What Size to Make a Shower

Codes

• The International Residential Code or the IRC defines standards for shower sizes that are used either directly or with modifications by local and state jurisdictions in the U.S., as well as by federal entities such as the General Services Administration and the Department of State. The International Code Council develops these guidelines to help the “building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable construction” throughout the world. This member organization also defines the International Plumbing Code, the International Building Code and the International Property Maintenance Code, which also affect shower size standards.

Sizes

• Shower compartments must be a minimum of 900 square inches as measured from the inside of the compartment. The minimum dimensions from one interior wall of the shower compartment to the opposite wall must be at least 30 inches. This is not counting fixture valves, shower heads, soap dishes or safety bars. The minimum height of walls around a shower stall must be at least 70 inches from the top of the threshold to the shower drain outlet. For compartments measuring at least 1,300 square inches, the smallest minimum dimensions from one interior wall to an opposite one can go as low as 25 inches.

ADA

• The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, modified some of the IRC requirements to make showers accessible to the handicapped. While use of these dimensions is optional in private residences, builders must follow them in commercial spaces with handicapped-accessibile showers such as hotels and gyms. These showers must be at least 36 by 36 inches square with grab bars within easy reach of users. The floor space approaching the shower must be at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide. For enclosures to be accessible for wheelchair users, they must have no curb and be at least 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep. The minimum approach must be 60 inches long and 36 inches wide.

Fixtures

• For non-ADA showers, fold-down seats are allowed as long as the interior meets the minimum 900 square inches when the seat is folded up. The access opening to the shower must be a minimum of 22 inches wide. For ADA accessibility, shower stalls that are 36-inch square need a seat 17 to 19 inches from the floor opposite the shower controls. The seat must extend the full depth of the shower stall. Seats in stalls that are 30 by 60 inches must follow the same standards but must be folding.