or preferred trades.
- Installation and quality check: we stage works, keep your home liveable where possible, and complete a detailed handover.
- Aftercare: cleaning, care and maintenance tips to maximise durability and warranty compliance.
Materials and finishes for long‑lasting bathrooms
Joyce Kitchens sources bathroom and kitchen surfaces suited to WA conditions and family life. Below is a quick comparison that also applies to kitchen vanities and island benches in connected zones.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for vanity tops)
| Feature | Engineered Stone (e.g., Caesarstone, Quantum Quartz) | Laminate Benchtops |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Premium, seamless; pairs with porcelain slab splashbacks and shaker kitchen schemes | Vast decor range, excellent timber or stone-look options |
| Durability | Highly scratch/stain resistant; heat resistant within manufacturer specs | Good daily durability; avoid direct heat and standing water on joins |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy to clean | Very low; simple wipe‑down |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Best for | Premium bathrooms, continuity with kitchen renovations Perth | Budget‑friendly renos, rentals, quick refreshes |
Other finishes to consider
- Porcelain slab or large‑format tiles for low grout cleaning and a continuous, modern shower bath look.
- Timber veneer or moisture‑resistant board for vanities, with soft‑close drawers and integrated organisers.
- Frameless shower screens with nanocoat for reduced water spotting.
- Wall‑hung vanities to open floor space in compact rooms.
We coordinate colours across adjoining spaces: a warm oak vanity can echo a kitchen island bench; a white porcelain splashback can match your laundry renovation; and black hardware can be repeated on your wardrobe fit‑out for cohesion.
Compliance note: Always engage licensed waterproofers and plumbers. See guidance from the Australian Building Codes Board and HIA for wet area best practice.
ABCB |
HIA |
Master Builders WA
Costs and budget ranges in WA
Indicative Perth pricing (labour and materials) for a shower bath combination as part of a bathroom renovation:
- New shower bath (acrylic or steel/enamel), mixer and rail set: $1,200–$3,500+
- Glass screen (fixed or hinged): $650–$1,800+
- Tiling and waterproofing to AS 3740: $2,000–$5,000+
- Vanity, basin and benchtop: $1,500–$6,000+
- Licensed plumbing and electrical: $1,200–$3,500+
- Total typical bathroom refresh with shower bath: $12,000–$28,000+ depending on scope, selections and structural work
Every home is unique. We’ll confirm after design, site inspection and selections.
Short WA case examples
City Beach family bathroom
A 1670 mm back‑to‑wall bath with a frameless fixed panel delivered a modern shower bath combo. We matched a white engineered stone vanity top to the kitchen’s Caesarstone for whole‑home cohesion, added niche shelving, and used R11 floor tiles for safety.
Fremantle apartment ensuite
Compact 1500 mm bath with asymmetrical shower end, matte black tapware to coordinate with the client’s appliance tower handles in the kitchen. A single fixed glass screen maximised light and simplified cleaning.
Pre‑renovation checklist
- Measure room and door clearances (aim for 820 mm door where possible).
- Decide bath length (1500 / 1600 / 1700+ mm) and showering end.
- Choose screen type: fixed, hinged, or full panel with return.
- Select slip‑rated floor tiles and confirm falls to floor waste.
- Confirm waterproofing system to AS 3740 and ventilation solution.
- Match vanity and storage finishes to your kitchen/laundry for continuity.
- Confirm fixtures’ WELS ratings and Perth water pressure compatibility.
- Plan lighting: task at mirror, ambient over bath, exhaust fan on timer.
- Schedule works to minimise downtime; consider temporary facilities.
How we build topical cohesion across your home
Our bathroom designs borrow smart storage learnings from kitchens: deep soft‑close drawers for towels, integrated hampers, and durable finishes that match your splashback palette. Whether your style leans modern coastal, contemporary or a shaker kitchen look carried through to vanities, our Perth cabinetry team builds lasting, functional spaces right across your home—kitchen, laundry, wardrobes and bathrooms.
Ready to plan your shower bath combination in Australia? Book a Joyce Kitchens design consult in Perth today.
FAQ
What size bath works best for a shower bath combination in Australia?
Most Perth homes choose 1600–1700 mm baths for a comfortable showering area. In apartments, a 1500 mm bath can work well—go for an asymmetrical model with a wider shower end and a quality glass screen.
Do I need waterproofing behind and around a shower bath?
Yes. Wet areas must be waterproofed to AS 3740, including walls around the shower end, the bath hob or edge, and floor junctions. Proper falls to the floor waste and sealed screen edges reduce leaks and mould.
Is a fixed glass panel or a hinged screen better over a bath?
A fixed panel is minimal and easy to clean; a hinged or pivot panel helps splash control for families. Choose toughened safety glass with quality seals; frameless or semi‑frameless gives a modern shower bath look.
How much does a shower bath renovation cost in Perth?
Expect around $12,000–$28,000+ for a bathroom that includes a shower bath, tiling, waterproofing, vanity and licensed trades. Your final price depends on bath type, screen style, tile choice and any structural changes.
Can Joyce Kitchens match my bathroom finishes to my kitchen or laundry?
Absolutely. We coordinate vanities, benchtops and hardware with your kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobes—think engineered stone benchtops, timber accents and consistent hardware for a cohesive home.
