Shower on Bath: Smart, Stylish Above-Bath Shower Ideas for Australian Homes
If you’re short on space or want maximum flexibility for family living, a shower on bath (also called an above bath shower or shower tub combo) is a practical, design-led solution. As Perth’s custom cabinetry and renovation specialists, Joyce Kitchens helps homeowners across WA integrate shower-over-bath layouts that look good, meet Australian Standards, and perform day in, day out.
Why choose a shower on bath?
- Space-smart: Ideal for apartments, ensuites and heritage WA homes with compact bathrooms.
- Family-friendly: Great for toddlers who still love baths, with the convenience of a full shower.
- Resale appeal: Buyers often prioritise at least one bath; a shower tub combo ticks both boxes.
- Budget-aware: Lower cost than building a separate shower when space or plumbing is tight.
Core design and compliance insights (AU/WA)
Waterproofing and Australian Standards
Wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740. In an above bath shower, the hob and wall junctions, tap penetrations, and the first 1,800–2,000 mm up the wall in the shower zone need careful detailing. Glass safety must comply with AS 1288, and overall compliance aligns with the NCC (Building Code of Australia). Work with licensed waterproofers and plumbers.
Useful references (Australia):
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC),
HIA WA,
WELS water ratings.
Practical dimensions for comfort
- Bath length: 1500–1700 mm is common in Australia; 1700 mm improves shower comfort.
- Screen height: 2000–2100 mm to reduce overspray; seal at the bath rim with quality silicone.
- Tapware: A rail shower with a handpiece suits all heights; consider a thermostatic mixer for safety.
- Slip resistance: Choose floor tiles with at least a P3–P4 wet pendulum rating near the bath edge.
- Ventilation: A ducted exhaust fan is essential, especially for steamy shower tub combos.
Safety and usability
- Entry and egress: Add a secure bath grip or a nib wall for stability.
- Glass: Frameless or semi-frameless panels reduce visual bulk but must be safety glass.
- Water efficiency: Aim for WELS 4–5 star shower heads to save water without sacrificing comfort.
Our renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end bathroom renovation Perth homeowners can trust, integrating custom cabinetry WA, precise waterproofing, and on-trend finishes that align with your kitchen and laundry renovation plans.
- Consult and measure: We confirm dimensions, window positions, stud locations and plumbing points. We’ll consider your broader home style (from shaker kitchen doors to modern flat profiles) for a cohesive look.
- Design and selections: Choose bath type (acrylic, steel enamel, or cast iron), shower screens, tiles, engineered stone benchtops for vanities, and tapware finishes like matte black or brushed nickel.
- Compliance set-out: We detail waterproofing per AS/NZS 3740, glazing to AS 1288, and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, coordinating licensed trades.
- Demolition and prep: Protect adjacent rooms, disconnect services, remove old fixtures and prep substrates for membrane and tiling.
- Install bath and plumbing: The bath is levelled, supported, and hob detailed. Mixers and spouts are set at ergonomic heights for above bath shower use.
- Waterproofing and tiling: Membranes, screeds (if required), then tiles. We recommend mitred edges and epoxy grout for durability.
- Screen, fixtures and cabinetry: Fit the frameless/semi-frameless panel, accessories, and custom vanity. We can mirror kitchen joinery colours for whole-home harmony.
- Quality checks and handover: We test drainage, sealants, ventilation and clean down for a ready-to-use space.
Typical lead time is 3–6 weeks from selections to install, depending on materials and scope.
Materials and finishes
Bath types
- Acrylic: Warm to the touch, lighter, affordable; ideal for most shower tub combos.
- Steel enamel: Tough and scratch-resistant; slimmer rim looks sleek in contemporary homes.
- Cast iron: Premium and highly durable, but heavy and needs structure checked.
Shower screens
- Fixed panel: Minimalist, easy to clean; add a swing-return for extra splash control.
- Sliding or hinged: Great when you need wider access or have a tight room layout.
- Quality curtain: A cost-effective option in rentals or for curved baths; choose mould-resistant fabric.
Wall and floor finishes
- Tiles: Porcelain with rectified edges gives a crisp look; add a shower niche for storage.
- Grout: Epoxy resists staining and is ideal in high-use family bathrooms.
- Ventilation and heat: Consider a combo exhaust/heat lamp for winter comfort in Perth homes.
Vanities and benchtops
For consistency across your home, the same engineered stone benchtop style you used for your kitchen renovations Perth project can be repeated in the bathroom and laundry renovation. Pair with custom cabinetry, soft-close drawers and moisture-resistant board.
