What Is Needed to Create a Handicapped Bathroom?

Grab Bars

• Use ¾-inch plywood as a backing material for all walls where grab bars will be located. This allows mounting in a variety of locations and configurations to suit the needs of different levels of capability. Install plywood blocking in the areas surrounding the toilet and along the length of the shower or bathtub. Grab bars should protrude 1.5 inches from the surface of the wall and be capable of supporting at least 250 pounds. Textured grab bars are ideal for applications where a more secure grip is desired; colored bars are easier to locate on the walls.

Doors and Interior Dimensions

• Bathroom doors should be a minimum of 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair traffic, with a passable interior diameter of 32 inches. The best doors for handicapped accessible bathrooms are swing-out types or pocket types that slide into the adjacent wall. Ensure the entryway is at least 30 by 48 inches to allow wheelchairs room for both T and K turns. The area in front of the shower should be 30 by 48 inches as well, and the toilet requires an area 48 by 66 inches for best access.

Showers and Sinks

• Select a shower with a 3-by-3, 3-by-5, 3-by-4 or 2.5-by-5-foot floor area. Fully accessible showers will incorporate floor dams that are fully removable or made of rubber to facilitate easy wheelchair entry and egress. Countertop sinks are the best choice for accessible bathrooms, as they offer the best combination of structural support and ease of use. Freestanding sinks in fully accessible bathrooms require additional support, since disabled users lean more heavily on the front edge of the sink.

Further Considerations

• Handicapped accessible showers and tubs should always be equipped with bath mats to prevent slipping. Faucets should incorporate removable water jets, with hoses at least 6 feet in length. Provide a distance of 5 feet between fixtures, and ensure showers have an entry lip no more than ½ inch tall. If a tub is used in place of a shower, select a unit with a swing-out door to facilitate wheelchair entry. Handicapped bathrooms should incorporate elevated toilets as well, as standard height units can be difficult to access from a wheelchair.