Guide to Bathroom Design: Best Practices
- Bathroom Design, Layout & Clearances Guidelines
- Bathroom design basic concepts
- Bathroom layout dimensions & measurements for mirror height, shower clearances, bathtub clearances
- Anti-scald recommendations for bathrooms
- Flooring and ventilation suggestions for bathrooms
- Lighting recommendations for bathrooms
- Bathroom safety glass requirements
- Typical bathroom layouts
- Questions & answers aboutthe best bathroom design & layout
- References
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Bathroom design layout specifications: this article discusses current best design practices for residential bathrooms, including typical bathroom layouts, measurements & clearances for mirrors, showers, tubs.
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Bath Design Best Practices
We discuss anti-scald for bathrooms, bathroom flooring, ventilation, and lighting as well as bathroom safety glass needs.
This article series discusses current best design practices for kitchens and bathrooms, including layout, clearances, work space, and accessible kitchen and bathroom layout, clearances, turning space, grab bars, controls, etc. We include advice on choosing and installing kitchen countertops, cabinets, and kitchen or bathroom flooring, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures and fixture controls such as faucets. A list of kitchen and bath product manufactures and sources is included.
Also see Bathroom Lighting Guidelines and BATHROOM VENTILATION, and see Bathroom Design, Accessible for details of accessible bathroom designs. This article includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons.
As described and detailed in Chapter 6 of Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction:
Bathroom Design Basics
A well-designed bathroom is comfortable to use, safe,
durable, and easy to clean. Space planning revolves around
the main fixtures and their required clearances. Proper
clearances are critical to avoid problems such as banged
elbows at a sink placed too close to a wall or difficult
access to the tub faucet.
Bathroom safety concerns should be paramount in design decisions
and material choices. For example, choose only
nonskid flooring types and select tub and shower controls
with foolproof antiscald protection (MIXING / ANTI-SCALD VALVES). Avoid designs with
sunken tubs or tub surrounds with steps, both of which are
hazards.
Also remember that following code is not a guarantee
of safety. For example, while it is legal to place bathroom
lighting circuits downstream from the GFCI outlet,
it is unwise since anything that trips the GFCI will also
plunge the bathroom into darkness. See GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs.
Bathroom Design Guidelines, Measurements, Clearances
The following recommendations are based on guidelines
first published by the National Kitchen and Bath
Association in 1992. While accessible design principles
are provided separately below, NKBA now incorporates
these principles into their recommendations for all
projects.
Lavatories: Sink Clearances, Heights, Measurements
- Clearances. Locate each sink so its centerline is at
least 15 inches from a wall and 30 inches from the
centerline of a second sink. The minimum walkway
shown in front of the sink may not allow full
accessibility (see Figure 6-16).
- Height. While the standard vanity or sink height is
30 to 32 inches, 34 inches is a better compromise
between shorter and taller users. If a bath has more
than one vanity, set one at 30 to 34 inches and the
other at 34 to 42 inches high.
[Click any image or table to see an enlarged version with additional detail, commentary & source citation.]
Mirror Height Specifications for Bathrooms
The bottom edge of a mirror over a
vanity should be no more than 40 inches above the floor,
or 48 inches if the mirror is tilted forward.
Shower Dimensions, Clearances & Measurements for Bathrooms
- Clearances: Allow a minimum 21-inch walkway
(30 inches preferred) from the front of the shower
stall to a wall or fixture. These clearances may not
allow full accessibility.
- Size: Provide a minimum clear floor space inside
the shower stall of 34x34 inches, preferably
36x36 inches or larger.
For optimal accessible-bathroom comfort and
safety, increase the size to 36x42 inches to
48 inches, which allows space for the user to step
out of the stream of water to adjust the temperature
(Figure 6-17).
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- Neoangle Showers: Neoangle showers are popular space
savers, but the showering area is reduced in size
due to the cut-off corner. The size of the corner
cut varies from one model to another, with
some cutting significantly into the shower
space. For comfort, neoangles should be at least
42x42 inches.
- Showerhead Location: Locate the showerhead supply pipe
72 to 78 inches above the finished shower floor. The
installed showerhead will be 4 to 6 inches lower. If a
handheld showerhead is used, it should be no higher
than 48 inches at its lowest position.
- Seating in Shower Stalls: Shower stalls should include a bench or
seat that is 17 to 19 inches high and a minimum of
15 inches deep. The seat should not encroach on the
minimum 34x34-inch floor space.
- Doors for Showers: Shower doors must open into the bathroom,
not into the shower stall.