Layouts and styles that work
Compact bathrooms
Position the bath along the longest wall; use a 900–1000 mm fixed glass panel and a rail shower. Keep sightlines open with a wall-hung vanity and a light porcelain slab-look tile.
Family bathrooms
Consider an inset bath with a low hob for easy entry. A semi-frameless screen with a hand shower is practical for washing kids and pets. Include a wide shower niche and robust storage.
Style continuity
Love a shaker kitchen? Carry the look through with shaker-style vanity doors, brushed nickel hardware and an engineered stone benchtop. In contemporary homes, go handleless with finger pulls, two-pack paint and a stone or compact laminate top.
Costs, allowances and timelines
- Convert existing bath to shower on bath: From $2,500–$6,500+ GST for plumbing, waterproofing touch-ups, a quality fixed panel and tapware (assuming minimal tiling changes).
- Full bathroom update with shower tub combo: From $15,000–$30,000 mid-range in Perth, $30,000–$60,000+ for premium finishes and custom cabinetry WA.
- Screens: $600–$1,800 depending on size and hardware.
- Tapware: $350–$1,400 for mixer, spout and rail/rain shower sets (WELS-rated).
Allow additional contingency for rectification of hidden issues (substrates, plumbing, ventilation). Lead times vary based on selected tiles, glass and stone fabrication.
Two quick WA case examples
Cottesloe family refresh
A 1700 mm acrylic inset bath with a 1000 mm semi-frameless panel, P4 floor tiles, and a thermostatic mixer. We repeated the kitchen’s engineered stone benchtop in the vanity for a cohesive look.
Mount Lawley apartment
An above bath shower in a 1500 mm steel enamel bath, minimal fixed panel and a compact wall-hung vanity with matte black tapware. Ventilation upgraded to a quiet, ducted fan to manage steam.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (Vanity Tops)
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium stone appearance with consistent patterns | Wide range of décors; good value, realistic stone looks |
| Water resistance | Excellent when edges are sealed correctly | Very good; ensure tight joins and quality edging |
| Heat & UV | Good heat resistance; avoid direct high heat and harsh UV | Moderate heat resistance; protect from constant sun and hot tools |
| Maintenance | Low; mild cleaners, avoid abrasives | Low; non-abrasive cleaners recommended |
| Typical WA installed cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Best for | Premium bathrooms, cohesive match to kitchen stone | Investment properties, budget-conscious updates |
Practical checklist for a successful shower on bath
- Confirm bath size (1500–1700 mm) and whether you need left- or right-hand showering.
- Select screen type: fixed, hinged or sliding; ensure safety glass to AS 1288.
- Plan waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 and engage licensed trades.
- Choose slip-resistant floor tiles (P3–P4) and epoxy grout in the shower zone.
- Specify WELS-rated rail shower and mixer heights suited to all users.
- Upgrade ventilation with a ducted exhaust fan; consider a heat lamp for winter.
- Integrate storage: a shower niche, mirrored cabinet and custom vanity.
- Match finishes to your kitchen and laundry for whole-home cohesion.
- Schedule lead times for glass and stone; allow contingency in your budget.
Ready to design a bathroom that works as hard as your kitchen? Joyce Kitchens specialises in custom cabinetry, bathroom renovation Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe design. Let’s create a cohesive scheme that blends style, storage and durability across your whole home.
FAQ
Is a shower on bath a good idea for small bathrooms?
Yes. A shower on bath saves floor space while giving you both bathing and showering options. With a slim screen, wall-hung vanity and light-coloured tiles, compact rooms feel larger and brighter.
Do I need to waterproof when adding an above bath shower in WA?
Yes. Wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740, including wall-to-bath junctions and penetrations. Use licensed waterproofers and plumbers so your warranty and compliance are protected.
What type of bath is best for shower tub combos?
Acrylic and steel enamel baths are popular for above bath showers because they’re durable and have slimmer rims. Choose a length of 1700 mm where possible for better shoulder room under the shower.
How much does it cost to install a shower over bath in Perth?
Budget from $2,500–$6,500+ for a conversion with a quality screen and tapware, assuming limited tiling changes. Full bathroom renovations with a shower tub combo typically range from $15,000–$30,000+.
Are glass screens or curtains better for an above-bath shower?
Glass screens give superior splash control and a premium look, while curtains are cost-effective and flexible. In family bathrooms, a semi-frameless fixed panel with a swing-return is a great balance.