In general, a shower should measure at least 36 square inches. However, if your bath space is especially petite, 30 square inches is the absolute minimum space requirement for a shower. To determine the minimum shower size you'll need, step inside a few showers at a plumbing showroom or home improvement store.
The smallest shower typically measures around 32 inches by 32 inches. For very tight spaces, consider corner showers or neo-angle showers. Use vertical tiles to make the shower area feel taller. Glass enclosures and frameless doors create an open space.
Don't underestimate your door size. Space may be limited but if your shower has a door make sure you can still fit through it! I would aim for 550mm at an absolute minimum, but just make sure it's designed with the main user in mind. You don't want to walk sideways into your shower everyday.
The smallest possible shower size is 32 inches by 32 inches. This is pretty tiny and can be rather uncomfortable for longer showers. It might also not be suitable for those who are tall or carry extra weight. A compromise is a bit larger standard shower size of 36 inches by 36 inches, or even 42 inches by 42 inches.
The International Residential Code stipulates that showers must have at least 30 inches by 30 inches of space as a minimum requirement. Yet many people prefer roomier configurations such as those measuring 48 inches by 36 inches due to the comfort level they provide during use.
Frequently Asked Questions. What is the smallest recommended size for a shower? A shower should be 36 inches square (36 inches x 36 inches). For tiny spaces, 30 inches square (30 inches x 30 inches) is the smallest space that can be used for a shower.
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.
If you have a small shower the sideways entry may be required but in general the most common straight in entry for people walking in is 24” wide.
Walk-in showers are doorless. This means they have to be quite large to stop water splashing out. The minimum practical dimensions for a walk-in shower are around 80x120cm but they can be as long as 200cm. Using the shower is a lot easier if the width is over 90 cm.
Outside of glass wall no less than 15” from the center of the toilet flange. Shower opening minimum 22” wide.
Standard roll-in type shower compartments shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum clear inside dimensions measured at center points of opposing sides and shall have a 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment.
A small bathroom with a walk-in shower starts at around 36 square feet, with 8×4 being a typical size. For the purposes of most walk-in showers, the length needs to be around 4 yards at least to support the walk-in shower.
Shower Dimensions Frequently Asked Questions
Aim to have at least 30 inches of clear floor space from the outer edge of all bathroom fixtures, including the vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub and more. A minimum of 24 inches of clear floor space is required in front of the shower.
How Big Should a Doorless Shower Be? 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.
For a small space, you might choose a walk-in shower with dimensions of around 35 x 35 inches (90 x 90 cm).
Standard roll-in shower compartments shall meet one of the following: 30 inches (762 mm) minimum in depth and 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum in width between wall surfaces measured at center points of opposing sides, with a full opening width on the long side.
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. This will help to ensure that water stays within the shower area.
The ADA recommends a minimum size of 36 by 36 inches for a walk-in shower. This size ensures comfort for those with mobility challenges and is large enough to accommodate a bench. Even for those who do not struggle with their mobility or balance, 36 x 36 is a good size for comfort and ease of showering.
The minimum allowable shower door width is 22 inches wide: Anything narrower than that may not be up to code.
Homeowners often ask if a 24-inch shower door is too small. The answer depends on your bathroom and shower sizes. A 24-inch shower door is compact and ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is a premium. These doors are typically used for narrow shower stalls and can be a smart choice for ensuite or guest bathrooms.
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.
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Want to squeeze in a shower or tub? You're looking at a minimum of 30 to 36 square feet. But before you grab the sledgehammer, make sure to check your local building codes because rules can vary. If a ¾ bath is more your style (just a shower, sink, and toilet), you can get away with 26–30 square feet.
Width: A comfortable width for a double shower is typically between 48 and 60 inches. This allows two people to use the shower at the same time without feeling cramped. Length: The length (or depth, depending on your bathroom design) of a double shower is usually at least 36 inches, but it can be more if space allows.