- Controls for Showers: Locate controls 38 to 48 inches off the floor
and offset toward the room so they are accessible from
both inside and outside the fixture.
Bathtub Clearances & Measurements
- Clearances. Allow a minimum 21-inch walkway
(30 inches preferred) from the open side of the tub to
a wall or fixture. These clearances may not allow full
accessibility.
- Steps to a tub. Do not build steps leading to
a bathtub or raised tub platform. These create a
serious hazard. It is much safer for users to sit on
the lip of the tub or platform and swing their legs in.
- Sunken tubs are also a hazard. Safety rails should be
installed to help users get in and out of any tub
configuration.
- Controls. Offset controls toward the outside of the
tub so they are accessible from both inside and outside
the fixture.
- Bathtub controls should be no more than
33 inches high.
- If a handheld showerhead is used,
it should be no higher than 48 inches at its lowest
position (Figure 6-18).
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Antiscald Protection Advice for Bathrooms
Protect all tubs and showers
with a pressure-balancing valve or thermostatically
controlled valve to limit water temperatures at a faucet or
showerhead to 120°F or less. Recommend that homeowners
set water heaters to no more than 120°F as an added
precaution. Details about anti-scald protection and devices are found at MIXING / ANTI-SCALD VALVES.
Toilets and Bidet Layout & Clearances for Bathrooms
- Clearances. Fifteen inches is the allowable
minimum from the centerline of toilets and bidets
to a fixture or wall, while 17 to 18 inches will create
a more comfortable space (Figure 6-19).
- Sixteen
inches is the minimum for full accessibility as long
as there is sufficient transfer space in front or on
the side (see Bathroom Design, Accessible).
- Separate compartment. Compartmental toilet areas
should be a minimum of 36x66 inches with a
swing-out or pocket door.
- Toilet paper holder. Locate with the center 26 inches
above the floor, about 8 inches forward from the front
of the toilet.
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Flooring Choices & Suggestions for Bathrooms
Make all bathroom flooring slip-resistant.
Bathroom Ventilation Suggestions
Provide mechanical ventilation to the
exterior (see BATHROOM VENTILATION for sizing
details and other bath ventilation information).
Electrical Receptacles for Bathrooms - GFCI Needed
All bathroom receptacles must be GFCI
protected. All light fixtures above a tub or shower
must be rated for damp locations (tub) or wet locations
(shower). Switches must not be reachable from within
a tub or shower. Many bathrooms are wired so that all
the lights go out if a GFCI is tripped.
Although this is
allowed by code, it is neither safe nor convenient for the
homeowners. See GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs for details about these devices.
Lighting Suggestions for Baths
The vanity area should include both overhead
and side lighting. Place side lighting centered at eye level
(see Bathroom Lighting Guidelines). Where possible,
provide natural lighting as well from a window or skylight
area equal to at least 10% of the floor area.
Glass Safety Requirements in Bathrooms
All glass used in a tub or shower enclosure
or other glass applications within 18 inches of the
floor should be safety glazing, such as laminated glass,
tempered glass, or an approved plastic.
Typical Bathroom Layouts
Bathrooms are divided into three main centers of activity:
lavatory/grooming, toilet/bidet, and bathing/showering.
In smaller bathrooms, these all share one common space,
while in more spacious rooms, the grooming area or
toilet area may be separated to allow greater flexibility
and privacy for multiple users.
Larger spaces also allow
for greater storage, such as a linen closet, within the
bathroom space. Typical bathroom layouts with minimum
dimensions for comfortable use are shown in Figure 6-20.
Figure 6-20
[Click any image or table to see an enlarged version with additional detail, commentary & source citation.]
Design details for accessible bathrooms are discussed separately at Bathroom Design, Accessible |
Bathroom Lighting Specifications - references
Jetted and Soaking Tubs Manufacturers
American Standard
www.americanstandard-us.com
Aqua Glass Corp.
www.aquaglass.com
Aquatic Industries
www.aquaticwhirlpools.com
Bains Oceana Baths
www.bainsoceaniabaths.com
Eljer Plumbingware
www.eljer.com
Hydro Systems
www.hydrosystem.com
Jacuzzi Whirlpool Baths
www.jacuzzi.com
Kohler Co.
