Maximise space and style with a well-planned shower-in-a-bathtub solution. As Perth’s trusted renovation team, Joyce Kitchens designs and builds practical, beautiful bathrooms that integrate seamlessly with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe projects.
Why choose a shower in a bathtub?
A shower in a bathtub (often called a bath–shower combo or a shower for tub) is a clever way to save space without sacrificing convenience. It’s a popular choice in Perth apartments, family homes and heritage properties where footprint is tight or where families want both bathing and quick showering options.
- Ideal for small bathrooms and ensuites
- Great for families with kids who love a soak
- Can be retrofitted during broader bathroom renovations Perth
- Supports property value by offering both bath and shower
When designed well, your bath–shower combo complements the rest of the home—whether you’ve just completed a kitchen renovations Perth project, refreshed your laundry renovations, or added custom cabinetry WA to a walk-in robe.
Core design insights for a bath–shower combo
1) Prioritise safety and compliance
- Use non-slip floor tiles (e.g., R10 or higher) and quality grab points where required.
- Specify compliant waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 for wet areas.
- Choose a robust bath with a flat standing zone and slip-resistant texture.
2) Get the right screen solution
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass panels improve light and reduce mould traps.
- Pivot or sliding panels are reliable; a well-fitted curtain works in tight layouts.
3) Plan plumbing and pressure
- Consider a dual rail: overhead rain shower plus removable handshower—great for rinsing kids and cleaning the tub.
- Choose WELS-rated mixers for water efficiency and reliable temperature control.
4) Think about cleaning and maintenance
- Large-format porcelain tiles with minimal grout are easier to maintain.
- Quality grout and sealer reduce staining; niche shelves keep bottles tidy and safe.
Our renovation process (WA)
Joyce Kitchens manages bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations end-to-end across Perth and regional WA. We coordinate design, selections, trades, and installation to streamline your project—especially helpful if you’re planning a bath–shower combo alongside a new vanity, engineered stone benchtop alternative, or custom cabinetry WA.
Site measure and design brief
We measure, check plumbing and ventilation, and clarify who uses the bath most (kids, adults, guests). We’ll also align finishes with your kitchen’s shaker kitchen doors, soft-close drawers, or handleless cabinetry for a cohesive home.
Selections workshop
- Bath style: back-to-wall, inset, or freestanding bath with compatible screen
- Screen type: frameless panel, sliding, or curtain
- Tapware: thermostatic mixers, WELS-rated rail showers and spouts
- Tiles and slip ratings; niche and splashback detailing
- Ventilation, heating (towel rails, under-tile options), and lighting
Compliance and delivery
We coordinate waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, tiling, electrical and plumbing. We also ensure fixtures meet Australian standards and local building regulations.
Helpful links: For general guidance on contracts and standards in WA, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA. Building compliance information is also available via WA’s Building and Energy regulator at commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy.
Materials and finishes that work in Aussie bathrooms
Bath types
- Inset acrylic bath: Warm to touch, cost-effective, easy to pair with a glass panel.
- Back-to-wall bath: Clean lines, minimal silicone edges, good with semi-frameless screens.
- Steel/enamel bath: Durable surface; confirm slip resistance for standing areas.
Tiles, screens and fittings
- Porcelain tiles: Low porosity, great for floors and walls. Choose non-slip ratings suitable for wet areas.
- Frameless shower screen: Minimal framing, easier to clean, contemporary look.
- Heated towel rails and LED strip lighting: Comfort and visibility for niche shelves and mirrors.
Benchtops and cabinetry coordination
Many clients refresh vanities while completing a bath–shower combo. We’ll match your bathroom look to your kitchen—think shaker kitchen profiles, on-trend colours, an undermount sink in the vanity, and durable finishes to pair with your kitchen’s island bench, scullery or butler’s pantry.
