Design smarter, safer bathrooms for Australian homes with Joyce Kitchens — Perth specialists in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes. Explore layouts, finishes, costs and a practical renovation process for a high-performing walk in bath shower combo (also called a walk in shower bath).
What is a walk-in bath shower combo?
A walk-in bath shower combo combines a low-step or step-free shower area with a bath in the same wet zone, minimising doors, lips and trip hazards while saving floor space. It’s a clever option for family bathrooms, compact ensuites and future-proof renovations.
A fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower is open or screened and shares continuous floor tiling with integrated drainage. Ideal for a walk-in shower bath.
Design that works for all ages and abilities — wider clearances, non-slip surfaces, lever mixers and minimal steps. Perfect for ageing in place.
Why choose a walk-in shower bath
Core benefits for Australian homes
- Space efficient: Combines two functions in a single wet zone, great for smaller Perth homes and apartments.
- Accessible: Low-threshold entry, grab-rail ready walls and flat transitions suit multigenerational living and ageing in place.
- Easier cleaning: Fewer frames and joins; linear drains streamline water flow.
- Design continuity: Works with contemporary, Hamptons or shaker inspired bathrooms alongside your kitchen and laundry renovation.
- Resale appeal: Buyers appreciate a bath without compromising on a luxurious walk-in shower.
Who it suits
- Families needing a bath for kids plus an easy-access shower.
- Downsizers seeking comfort and safety without a clinical look.
- Investors aiming for durable, low-maintenance bathrooms.
Our Perth renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations across Perth and greater WA, with custom cabinetry, in-house design and licensed trades.
- Consult and measure: We visit your home to assess structure, plumbing runs, ventilation and waterproofing needs.
- Concept design: 3D visuals with layout options, storage solutions and finishes that complement your kitchen or laundry renovation.
- Selections: Tiles, screens, tapware, benchtops and custom vanity cabinetry (soft-close hardware, LED task lighting).
- Documentation and approvals: We work to WA regulations and relevant AS/NZS standards (see below).
- Build and project management: Waterproofing, plumbing and electrical by licensed professionals; we coordinate all trades.
- Handover and care: Maintenance guidance, warranties and support.
WA compliance snapshot
- Waterproofing: AS 3740 Wet Areas in Residential Buildings.
- Slip resistance: AS 4586 for bathroom floor tiles (aim for P3–P4 in wet areas).
- Safety glass: AS 1288 for shower screens (toughened glass).
- Plumbing and drainage: AS/NZS 3500 series.
- Electrical: AS/NZS 3000 (RCDs, IP-rated fittings in zones).
- Accessibility guidance: AS 1428.1 (where applicable) for clearances and grab-rail fixing points.
For independent guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA and WA’s Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes that work in WA
Tiles, floors and drainage
- Floor tiles: 300×300 mm porcelain with P3–P4 rating offers grip; large-format tiles need careful fall to drain.
- Linear drains: Neat against the wall; improve flow and reduce tile cuts in a walk-in zone.
- Membranes: Two-coat liquid membranes to AS 3740, including upturns and penetrations.
Baths and screens
- Bath type: Compact back-to-wall or inset baths (1500–1700 mm typical in Australia) integrate well with a screen and shower rose.
- Screens: Frameless or semi-frameless toughened glass with a fixed panel; avoid full doors for easier access.
- Mixers and showers: Rail shower plus overhead; choose WELS 3–4 star for water efficiency. See WELS ratings.
Benchtops and vanities
Moisture, heat and cleaning chemicals are common in WA bathrooms. We recommend durable surfaces and sealed edges.
- Porcelain slab benchtops: Excellent heat and stain resistance; minimal joints; great for coastal homes.
- Laminate benchtops: Budget-friendly and stylish; modern laminates mimic stone and timber. Ensure quality edging and sealing.
- Solid surface: Seamless look, repairable; warm to the touch.
Due to national safety regulations, availability and use of engineered stone have changed. We’ll guide you to compliant, low-silica alternatives such as porcelain slab or solid surface while maintaining the premium look of stone benchtops in Perth homes.
Cabinetry and storage
- Custom cabinetry WA: Moisture-resistant boards, 2-pack finishes and Blum-style soft-close hardware.
- Wall-hung vanities: Create more floor visibility, easier mopping and a lighter feel.
- Niches and mirrored cabinets: Practical storage for a clean, open shower bath area.
Layouts and styles
Popular layouts for a walk in bath shower combo
- Back-to-wall bath with fixed panel: Shower at the tap end, fixed glass panel and linear drain along the wall.
- Wet room style: Open entry, central drain, bath set within the same fall plane, ideal for compact ensuites.
- Alcove combo: Inset bath in a three-wall niche with a fixed panel for spray control.
