National Kitchen & Bath Association - Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines with Access Standards
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9: Shower Size

Recommended:
The interior shower size is at least 36” x 36”.

Code Requirement:

  • The minimum interior shower size is 30” x 30” or 900 square inches, in which a disc of 30” in diameter must fit. (IRC P 2708.1, IPC 417.4)


Access Standard

Recommended:
Plan either a transfer* or a roll-in** shower.

*A transfer shower, (36” x 36”) provides support to a standing person or one who can stand to transfer.

**A roll-in shower is a waterproof area large enough for a person in a wheelchair to remain in the chair to shower. A preferred minimum size for roll-in shower is 36” – 42” x 60”.

Recommended:
Roll-in shower entries: For a 60” deep shower, a 32” wide entry is adequate. For a 42” deep shower, the entry must be at least 36” wide to allow for turning space.

Code Reference:

  • Transfer-type shower compartments should have an inside finished dimension of 36” (914 mm) x 36” (914 mm), and have a minimum of 36” (914 mm) wide entry on the face of the shower compartment. A seat must be provided within the 36” x 36” area. (ANSI 608)
  • Roll-in-type shower compartments should have a minimum inside finished dimension of at least 30” (762 mm) wide by 60” (1524 mm) deep, and have a minimum of a 60” (1524 mm) wide entry on the face of the shower compartment. (ANSI 608.2.2)

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