Sizes of Prefabricated Shower Stalls

Codes

• All shower enclosures, including prefabricated versions, must meet the minimum standards imposed by local, state or federal building codes. These codes are taken verbatim, or frequently with minor modifications, from the International Residential Code. The IRC was developed by the non-profit International Code Council, which, during its founding in 1994, consolidated and streamlined several competing regulations. The council’s vision is to “protect the health, safety and welfare of people by creating safe buildings and communities.”

Minimums

• The minimum size that all prefabricated shower stalls must meet runs 900 square inches in the finished interior. The smallest dimension is 30 inches measuring from a finished interior wall to the wall directly opposite, not including shower heads, grab bars or other fixtures. These minimums must continue from the threshold of the stall up to at least 70 inches above the shower drain outlet. If the stall has a minimum interior cross section of 1,300 square inches, then the smallest dimension between opposing walls can drop to 25 inches.

Corners

• Because corner showers fit in one corner of a room, they may have only two walls joined by a door that is either curved, straight or defined by three smaller walls. (These compartments only include walls and a floor, and lack fixtures such as faucets and shower heads, which are a separate purchase.) A corner unit is the smallest complete prefabricated model that can be bought, while still keeping within minimum code standards. Two of the walls are typically made of solid synthetic, while the entry wall contains glass and aluminum frames. Sizes vary, though 37 inches deep and wide, by 78 inches high form typical measurements. (REFERENCE 3)

Kits

• Other prefabricated shower stalls come in two- or three-panel versions that must be joined together on pre-existing walls. These typically allow larger shower enclosures and may include soap dishes and molded shelves on their opaque plastic surfaces. Floors, shower pans and fixtures are typically separate purchases. Small two-wall prefabs may measure only 35.25 inches square, and from 71.25 to 83 inches high. Larger, three-panel versions may range up to 60 inches wide, 40 inches deep and 71.25 to 83 inches high. Versions for disabled users are also available, and can measure a minimum of 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep. These can include all necessary fixtures such as the floor, grab bars, shower seats, faucets and shower heads.