How small can a shower opening be?

Author: Dr. Sheridan Bauch  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Shower opening minimum 22” wide. Shower door must be able to open outward (inward is optional) Shower controls should be accessible without stepping into the shower spray.

What is the minimum clearance for a shower opening?

The shower compartment access and egress opening shall have a clear and unobstructed finished width of not less than 22 inches (559 mm).

What is the minimum width for an open shower?

Minimum Walk-In Shower Size

However, this is not a recommended walk-in shower size as water will splash and escape, even when this is concealed by a screen. Our professional and experienced opinion would advise that as a minimum, the tray should be at least 1200mm in length and anything between 700 and 900mm in width.

How big of an opening do you need for a shower?

For a shower space that is 58 inches wide, you typically want to leave an entry space of at least 22 to 24 inches. This width ensures comfortable and safe entry and exit from the shower.

What is the minimum opening for a doorless shower?

You will need at least 60 inches to contain the water. Also, think about getting in and out. Although you could make it smaller, for maximum comfort and accessibility, we want an opening at least 30 inches wide. If you have a wider shower, you might use a fixed panel and leave the opening doorless.

Things to Consider about a Doorless Shower Application

What is the smallest opening for a shower?

Tip. The minimum allowable shower door width is 22 inches wide: Anything narrower than that may not be up to code.

What is the minimum opening for a walk-in shower?

We usually recommend a minimum of 1300-1400mm in shower base length for a Walk-in shower and would probably require a bypass panel up until around 1700mm length shower base. A gap or around 500-600mm is suggested for the entrance to allow easy access.

How do you keep water in a doorless shower?

Here are some of the best ways to prevent water from splashing out of your walk-in shower system:
  1. Consider Adding Shower Doors.
  2. Trench Drain Systems Can Help.
  3. Install a Shower Splash Guard.
  4. Install a Shower Pan With a Threshold.

Is a 24 inch shower door too small?

24-inch shower doors are compact. They are suitable for small bathrooms or shower enclosures. The compact dimensions make these doors ideal for bathrooms with limited space. These doors offer a minimalist and sleek look to achieve a modern bathroom interior.

Is it a good idea to have a doorless shower?

Wrapping things up, having a doorless shower can really make your bathroom look modern and nice. They're great because they make getting in and out easier and can even make the bathroom seem bigger. But, there are some downsides like water splashing everywhere and not having as much privacy.

How narrow can a shower be?

Typically, the smallest shower size is 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep. However, the International Residential Code (which regulates houses, duplexes, and townhouses) allows for showers as small as 30 inches x 30 inches. Measurements go up incrementally from there, usually to about 36 inches by 60 inches.

What size should shower door opening be?

Every brand is different but the standard sizes for shower doors range from 22 inches to 36 inches wide. Single panel doors are rarely wider than 36 inches. For openings larger than 36 inches, add an additional door panel or choose a shower door made for wider openings.

What are the minimum dimensions for an accessible shower?

Key Points from ADA Section 608.2.

Must measure a minimum of 60” minimum from the ceiling to the floor at the opening of the shower. Must measure a minimum of 30” from the back wall to the front corners. Clear floor space required outside the shower of 30” by 60” adjacent to the opening of the shower.

What is the minimum size for a shower opening?

For a small space, you might choose a walk-in shower with dimensions of around 35 x 35 inches (90 x 90 cm). This is considered a bare minimum as anything smaller than this can lead to water splashing outside of the shower itself.

What is the smallest shower allowed by code?

IRC. The minimum interior shower size is 30" x 30" or 900 square inches, in which a disk of 30" in diameter must fit. (In most places, the shower head must also be inside this imaginary disk.)

How much clearance space do I need for a shower?

A 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space must be provided at shower stalls, parallel to the fixture and flush with the control wall. In 36-inch x 36-inch showers, the clear floor space must be positioned exactly as shown in the upper right diagram, with 12 inches offset behind the wall opposite the control wall.

What is the smallest shower door opening?

Shower opening minimum 22” wide. Shower door must be able to open outward (inward is optional) Shower controls should be accessible without stepping into the shower spray.

What size shower can be doorless?

A doorless shower layout requires a larger footprint than a standard tub or shower stall. Building codes may specify that a standard shower stall must be a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches while the average doorless shower is about seven feet by four feet with many much larger.

Is 30 inches too narrow for a shower?

2️⃣ 30-inch width for a shower: A minimum width of 30 inches ensures that the shower is usable and safe. It provides enough space to enter, turn, and move without restriction, essential for a practical design.

How far does water splash in an open shower?

Without a door, water is going to end up splashing outside of the shower. Generally, a six-foot buffer zone around the shower is recommended. Assume that anything in that “splash zone” may get wet at some point.

What is a shower flipper panel?

This wetroom flipper panel acts as a deflector to minimise water splashes, pivoting through 180o for ease of access.

Are curbless showers a good idea?

Open-concept, or curbless showers are a concept that's growing in popularity – and for good reason. They offer accessibility – and lots of flexibility in design. And when we remove the barriers for our shower, we can also create a seamless look in the bathroom, making it look and feel bigger.

What is the minimum door opening for a shower?

When designing your shower enclosure, keep in mind that each glass panel needs to be at least 4 1/2" wide, which is the minimum width for tempering glass and supporting the hardware. Also, the door will need to be a minimum of 22" wide and no more than 36" wide.

What is the smallest space for a walk-in shower?

For Small Bathrooms

Keep in mind that the shower enclosure should be wide enough to allow easy movements. So the smallest possible walk-in shower dimensions for a square shower layout is 32” by 32”. While 30” to 35” is the smallest size for a rectangular walk-in shower.

Is 1200 too small for a walk-in shower?

Dimensions for a corner walk-in shower may be 1100 x 700 mm (42” x 27”), 1200 x 750 mm (47” x 30”), or 1200 x 800mm (47” x 32”). Depending on the bathroom layout and availability of the space, you may also choose slightly bigger sizes of 1200 x 900mm (47" x36") or 1300x800mm (50" x 32").

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