Make the most of a compact bathroom, rental, or family home with a well-planned shower bath tub combo. As Perth specialists in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens designs custom solutions that blend function, style and compliance—built in WA for WA homes.
What is a shower bath tub combo?
A shower bath tub combo is a single bath that also functions as a shower—ideal when you want the flexibility of soaking and quick showers without dedicating space to two separate zones. Popular choices include straight alcove baths with a hinged or sliding glass screen, and space-maximising L‑ or P‑shaped tubs that widen at the shower end.
An over‑bath shower positions a shower head above a bathtub, typically with a fixed panel, hinged, or sliding glass screen to contain water spray.
Core design insights that matter
Safety, comfort and compliance
- Flat, slip‑resistant base: Choose a bath with a flatter standing zone and textured surface. For tiles, aim for an R10–R11 slip rating on wet floors.
- Screen selection: Frameless or semi‑frameless glass (10 mm toughened) looks sleek and is easier to clean than framed. Sliding panels suit small rooms.
- Waterproofing and plumbing: Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS 3740, with plumbing to AS/NZS 3500. A licensed waterproofing and plumbing team is essential.
- Shower hardware: A WELS 4–5 star rain shower with a hand shower and a thermostatic mixer boosts comfort and saves water in WA’s climate.
- Access and ergonomics: Provide a comfortable reach to mixers and bath spouts. Consider a 900 mm showering width at the tub’s shower end.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme rates water efficiency of taps and showers. Look for 4–5 star WELS ratings to reduce water bills.
Australian Standard AS 3740 sets minimum requirements for waterproofing in domestic wet areas. It’s referenced by the NCC (National Construction Code).
Best for
- Family bathrooms where kids love baths but adults prefer showers.
- Compact ensuites or rentals where every centimetre counts.
- Value‑add renovations when selling or leasing a Perth property.
When a walk‑in shower may be better
If mobility is a concern or you want a barrier‑free space, a walk‑in shower with a linear drain can be safer and easier to maintain. We’ll advise on compliant gradients, screens and grab‑rail blocking during framing.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Discovery and brief: Discuss how you use your showers and bathrooms, storage needs, and style (Hamptons coastal, Scandi minimalist, contemporary, etc.).
- Measure and quote: Accurate onsite measure, check existing services and NCC considerations.
- Design and selections: 3D design with custom cabinetry WA manufacturing, tiles, screen style, mixers, lighting and ventilation plan.
- Approvals and scheduling: Coordinate licensed trades, waterproofing to AS 3740 and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, with HIA‑style contracts and timelines.
- Build and install: Demolition, services, sheeting, membrane, tiling, glazing, cabinetry, and fit‑off (soft‑close drawers, LED strip lighting, PVD tapware in brushed nickel or matte black).
- Handover and aftercare: Practical completion, warranty documentation and care guidance.
We follow industry best practice and recommend guidance from bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes
Bath types
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, affordable, many shapes, lighter weight for upper floors.
- Steel enamel: Very durable, slimmer profile, excellent for straight alcove installs.
- Cast iron: Premium feel and heat retention, but heavy—check floor loadings.
Screens and splash control
- Fixed panel + hinged return for easy cleaning and towel access.
- Sliding screens where door swing is tight near vanities or WCs.
- Quality seals and silicone details minimise spray and mould traps.
Walls, floors and vanity tops
- Large‑format porcelain slab or stone‑look tiles reduce grout lines and maintenance.
- Feature niches with mitred edges keep shampoo off the tub ledge.
- Vanity tops: laminate benchtop, porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, or solid surface—chosen for heat resistance and easy care.
Engineered stone benchtop products previously popular in kitchens and bathrooms are now prohibited for new fabrication across Australia due to silica health risks. For new work, we recommend porcelain/sintered surfaces, natural stone, solid surface or high‑pressure laminate. Existing installations can typically remain; ask us about safe replacement options.
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate for vanity tops
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered (Engineered Stone Alternative) | Quality Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost (Perth) | $$$ (mid–high) | $ (budget–mid) |
| Heat & hair‑tool resistance | Excellent | Good with care (use heat mats) |
| Stain & moisture resistance | Excellent, non‑porous | Very good; avoid standing water at joins |
| Repairability | Minor chips can be filled; slabs are very hard | Panels are replaced if severely damaged |
| Look and edge detail | Stone‑like veining, slim profiles | Vast decor library; squareform edges |
| Sustainability | Long lifespan, low maintenance | Efficient manufacturing; budget‑friendly |
Layouts and styles that work
Common Australian sizes and tips
- Bath length: 1500–1700 mm suits most WA bathrooms; select a wider end for showering comfort.
- Shower zone: Target ~900 mm width at the shower end of the tub; consider an L‑ or P‑shaped design.