www.kohler.com
Lasco Bathware
www.lascobathware.com
Maax
www.maax.com
MTI Whirlpools
www.mtiwhirlpools.com
Bath Fan Manufacturers
American Aldes
www.americanaldes.com
Remote location single- and multi-port exhaust ventilators
Broan-Nutone LLC
www.broan.com
Low-sone Broan bath fans, also single- and multiport
remote location exhaust ventilators; Nutone ceiling-mount
bath fans
Fan Tech
www.fantech.com
Remote location inline-duct fans
Kanalflakt
www.kanalflakt.com
Remote location inline-duct fans
Marley Engineered Products
www.marleymeh.com
Ceiling-mount bath fans and general kitchen and room
exhaust fans
Panasonic
www.panasonic.ca/English/ventilationfans
Low-sone, Energy-Star-compliant ceiling-mount, inline,
and wall bath fans
Kitchen & Bath Industry Associations
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers(AHAM)
www.aham.org
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
www.nkba.org
Ceramic Tile Institute of America
www.ctioa.org
Home Ventilation Institute (HVI)
www.hvi.org
Marble Institute of America
www.marble-institute.com
Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI)
www.porcelainenamel.com
Tile Council of America (TCA)
www.tileusa.com
-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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- "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
- "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
- Access Ramp building codes:
- UBC 1003.3.4.3
- BOCA 1016.3
- ADA 4.8.2
- IBC 1010.2
- Access Ramp Standards:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Public Law 101-336. 7/26/90 is very often cited by other sources for good design of stairs and ramps etc. even where disabled individuals are not the design target.
- ANSI A117.4 Accessible and Usable buildings and Facilities (earlier version was incorporated into the ADA)
- ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces, (Similar to the above standards)
- ASHRAE resource on dew point and wall condensation - see the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, available in many libraries. The following three ASHRAE Handbooks are also available at the InspectAPedia bookstore in the third page of our Insulate-Ventilate section:
- 2005 ASHRAE Handbook : Fundamentals : Inch-Pound Edition (2005 ASHRAE HANDBOOK : Fundamentals : I-P Edition) (Hardcover), Thomas H. Kuehn (Contributor), R. J. Couvillion (Contributor), John W. Coleman (Contributor), Narasipur Suryanarayana (Contributor), Zahid Ayub (Contributor), Robert Parsons (Author), ISBN-10: 1931862702 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862707
- 2004 ASHRAE Handbook : Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning: Systems and Equipment : Inch-Pound Edition (2004 ASHRAE Handbook : HVAC Systems and Equipment : I-P Edition) (Hardcover)
by American Society of Heating, ISBN-10: 1931862478 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862479
"2004 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment The 2004 ASHRAE HandbookHVAC Systems and Equipment discusses various common systems and the equipment (components or assemblies) that comprise them, and describes features and differences. This information helps system designers and operators in selecting and using equipment. Major sections include Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems (chapters on system analysis and selection, air distribution, in-room terminal systems, centralized and decentralized systems, heat pumps, panel heating and cooling, cogeneration and engine-driven systems, heat recovery, steam and hydronic systems, district systems, small forced-air systems, infrared radiant heating, and water heating); Air-Handling Equipment (chapters on duct construction, air distribution, fans, coils, evaporative air-coolers, humidifiers, mechanical and desiccant dehumidification, air cleaners, industrial gas cleaning and air pollution control); Heating Equipment (chapters on automatic fuel-burning equipment, boilers, furnaces, in-space heaters, chimneys and flue vent systems, unit heaters, makeup air units, radiators, and solar equipment); General Components (chapters on compressors, condensers, cooling towers, liquid coolers, liquid-chilling systems, centrifugal pumps, motors and drives, pipes and fittings, valves, heat exchangers, and energy recovery equipment); and Unitary Equipment (chapters on air conditioners and heat pumps, room air conditioners and packaged terminal equipment, and a new chapter on mechanical dehumidifiers and heat pipes)."
- 1996 Ashrae Handbook Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equipment: Inch-Pound Edition (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 1883413346 or ISBN-13: 978-1883413347 ,
"The 1996 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook is the result of ASHRAE's continuing effort to update, expand and reorganize the Handbook Series. Over a third of the book has been revised and augmented with new chapters on hydronic heating and cooling systems design; fans; unit ventilator; unit heaters; and makeup air units. Extensive changes have been added to chapters on panel heating and cooling; cogeneration systems and engine and turbine drives; applied heat pump and heat recovery systems; humidifiers; desiccant dehumidification and pressure drying equipment, air-heating coils; chimney, gas vent, fireplace systems; cooling towers; centrifugal pumps; and air-to-air energy recovery. Separate I-P and SI editions."
- Principles of Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning: A textbook with Design Data Based on 2005 AShrae Handbook - Fundamentals (Hardcover), Harry J., Jr. Sauer (Author), Ronald H. Howell, ISBN-10: 1931862923 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862929
- ...
