Wet Room Bath: A Practical, Stylish Guide for Perth & WA Homes

Thinking about a wet room bath for your bathroom renovation? This guide explains how to design a safe, stylish and water-efficient wet area bathroom that suits Australian conditions. As a Perth-based design and renovation specialist, Joyce Kitchens creates integrated solutions across bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes — from custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust to clever storage and durable finishes that perform in our warm climate.

What is a wet room bath?

A wet room bath is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower and bath share the same open, hobless wet area. Instead of a traditional enclosed cubicle, the space is graded to a linear or point drain so water flows away efficiently — perfect for a modern wet room bathroom that feels larger, lighter and easier to clean.

Key benefits for Australian homes

• Space maximiser: Showers and wet rooms visually enlarge compact ensuites and family bathrooms.
• Accessible design: Hobless, step-free access suits ageing-in-place and multigenerational living.
• Easy to clean: Fewer glass panels and frames reduce soap scum build-up.
• Modern aesthetic: Suits coastal, contemporary and minimalist interiors across Perth and regional WA.
• Better ventilation: Open planning plus compliant extraction helps reduce mould in humid months.
• Seamless styling across the home: Tie your bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation together with coordinated custom cabinetry, two-pack cabinetry finishes, soft-close drawers and LED task lighting.

Compliance matters: In Australia, wet area bathrooms should be designed and waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 and installed by licensed trades. For guidance see the National Construction Code and peak bodies like the HIA, Master Builders WA and ABCB (NCC).

Our wet room renovation process

1) Design discovery and measure

We begin with an in-home consultation to understand your goals — from a bath and shower wet area for young families to a sleek, frameless shower zone. We capture site conditions, drainage locations and ventilation needs.

2) Concepts and selections

Our designers produce layout options and 3D visuals, then guide you through tiles, tapware, drainage, cabinetry and vanity benchtops. We coordinate styles with your kitchen renovations Perth project, scullery or butler’s pantry if you’re renovating multiple spaces.

3) Detailed documentation

• Plans and elevations with falls-to-drain and waterproofing extents
• Fixtures schedule (WELS-rated tapware, back-to-wall bath, heated towel rails)
• Electrical/lighting plan (IP ratings, task and ambient lighting)

4) Build and waterproof

• Demolition and preparation
• Plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 with appropriate puddle flange and membrane upturns
• Pre-tiling inspection (fall to linear drain, set-out for niches)
• Tiling, grout, silicone; then fit-off, sealing and clean

5) Handover and aftercare

We brief you on ventilation, cleaning and maintenance, and discuss future upgrades — from additional storage to coordinating a galley kitchen refresh, laundry renovation or walk-in robe fit-out to match your bathroom finishes.

Materials and finishes that work in WA

Flooring and wall tiles

• Porcelain or ceramic tiles with slip ratings (P3–P4 recommended in wet zones)
• Large-format tiles or porcelain slabs reduce grout lines and cleaning
• Epoxy grout in the shower zone for superior water resistance

Drainage

• Linear drains align with the wet area and create a clean, modern look
• Point drains suit small footprints and cost-conscious renovations
• Ensure the correct fall-to-drain and a quality puddle flange

Glazing and screens

• Many modern wet room bathrooms need only a single fixed panel to contain spray
• Frameless glass (10 mm toughened) offers a premium finish; semi-frameless is budget-friendly

Ventilation and heating

• Duct extraction to outside (not roof void) per NCC/AS requirements
• Underfloor heating and heated towel rails add comfort in cooler months

Vanities and benchtops

Wall-hung vanities increase floor visibility and improve drainage flow. For benchtops, durability and moisture resistance are key.

Material comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (Bathroom Vanity Tops)

Important: Australia has introduced a national prohibition on traditional silica-based engineered stone. Existing, legally installed products may remain in service, but new projects should consider compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface. The table below addresses legacy considerations and a common budget alternative.

Tapware and fittings

• Choose WELS-rated mixers and showerheads for water efficiency
• Wall mixers and hand showers improve usability in bath and shower wet rooms
• Recessed niches and corner shelves keep surfaces clutter-free

Style continuity across the home

Many Perth clients coordinate a modern wet room bathroom with the rest of the home. Whether you love a coastal palette, classic shaker kitchen cabinetry, two-tone doors, a full-height splashback, or an undermount sink in the kitchen, we design a consistent, timeless look.