Benchtop comparison (for bathrooms and kitchens)
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered stone (legacy) | Hardwearing, premium look, heat and stain resistance in many products | Note: Australia has introduced restrictions and bans on high-silica engineered stone. In WA we recommend verified low-silica alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface for new work. | Existing installs; like-for-like repairs (check current WA rules) |
| Laminate | Cost-effective, wide colour range, fast to install | Not as heat/impact resistant as stone; ensure well-sealed edges in wet areas | Rental properties, budget refreshes, kids’ bathrooms |
Ask us about modern alternatives such as porcelain/sintered slabs and solid surface for vanities and kitchens—they’re heat-resistant and well-suited to WA conditions.
Layouts and styles: bathroom shower bath ideas
Popular layouts
- End-wall bath with fixed glass panel: Simple, minimal maintenance, suits narrow rooms.
- Sliding screen over back-to-wall bath: Good for family bathrooms where full splash protection is needed.
- Inset bath with tiled apron and niche: Built-in shelf space keeps soap and shampoos off the floor.
Styling cues that echo your kitchen
- Shaker doors in the vanity to match the kitchen’s shaker kitchen profile.
- Matte black or brushed nickel tapware to complement your kitchen’s appliances and handles.
- Neutral porcelain walls with a patterned feature tile to mirror your kitchen splashback.
Two short WA case examples
City Beach family bathroom: We swapped a cramped shower cubicle and small tub for an inset acrylic bath with a frameless fixed panel. Large-format porcelain tiles, a wall-hung vanity with soft-close drawers, and a smart niche created a calm, easy-clean space—tying in with their new open-plan kitchen and galley kitchen style.
Fremantle apartment ensuite: A back-to-wall bath plus sliding screen delivered a luxurious soak and practical shower for guests. We coordinated finishes with the client’s U-shaped kitchen and matched timber-look cabinetry across bathroom and laundry for a cohesive, boutique feel.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Budgets vary with scope and selections. As a guide for a bath–shower combo within a broader bathroom update:
- Bath and screen supply: from $1,200–$3,500+
- Tapware and rail shower: from $450–$1,500+
- Waterproofing and tiling to AS/NZS 3740: from $2,000–$5,000+ depending on extent and tile choice
- Plumbing and electrical: from $1,200–$3,000+
- Vanity and storage upgrades: variable—speak to us about custom cabinetry WA
For multi-room savings, we can coordinate your bathroom with a kitchen or laundry refresh—aligning finishes, scheduling trades, and reducing overall downtime.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure the bathroom and doorways; confirm bath length fits.
- Select screen style (fixed, pivot, sliding) based on access and cleaning.
- Confirm non-slip tile rating and waterproofing scope.
- Choose WELS-rated tapware and a dual shower rail if desired.
- Decide on storage (wall niches, mirrored cabinets, vanity drawers).
- Match finishes to your kitchen/laundry for a cohesive look.
- Book Joyce Kitchens for design, selections and project management.
FAQ
Is a shower in a bathtub a good idea for small Australian bathrooms?
Yes. A bath–shower combo maximises space, adds family-friendly functionality, and maintains property appeal. With correct waterproofing, non-slip finishes and a well-fitted screen, it’s an excellent solution in small Aussie bathrooms.
What screen or curtain works best for a shower for tub?
A frameless fixed panel is the easiest to clean, while sliding or pivot screens offer better splash control. In very tight rooms, a quality weighted curtain with a curved rail can work well if installed correctly.
Do I need waterproofing for a bath–shower combo in WA?
Yes. Wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740. We specify compliant membranes, fall to waste, and suitable grout and sealers to protect your home and meet WA requirements.
How much does a shower over bath cost in Perth?
Expect from around $5,000–$12,000+ as part of a bathroom update, depending on bath type, screen, tiles, plumbing complexity and whether you upgrade the vanity and storage.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate bathroom, kitchen, and laundry renovations together?
Absolutely. We regularly deliver combined projects—bathroom, kitchen and laundry—so finishes align and trades are scheduled efficiently, reducing downtime and overall cost.
Ready to design your bath–shower combo?
From concept to completion, Joyce Kitchens creates practical, beautiful spaces across Perth—bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes. Book a showroom or in-home consultation and let’s make your shower-in-a-bathtub work brilliantly with the rest of your home.