How Much Room Does a Shower Stall Require?

Bathtubs and showers have shared one space within the bathroom, but separating both of these fixtures provides lots of benefits. Not only does it make showering more comfortable, but giving the bathtub its space can completely alter the appearance of your bathroom. Understand how much space a shower stall requires to ascertain whether you can squeeze out the room to produce this change on your toilet.

Code Minimums

The International Residential Code requires shower stalls in residences to measure a minimum of 30 inches by 30 inches. Remember this is apparent space minus any seats or obstacles — so if you add a 15-inch-deep seat, then your shower must measure at least 45 inches deep by 30 inches wide. The code also requires one to install nonabsorbent material, such as ceramic or ceramic panels, on the wall to a height of at least 6 feet above the floor. Many municipalities adapt and alter this code when developing local construction codes. Assess local conditions to determine whether your planning and building department has put its own minimum conditions for showers.

Required Clearance

The IRC requires you to leave at least 24 inches of clearance space facing the bathtub. This space enables the shower door to swing open and shut, and also enables individuals to safely enter and leave the shower. Always check the local code to see whether it differs from the IRC prior to arranging a new shower.

Comfort and Extras

While the IRC demands a shower be just 30 inches by 30 inches, many showers are larger, to give users more space to move around. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a shower measuring a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches for comfort and safety. You may have trouble locating shower pans or nesting shower stalls in small sizes, though units measuring 36 inches by 36 inches or larger are widely accessible. If your shower has a massive door, then let a larger clearance distance than the minimum 24 inches required by code so that you may fully open and close the door without hitting other fixtures, such as the toilet. Finally, look at widening nonabsorbent material higher compared to 6-foot minimum necessity, to accommodate taller members of the family.

Accessibility Guidelines

The Americans With Disabilities Act provides design requirements for commercial and multifamily institutions, for accommodating individuals with disabilities. While ADA does not apply to single-family homes, it does provide useful advice for households with members that are disabled, elderly or needing special physical aid. Consider following ADA shower size recommendations if a member of your family wants additional space in the bathtub. For those who use wheelchairs and plan to roll in the shower, let for minimal distance of 30 inches by 60 inches inside the bathtub, and also a 30-inch-by-60-inch clear space in front of the bathtub to maneuver. If your family member plans to move from a wheelchair into the bathtub, plan for a 36-inch-by-36-inch shower having a 48-inch-by-46-inch clearance area before transfer. The ADA recommends assembling handicap-accessible showers at least 60 inches wide and removing curbs to provide greater access and safety for all those who have mobility issues or disabilities.