What is the minimum shower entry?

Author: Dasia Gleichner IV  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 2025

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment.

What is the minimum opening for a shower entrance?

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 entrance for a shower?

Being able to comfortably access your shower is the first important point, who wants to have to awkwardly side-step into their new luxury shower because the doorway is too narrow? I would recommend a minimum opening of 550mm, depending on the person's stature and mobility, I may increase the dimension.

How much space do you need to enter a shower?

The good news is that most people have at least that much space for a shower in their bathroom! The International Residential Code deems 30” by 30” as the smallest permissible footprint for a walk-in shower. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a larger size; 36” by 36”, to be exact.

What is the minimum shower access?

Allow 1,000mm for the shower cabin's width and length in your bathroom. You can consider going to a smaller 900 by 900mm in a tight space, but anything smaller may feel too confined. The door to the shower cubicle is ideally 650mm wide to grant easy access to it.

11 Bathroom Design Regrets & Costly Mistakes To Avoid

What's the minimum opening for a walk-in shower?

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 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).

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 minimum size for a doorless 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.

What is the minimum space required for a shower enclosure?

What are the dimensions of a Small Shower Enclosure? The minimum size for a shower enclosure is 28” x 28” (700 mm x 700 mm), according to the International Building Code Association (IBCA). The standard shower enclosure size begins at 30″ X 30″ (700 mm x 700 mm), which is generally the smallest available to purchase.

What is the code space in front of a shower?

Bathrooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 80" in front of fixtures, which is less than the 90" ceiling height required in most rooms. The 30" x 30" area in front of a shower head must also be 80" in height.

What is a low entry shower?

With a low-threshold shower, there is only a small raised ledge, offering easy access to your shower space. A barrier along the base prevents water from escaping onto the bathroom floor.

How narrow can a shower entrance be?

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

What is the smallest opening for a shower door?

Fixed glass shower doors come in a variety of widths, from 22 inches to 36 inches. The width of your fixed glass shower door will depend on the size of your shower opening. A 22-inch fixed glass shower door is a good option if you have a small shower opening, perhaps in a guest bathroom.

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.

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.

Are doorless showers a good idea?

Doorless showers offer several benefits that make them a smart choice for many homeowners. One of the main advantages of a doorless shower is its accessibility. With no threshold or glass barrier, these showers are easy to enter and exit, making them ideal for homeowners of all ages and mobility levels.

What is the minimum width to enter a shower?

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.

What is the smallest shower allowed by code?

From the smallest shower sizes of 30 inches by 30 inches (the smallest allowed by the International Residential Code) to showers bigger than the already generous 48 inches by 60 inches, the shower size you choose will impact your comfort, lifestyle, and more.

What is the minimum clearance for a shower door?

A 30 inch (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inch (1525 mm) long minimum clearance shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment.

Is 32 inches wide enough 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.

How much clearance do I need for a shower?

A clear floor space 30 inches (914 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment. 42 inches (1067 mm) in width between wall surfaces, and 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum in depth with an entrance opening of 42 inches (1067 mm).

What is the minimum space required for a shower?

For a shower, to be installed, at least 30-36 square feet is required. For a full bath consisting of both a shower and a bathtub, you will need at least 40 square feet.

What is the splash zone for a doorless 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.

Previous article
How do I know if there is a red light camera?
Next article
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator making ice but not dispensing?