Thinking about a shower bath for your Perth or wider WA home? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers everything Australian homeowners need to know about shower baths Australia—from space-saving layouts and materials to costs, compliance and installation. We’ll also show how your bathroom upgrade can coordinate with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe projects for a seamless whole-home refresh.
Whether you’re after a compact small bathtub shower combination for an apartment, or a family-friendly double bath shower with twin heads, our designers craft practical, beautiful solutions across bathrooms, kitchens and more.
What is a shower bath?
A bathtub designed to double as a shower zone. It typically includes a slip-resistant base, an overhead or rail shower, and a screen or curtain to contain water.
Modern shower baths combine the comfort of a soak with the convenience of a quick rinse—ideal where space is tight or you want versatility for kids and guests. Options range from straight inset tubs with a pivot or fixed panel, to L‑shaped and P‑shaped tubs for extra elbow room.
Why shower baths suit Australian homes
- Space savers: Perfect for compact ensuites and family bathrooms in terraces, townhouses and apartments.
- Family-friendly: Bathe toddlers, then switch to a full-height shower for teens and adults. A double bath shower with twin outlets speeds up school-night routines.
- Resale appeal: Many buyers still prefer at least one bath in the home—especially in Perth’s family suburbs.
- Budget-smart: Over-bath showers can be more economical than creating a separate shower and bath in small footprints.
- Climate-aware: WA’s hard water means smart fixture selection (e.g., quality mixers and easy-clean glass) helps longevity.
Planning your shower bath with Joyce Kitchens
Measure for fit and comfort
- Length: 1500–1700 mm suits most WA homes; 1800 mm for taller users or a two-person tub.
- Width: 700–800 mm; go 800 mm if you want more shoulder room for regular showering.
- Entry: Allow clear access around the tub; check door swings and 820 mm doorway compliance common in newer builds.
Compliance and waterproofing
In Australia, bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS 3740 (Internal Wet Areas). Plumbing needs licensed installation to AS/NZS 3500, and safety glass to AS 1288 for fixed panels or screens. Our Perth team coordinates waterproofing, plumbing and glazing to keep your project compliant with the NCC (Building Code of Australia).
Refers to which end the waste and backrest sit. Choose the orientation that keeps your shower head away from openings and minimises splash.
Screen and hardware choices
- Fixed panel: Minimalist, easy to clean; best for confident shower users.
- Pivot/hinged: More splash control for families.
- Frame finishes: Chrome, matte black, brushed nickel or brass to match your tapware.
Case example: Subiaco apartment (small bathtub shower combination)
We replaced a tired 1520 mm steel tub with a 1500 x 750 mm acrylic bath, added a 900 mm fixed glass panel and a rail shower with a 3‑function handpiece. Result: a compact small bathtub shower combination that feels bigger, uses less water, and meets AS 3740 without moving the plumbing wall.
Case example: Hillarys family home (double bath shower)
For a busy family, we specified a 1700 mm straight bath with twin thermostatic mixers and two rain/hand combo outlets—creating a double bath shower that comfortably serves two users. Anti-slip tiles (P4) and a full-height semi-frameless screen keep it safe and splash-free.
Materials & finishes for wet areas
Bath materials
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, light, cost-effective, easy to shape; good for upstairs installs.
- Steel/enamel: Durable and scratch-resistant; cooler to touch; requires careful handling to avoid chipping.
- Cast stone/solid surface: Premium feel and thermal mass; heavier and pricier; check floor loading with your builder.
Slip resistance and tile selection
For floors in shower zones, choose tiles rated to AS 4586 (often P3–P4 for residential bathrooms). Porcelain offers excellent durability and low porosity—great for WA’s hard water conditions.
Surfaces across your home: benchtops compared
Coordinating kitchen, laundry and vanity selections streamlines your renovation. Below is a quick comparison homeowners in Perth often ask about for benchtops.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium stone-like appearance; seamless with waterfall edge options (note current regulatory changes) | Huge range of decors and profiles; can mimic stone or timber affordably |
| Heat & stain resistance | Good stain resistance; avoid direct high heat | Improved modern finishes; use trivets and chopping boards |
| Cost (Perth guide) | Higher—consider porcelain slabs or natural stone as alternatives | Lower—budget-friendly for rentals and family homes |
| Repairs | Chips can be repaired; colour matching varies | Localised damage may require section replacement |
| Notes | Australia has introduced restrictions on traditional high‑silica engineered stone. Ask us about porcelain, sintered stone or solid surface alternatives. | Great choice for laundry renovation and investment properties |
Tip: Our designers also specify porcelain slabs, solid surface and natural stone to suit your budget and style.
