Planning a tiled shower bath for your bathroom renovation? As Perth specialists in custom bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens designs and delivers wet areas that look incredible and stand up to WA conditions. Here’s how to get a safe, stylish and low‑maintenance shower‑over‑bath using the right tiles, layouts and waterproofing—plus what it costs in Perth.
Core insights: why a tiled shower bath suits many WA homes
A tiled shower bath combines a full‑size bathtub with a shower above, surrounded by water‑resistant tiles and a screen or curtain. It’s a popular solution in smaller Perth bathrooms, investment properties and family homes where you want both a bath for kids and a comfortable shower with solid durability.
A bath with a shower fitted above it, with surrounding walls finished in bathroom‑grade tiles and waterproofing. The bath edge and floor are integrated with tile trims, grout and sealants to keep water where it belongs.
Top reasons to choose a tiled shower bath
- Space‑saving: Ideal in 1–2.2 m wide rooms; allows a vanity and storage without crowding.
- Value: Usually more affordable than reconfiguring for a separate walk‑in shower and bath.
- Design flexibility: Pair with rectified porcelain, mosaic feature tiles, or terrazzo‑look finishes.
- Child‑friendly: Keeps the bath option for young families while delivering an everyday shower.
- Rental appeal: Durable, easy to clean, and widely preferred by tenants.
Common pitfalls (and how we avoid them)
- Slippery tile choices: Use appropriate slip ratings (typically P3–P4 for floors next to the bath).
- Poor waterproofing: Comply with AS/NZS 3740; use trained, licensed waterproofers and quality membranes.
- Cramped layouts: Right bath length (usually 1500–1700 mm) and a frameless shower screen that swings or slides without blocking the vanity.
- Grout maintenance: Consider epoxy grout in splash zones and silicone movement joints per standards.
Factory‑cut tile with precise, sharp edges. Allows narrower grout joints and a sleek, contemporary look—great for modern Perth bathrooms.
Renovation process in WA
Our Perth team coordinates design, custom cabinetry, licensed trades and site management so your bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovation runs smoothly—and meets Australian standards.
- Consult & measure: We assess plumbing, ventilation, floor falls, and whether a hobless shower is possible if you’re separating zones.
- Design & selections: 3D concepts, bathroom shower tile options, stone vanity tops, soft‑close drawers, and tapware in chrome, brushed nickel or matte black.
- Waterproofing & compliance: Install membrane to AS/NZS 3740, ensure penetrations sealed, set correct falls to waste.
- Tiling & fit‑off: Lay wall/floor tiles, grout, seal edges; then install the frameless shower screen, bath spout, mixer and accessories.
- Cabinetry & tops: Custom vanities made locally in WA—aligned gaps, durable finishes and integrated storage solutions.
- Handover & warranty: Practical completion checklist and care guide for tiles, grout, and stone or laminate surfaces.
We follow the National Construction Code and Australian Standards. For guidance, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA for renovation best practices and contract advice.
Suggested authorities:
HIA •
Master Builders WA •
ABCB/NCC
A liquid‑applied or sheet system under tiles that prevents water ingress into floors and walls. Mandatory in wet areas per AS/NZS 3740.
Materials and finishes: choosing the right bathroom shower tile
Best tile types for a tiled shower bath
- Porcelain tiles: Dense, low porosity, excellent for shower walls and floors; great with underfloor heating.
- Ceramic tiles: Budget‑friendly for walls; pair with porcelain on floors for durability.
- Mosaic feature tile: Add grip and visual interest to niches or the bath skirt.
- Natural stone: Premium look; requires sealing and regular care in splash zones.
Tile size, finish and slip rating
- Walls: 300×600 or 600×600 mm keeps grout lines light; matte or satin finish reduces glare.
- Floors next to bath: Consider P3–P4 slip rating. In households with kids or older adults, P4 is a safe choice.
- Feature bands: Use mosaics or stone herringbone to frame a niche shelf and tie the room together.
Grout and sealing
- Epoxy grout: Non‑porous and stain‑resistant for splash zones; cementitious grout with sealer elsewhere to manage budget.
- Silicone joints: Use colour‑matched silicone at changes of plane (wall/floor, bath edge) per standards.
Tapware and screens
- Tapware: WELS‑rated mixers and spouts; matte black tapware for modern looks or brushed nickel for coastal homes.
- Shower screen: Frameless or semi‑frameless glass with a pivot or sliding door; toughened glass to AS 1288.
Bonus: vanity and benchtop choices for wet areas
If you’re updating the vanity—or renovating the kitchen or laundry at the same time—materials matter. Here’s a quick comparison often requested by Perth clients.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent; ideal near basins and splashbacks | Good if sealed and edges protected; avoid standing water |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct hot pots or hair tools | Moderate; use trivets/heat mats |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy to clean | Very low; wipe‑clean, budget friendly |
| Typical installed cost (Perth) | $$$ (premium look) | $$ (cost‑effective) |
| Best for | Long‑term value, stone vanity tops, high‑wear kitchens | Investment properties, rental refreshes, budget renos |
We pair these surfaces with custom cabinetry WA—soft‑close drawers, integrated hampers, and moisture‑resistant board for bathroom vanities.