Style directions to match the rest of your home
- Shaker/Hamptons: Shaker-profile doors, brushed nickel tapware, soft white tiles; ties beautifully with a Hamptons kitchen.
- Coastal/Scandi: Light timbers, matte black fixtures, sandy neutrals; works with coastal kitchens and wardrobes.
- Contemporary: Large-format tiles, recessed LED lighting, integrated storage; suits sleek kitchen renovations Perth.
We coordinate bathrooms with your laundry renovation, wardrobe design Perth and custom cabinetry for a cohesive look across the home.
Costs, timelines and approvals
Typical Perth cost ranges
- Design and documentation: $1,000–$3,000 depending on scope and 3D renders.
- Walk-in bath shower combo install: $12,000–$25,000+ for a full bathroom renovation including tiling, waterproofing, bath, screen, vanity and trades.
- Premium specification: $25,000–$45,000+ with porcelain slabs, custom vanities, feature lighting and high-end tapware.
Timeframes are typically 3–6 weeks on-site once materials land. Lead times vary by tile, glass and cabinetry selections.
Approvals and certifications
- Most internal bathroom renovations don’t need DA if no structural changes; strata and heritage may differ.
- We use licensed waterproofers, plumbers and electricians, and supply compliance certificates on completion.
Real Perth examples
Case 1: Subiaco apartment ensuite
A 1600 mm back-to-wall bath with a fixed frameless panel created a compact walk in shower bath. Porcelain slab vanity, P4 floor tiles and a linear drain upgraded function and looks, echoing the client’s new shaker kitchen palette.
Case 2: Rockingham family bathroom
Family of four wanted easy bath time and quick showers. We installed a durable laminate vanity top, semi-frameless screen, rail shower and integrated niche. The colour scheme matched their coastal kitchen and laundry for whole-home continuity.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain slab vs Laminate
| Feature | Porcelain Slab | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture and Heat Resistance | Excellent; highly resistant to steam and hot tools | Good; avoid prolonged heat and ensure edge sealing |
| Look and Finishes | Premium stone/marble looks with minimal joins | Wide range; convincing stone/timber patterns at low cost |
| Durability | High scratch and stain resistance | Moderate; modern laminates are much improved |
| Maintenance | Easy; non-porous, simple wipe-down | Easy; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ |
| Best For | Premium bathrooms and high-traffic family use | Value-driven renovations and rentals |
Bathroom planning checklist
- Confirm room size and door swing; allow 900 × 900 mm clear shower area if possible.
- Choose bath length (1500–1700 mm typical in AU) and decide shower end.
- Select screen style: fixed frameless panel or semi-frameless.
- Nominate drain type and location; set floor falls before tiling.
- Pick tile slip rating (aim P3–P4) and grout colour for low maintenance.
- Decide on benchtop (porcelain or laminate) and vanity storage layout.
- Confirm mixer/rail height and niche positioning.
- Plan ventilation (exhaust fan) and task lighting over mirrors.
- Mark stud locations for future grab rails (universal design).
- Align finishes with your kitchen, laundry or wardrobe upgrades.
Ready to start? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens to see your space in 3D and get a fixed renovation plan.
FAQ
What is a walk-in bath shower combo and who is it best for?
A walk-in bath shower combo is a bath and shower set within the same wet zone, usually with a fixed glass panel and low-threshold entry. It suits families with kids, downsizers who want safer access, and anyone renovating a compact bathroom without sacrificing a bath.
How much space do I need for a walk-in bath shower combo in Australia?
Allow a bath length of 1500–1700 mm and aim for a 900 × 900 mm clear showering area. For universal design, target at least 1000 mm clear access and reinforce walls for grab rails. Your exact dimensions depend on door swings, window positions and drainage falls.
How much does a walk-in bath shower combo cost in Perth?
Expect $12,000–$25,000+ for a full bathroom renovation including waterproofing, tiling, a bath, screen, vanity, plumbing and electrical. Premium specs with porcelain slabs, feature lighting and custom cabinetry can range from $25,000–$45,000+.
Is a walk-in bath shower combo safe and compliant in WA?
Yes—when built to AS 3740 waterproofing, AS 4586 slip resistance, AS 1288 safety glass, and AS/NZS 3500 and 3000 for services. We use licensed trades, set correct falls to a drain, and can install backing for future grab rails to support ageing in place.
How do I maintain a walk-in shower bath to prevent mould and soap scum?
Use a daily squeegee on glass and tiles, run the exhaust fan during and after showers, choose epoxy or stain-resistant grout, and clean weekly with pH-neutral products. Keep silicone intact and re-seal as recommended to maintain the waterproof envelope.
Design your walk-in shower bath with Joyce Kitchens
From kitchen renovations Perth to elegant bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, our Perth team designs and delivers cohesive, compliant spaces. Book a consult to explore layouts, finishes and a fixed plan for your walk in bath shower combo.