Layouts and styles (including small bathrooms)

Popular wet room bathroom ideas

• Bath and shower wet area: A back-to-wall or compact freestanding bath within the same zone as a rainfall shower
• Open-plan wetroom bathroom with a single glass panel and linear drain
• Wet room designs for small bathrooms: Wall-hung vanity, large-format tiles and clear sight lines to visually increase space
• Accessible wet area bathroom: Wider clearances, bench seating and non-slip flooring

Small bathroom tips

• Run the same tile on floor and walls to expand the visual field
• Use niches instead of shelves; choose a 1200–1400 mm wall-hung vanity for storage without bulk
• Opt for light, warm neutrals; integrate mirrored cabinetry for extra storage

Costs and timelines in Perth/WA

Every project is unique, but these ranges help planning:

• Compact wet room conversion: $18,000–$30,000
• Mid-range ensuite: $30,000–$45,000
• Premium master or family bathroom: $45,000–$80,000+

Drivers: Structural changes, relocation of plumbing, tile selection (e.g., porcelain slabs), custom cabinetry, glazing and ventilation upgrades. Typical timeline: 2–5 weeks on site, depending on scope and drying times for membranes.

Note: Waterproofing must comply with AS/NZS 3740. For Australian standards information, see Standards Australia. For building best practice in WA, refer to Master Builders WA resources.

Short WA case-style examples

Cottesloe Ensuite — Coastal, Compact and Calm

Brief: A modern wet room bathroom in a 2.1 m × 2.6 m space with a bath and shower wet area. We used a wall-hung vanity, brushed nickel tapware and a linear drain along the back wall. Large-format porcelain tiles reduced grout lines, and a single glass screen controlled splash. Result: A bright, easy-clean retreat with beach-friendly materials.

Joondalup Family Bathroom — Bath + Shower for Busy Mornings

Brief: Create a kid-proof wet room bath zone with storage. We specified a durable vanity with moisture-resistant board, laminate top (budget-friendly) and epoxy grout in the shower. A recessed niche keeps bottles tidy. Result: Efficient morning routines with minimal cleaning, and a style that matches their updated shaker kitchen and laundry renovation.

Practical pre-renovation checklist

• Define priorities: accessibility, storage, or a luxurious retreat?
• Measure accurately: door swings, window heights, structural constraints
• Drainage plan: linear or point drain; confirm fall directions early
• Waterproofing scope: confirm AS/NZS 3740 compliance and licensed installer
• Ventilation: choose a ducted exhaust to exterior; confirm capacity
• Tile slip rating: aim for P3–P4 in wet zones
• Select fittings: WELS-rated tapware, shower rail + handheld, heated towel rail
• Storage: wall-hung vanity, mirror cabinets, niches, shaving cabinets
• Glazing: fixed panel or minimal screen; consider kids’ splash control
• Finishes harmony: match tones to your kitchen, scullery, butler’s pantry or walk-in robe
• Budget and timeline: include contingencies for membrane curing and lead times

Why choose Joyce Kitchens

From wet room bathroom ideas to turnkey installation, we offer design-led solutions and coordinated trades. Our team delivers kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love, plus bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes that share a cohesive, durable style.

Ready to plan your wet room bath? Book a complimentary design consultation with Joyce Kitchens today.

FAQ

Is a wet room bath a good idea for small bathrooms?

Yes. A wet room bathroom removes visual barriers, making small rooms feel larger. Use a wall-hung vanity, a single fixed glass panel, large-format tiles and a linear drain to control splash and maximise usable space.

Do I need a shower screen in a wet room bathroom?

Not always. Many modern wet rooms use one fixed panel to contain spray. In very small spaces or family bathrooms, a minimal screen helps keep towels and storage dry while maintaining the open feel.

How do you waterproof a wet area bathroom in Australia?

Use compliant membranes and installation practices to AS/NZS 3740: prepare the substrate, install a puddle flange, apply primers and membranes to specified heights, ensure correct falls to the drain and allow proper curing before tiling.

What does a wet room cost in Perth/WA?

As a guide, expect about $18,000–$30,000 for compact conversions, $30,000–$45,000 for mid-range ensuites, and $45,000–$80,000+ for premium spaces. Scope, tile choice, drainage complexity and custom cabinetry affect price.

Can I include a bath and shower in the same wet area?

Absolutely. A bath and shower wet area is a core wet room idea. Place the bath out of the main spray path, use a linear drain, and consider a single glass panel for splash control in family bathrooms.