Layouts and styles that work in Perth homes
Layout tips for a tiled shower bath
- Bath length: 1500 mm fits many WA apartments; 1600–1700 mm is more comfortable in family homes.
- Head height: Set shower rose 2000–2100 mm above the bath floor; ensure curtain/screen clears tapware.
- Storage: Recessed niche with a slight fall to drain; avoid shelves that interrupt the shower line.
- Ventilation: Include an exhaust fan suitable for bathroom size to control humidity over tiles and paintwork.
Style directions
- Coastal WA: White rectified tiles, light timber vanity, brushed nickel tapware, mosaic feature tile in niche.
- Contemporary: Large‑format porcelain, matte black tapware, frameless shower screen and stone vanity top.
- Classic/Hamptons: Subways on the wall, soft stone look on floors, shaker‑style vanity—pairs well with a shaker kitchen elsewhere in the home.
Two quick WA case examples
Cottesloe Ensuite: We converted a cramped shower cubicle into a tiled shower bath with 600×600 matt porcelain and a semi‑frameless screen. Epoxy grout in the splash zone reduced cleaning time; a 1500 mm bath fit perfectly without moving plumbing.
Joondalup Family Bathroom: Full refresh with porcelain walls, P4 floor tiles and a stone vanity top. The shower‑over‑bath freed space for a wider vanity with soft‑close drawers; styling tied into a nearby Butler’s pantry and kitchen renovations Perth project for a cohesive home.
Costs and budget ranges (Perth & WA)
Costs vary with scope, tile selection and site conditions. Typical ranges (incl. GST, Perth metro):
- Tiles: $35–$110/m² for quality porcelain; mosaics $90–$180/m².
- Waterproofing: $500–$1,100 depending on area and detailing.
- Tiling labour: $85–$140/m² (layout complexity, rectified edges, niches).
- Bath & screen: Acrylic bath $450–$1,200; frameless screen $900–$1,800.
- Tapware & plumbing: $650–$2,000 depending on brand and re‑location.
- Vanity & tops: From $1,600 (laminate) to $3,500+ (engineered stone).
Typical Perth tiled shower bath renovation: $8,500–$18,000 for a cosmetic upgrade; $18,000–$30,000+ for a full strip‑out with premium tiles and custom cabinetry. Licensed trades are mandatory in WA for plumbing and electrical. For regulations and consumer advice see the WA Building Commission (DMIRS).
Practical planning checklist
- Measure room width/length; confirm bath length (1500–1700 mm) and door swing.
- Choose bathroom shower tile: wall, floor and feature; confirm slip rating for floors (aim P3–P4).
- Select grout type/colour; consider epoxy in wet zones.
- Confirm waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 and falls to waste.
- Decide on frameless vs semi‑frameless screen; check clearance over bath lip.
- Pick tapware finish (WELS‑rated) and shower head height.
- Plan storage: niche, vanity drawers, mirrored cabinets.
- Ventilation and lighting: exhaust fan capacity and task lighting.
- Coordinate with kitchen, laundry or wardrobe upgrades for project efficiency.
Talk to Joyce Kitchens
From tiled shower baths to full bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations, our Perth designers and cabinetmakers deliver beautiful, practical spaces tailored to WA living. Book a showroom consult and see finishes, engineered stone benchtop options, and custom cabinetry WA on display.
FAQ
Is a tiled shower bath a good idea for small bathrooms in Perth?
Yes. A tiled shower bath saves space while delivering both a bath and a comfortable shower. With the right bathroom shower tile, slip rating and a frameless or semi‑frameless screen, it’s practical, safe and easy to clean.
What bathroom shower tile size is best for a shower over bath?
On walls, 300×600 or 600×600 mm porcelain keeps grout lines minimal; add a mosaic in the niche for grip and detail. On floors beside the bath, choose tiles with a P3–P4 slip rating for safety.
Do I need waterproofing for a tiled shower bath in WA?
Absolutely. Wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740, including walls around the bath, the bath edge, and the floor area. Use licensed waterproofers and follow cure times before tiling.
How much does a tiled shower bath renovation cost in Perth?
Most Perth projects range from $8,500–$18,000 for a cosmetic update and $18,000–$30,000+ for a full strip‑out with premium tiles and custom cabinetry. Tile choice, plumbing changes and screen type affect price.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate kitchen and bathroom renovations together?
Yes. We regularly combine bathrooms with kitchen renovations Perth, laundry upgrades and wardrobe fit‑outs, streamlining trades, selections and scheduling for consistent finishes throughout your home.
Note: Always use licensed WA plumbers and electricians. For building standards and consumer info, refer to the ABCB/NCC and WA Building Commission resources.