- Screen heights: 2000 mm high glass helps contain spray; leave 20–25 mm under‑gap for airflow.
- Ventilation: Pair an extraction fan with a timer; reduce mould and protect cabinetry.
Storage, lighting and cabinetry
- Custom vanities with soft‑close drawers (Blum hardware) maximise under‑bench storage.
- Mirrored shaving cabinets recess neatly and add task lighting.
- LED strip lighting under shelves and niches elevates everyday use.
Style notes (to match your kitchen and laundry)
- Hamptons coastal: Shaker vanity doors, brushed nickel PVD tapware, stone‑look porcelain, soft whites.
- Scandi minimalist: Timber‑look laminates, matte black fixtures, clean lines and light tones.
- Contemporary: Large‑format slabs, concealed drainage, warm metals, simple profiles to match a modern galley or U‑shaped kitchen.
Short WA case studies
Applecross, family bathroom refresh: Replaced a cramped cubicle with a 1700 mm acrylic shower bath tub combo, sliding semi‑frameless screen, WELS 4‑star rail shower, and a Shaker vanity. The family gained kid‑friendly bathing without losing storage—coordinated with a new shaker kitchen and engineered stone look porcelain benchtop for continuity.
Joondalup, investor renovation: Specified a 1500 mm steel alcove bath with a fixed panel, stone‑look tiles, and a durable laminate vanity top. The result: low maintenance, contemporary appeal, and improved rental yield—installed alongside laundry cabinetry in matching laminate.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
- Shower bath tub combo (tub + screen + mixer/shower set): from $2,500–$6,500 supplied and installed, depending on spec and access.
- Waterproofing and tiling: from $2,800–$7,500 based on area, tile size and layout complexity.
- Vanity, mirror cabinet and lighting: from $2,000–$6,000 for custom cabinetry WA manufacturing and LED upgrades.
- Complete bathroom refresh with over‑bath shower: typically $10k–$25k.
- Full bathroom renovation (re‑layout, premium finishes): commonly $20k–$40k+.
Combine projects for efficiency—many Perth homeowners renovate a bathroom alongside kitchen renovations to consolidate trades, cabinetry production and site time.
Practical pre‑renovation checklist
- Confirm your priority: soaking, quick showers, or both.
- Measure the room; check door swings and clearances.
- Select a bath with a flatter showering base and adequate width at the shower end.
- Decide on screen style (fixed + hinged, or sliding) based on space and cleaning preference.
- Choose WELS‑rated tapware and a thermostatic mixer for safety.
- Plan waterproofing, ventilation and lighting together.
- Match vanity and storage to your home’s style (e.g., Shaker kitchen detailing or contemporary lines).
- Discuss compliant waterproofing (AS 3740) and plumbing (AS/NZS 3500) with licensed trades.
- Lock in selections early—tiles, tapware, cabinetry—so lead times don’t delay works.
Why choose Joyce Kitchens for showers and bathrooms
- Design‑led, build‑ready: In‑house designers coordinate with our WA manufacturing and licensed trades.
- Whole‑home expertise: Bathrooms, kitchen renovations Perth, laundries and wardrobes—cohesive finishes and hardware throughout.
- Quality and care: Soft‑close drawers, durable laminates, porcelain slab and solid surface options; practical details that last.
- Local to WA: We understand Perth water use, heat and coastal conditions, plus local appliance and fixture sizing.
Ready to plan your shower bath tub combo or a full renovation? Book a complimentary design consult and measure with Joyce Kitchens.
Suggested Australian references
FAQ
How much space do I need for a shower bath tub combo?
Most Perth bathrooms suit a 1500–1700 mm long bath with at least ~900 mm of width at the shower end. Allow clearance for a screen (hinged or sliding), and ensure mixers and spouts are within easy reach without leaning over too far.
Are shower bath tub combos safe for kids and older adults?
Yes—choose a bath with a flatter, textured base, add a quality grab point or rail, and use a WELS 4–5 star shower with thermostatic control to reduce scald risk. Non‑slip flooring and good lighting further improve safety.
What’s the best screen option—curtain, hinged or sliding?
Curtains are budget‑friendly but need frequent replacement. Hinged panels are simple to clean and suit medium spaces. Sliding screens work best in tight rooms where doors or vanities limit swing—great for compact showers and bathrooms.
Can you renovate my bathroom and kitchen together in Perth?
Absolutely. We regularly deliver combined projects—bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobes—so cabinetry, benchtops, tiles and hardware align. It often reduces lead time and cost compared to separate jobs.
Can I use engineered stone on a bathroom vanity in WA?
For new work, engineered stone benchtops are no longer permitted for fabrication in Australia due to silica risks. We recommend porcelain/sintered slab, solid surface, natural stone or quality laminate for a safe, durable result.