Layouts & styles that work in WA
Coastal Hamptons
Pair a white inset bath and clear glass screen with soft-grey shaker kitchen-style vanity fronts, brushed nickel tapware and a light stone-look top. Coordinate with a subway splashback tile in the kitchen and soft-close drawers throughout.
Contemporary minimalist
Matte-finish tiles, handleless cabinetry, matte black tapware, and a single fixed glass panel. Link to your kitchen via a sleek undermount sink and integrated appliances.
Heritage & character homes
Choose an enamelled steel bath for crisp lines, pair with warm brass fixtures and a feature timber vanity. Echo the look with custom cabinetry WA in a classic profile and a durable stone vanity top.
Costs, timeframes & inclusions in Perth
- Bath supply: $600–$2,500+ (acrylic to cast stone)
- Shower screen: $700–$1,800 (semi-frameless or fixed panel, safety glass to AS 1288)
- Waterproofing (AS 3740): $800–$1,600 depending on scope
- Plumbing & mixers: $1,500–$3,000 (licensed trades to AS/NZS 3500)
- Tiling & niche: $2,000–$6,000+ (tile selection and layout)
- Typical turnkey package (Perth): $9,000–$18,000+ for a shower-bath conversion as part of a bathroom refresh
Timeframe: Allow 2–3 weeks on-site for a bathroom with over-bath shower, depending on materials and lead times. Running a coordinated program with your kitchen renovations Perth can reduce total downtime.
The Joyce Kitchens renovation process
- In-home or showroom consult: We scope your bathroom and adjacent areas (kitchen, laundry, wardrobes).
- 3D design & selections: Layout, tiles, taps, engineered stone benchtop alternatives, vanities and storage.
- Custom manufacturing: Perth-made cabinetry with quality hardware (e.g., Blum) and local aftercare.
- Site preparation & trades: Demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, glazing—coordinated by our team.
- Installation & handover: Final fit-off, silicone, clean and walkthrough.
- Aftercare: Warranties and maintenance guidance.
Pre-renovation checklist
- Confirm bath orientation (left/right) and preferred length (1500–1800 mm)
- Select screen type and height (often 2000 mm for modern bathrooms)
- Choose mixers and outlets to match your home’s style and water pressure
- Plan tile layout, grout colour and storage (niches, shelves, hooks)
- Coordinate finishes across bathroom, kitchen and laundry for a cohesive look
- Book licensed waterproofing and plumbing; confirm compliance with AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500
Standards, approvals & warranty
Your project will follow the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards. For guidance, see resources from the HIA, Master Builders WA, and the Australian Building Codes Board. For benchtop choices, note Australia’s changes affecting traditional engineered stone—see Safe Work Australia for updates.
Joyce Kitchens provides documented warranties on products and workmanship. We’ll also advise on cleaning for WA’s hard water—think easy-clean coatings on glass and regular maintenance for mixers and shower heads.
Tie your bathroom into a whole-home refresh
Because we design and build across bathroom renovations Perth, kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe design, we can match door profiles, colours and hardware for a consistent look—whether that’s Hamptons, coastal, or modern minimal. Ask about scullery upgrades, splashback tiles, stone tops, and appliance integration to complete your project.
Ready to design your shower bath? Book a design consult at our Osborne Park showroom. We’ll prepare a practical plan, selections and a clear quote—so you can enjoy a stylish, water-smart bathroom that works for your WA lifestyle.
FAQ
Are shower baths legal in Australia and do they meet standards?
Yes—when designed and installed correctly. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740, plumbing must follow AS/NZS 3500 and be done by licensed trades, and shower screens require safety glass to AS 1288. Joyce Kitchens manages compliance in line with the NCC for WA projects.
What size bath do I need for a small bathtub shower combination?
Compact bathrooms usually suit 1500–1600 mm long baths at 700–750 mm wide. A 1500 x 750 mm model is a popular choice in Perth apartments and townhouses. Ensure clearances for doors and allow a comfortable showering zone under the screen.
Is a double bath shower worth it for families?
Often, yes. A longer 1700–1800 mm tub with two shower outlets and thermostatic mixers lets two people shower at once, speeding up busy routines. Just confirm water pressure, drainage capacity and screen coverage to manage splash.
Can I retrofit a shower bath without retiling the whole bathroom?
In many cases, yes. We can install a new tub, waterproof junctions, and retile only the wet wall to full height with a new screen. If existing tiles are sound, selective tiling and silicone can refresh the space without a full re-tile.
What’s the difference between an over-bath shower and a wet room?
An over-bath shower uses the bathtub as the shower base with a screen or curtain. A wet room is fully waterproofed with a graded floor and typically a hobless entry. Wet rooms offer better accessibility but usually cost 20–40% more than an over-bath shower conversion.
