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Are you thinking about redesigning your bathroom? Bathroom renovations are one of the most promising home improvement projects in the country. One good reason to do it is that a well-designed bathroom can have a huge impact on your appreciation of your home.
However, it is important to note that there are many things to consider when designing a bathroom. Safety and ergonomics are the main ones. Bathrooms may require a simple design due to the small space, but it requires careful planning and analysis. Still, the best decision any homeowner can make is to consult or hire an architect or interior designer. These professionals know the design standards well and will benefit the aesthetic and functional aspects of your bathroom design.
Codes and standards
To better understand the big picture, it is important to know about building codes and the standards or guidelines set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Building codes are the official rules of an area when it comes to building safety. Anyone who plans a construction project, including a DIY home project, is legally required to follow these rules. City inspectors inspect projects and make sure that building code guidelines are followed.
Most cities prefer to adopt guidelines from universal building codes that are updated and developed by the International Code Council or ICC. For residential projects, the International Residential Code or IRC is set as the basis. Cities can also create or amend more specific rules based on the IRC.
Planning guidelines are also published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association or NKBA. This helps designers create and design bathrooms with a functional and safe approach. Unlike building codes, these are not legal requirements but are helpful in ensuring the safety and usability of the bathroom.
Most common standard bathroom door sizes
One of the most important aspects of bathroom design is the door size or opening dimensions. Standard bathroom door sizes should have a clear opening of 32 inches and a width of 34 inches. A clear width of 34 inches is considered the universal design for bathroom doors. The smallest acceptable opening is 24 inches, but this is only allowed if existing walls prevent any type of modification.
How to measure the clear opening of a door?Today’s Homeowner Tip
Measuring from door jamb to door jamb with the door open gives the door opening but is not the clear opening. To get an accurate clear opening, you will need to measure from the inside of the door to the other side of the opening. Keep in mind that the door must be open when you measure this.
Generally, the clear opening measures about 2 inches smaller than the door opening. Just be sure to ignore the doorknob when taking these measurements.
If you want to start this project we have two suggestions you should consider.
Both have different sizes and inswing options.
Bathroom door size for wheelchair access
If you are redesigning your home and need to consider wheelchair access for a family member or yourself, then you will obviously need a larger bathroom door opening. The minimum standard is that an outward opening door should be 950mm wide and 900mm high. A larger bathroom should match this and wheelchair access should also be considered in the design. For good measure, a minimum of 1500mm width and 2200mm length is required.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards serve as an essential foundation for accessible design. Width requirements based on ADA standards are the most important aspect of door size.
You will also want to consider making it easier for a person in a wheelchair to open and close the door, so you may want to think about installing a sliding door for your bathroom.
Our top picks for this are:
You can also check out our curated list of sliding door alternatives if you want to find more options .
Standard bathroom door sizes based on universal design ideas
It is important to note that bathroom door sizes follow a standard universal design and did not come about by chance. It was based on careful analysis of usability, accessibility and ergonomics. The size of a bathroom door may be the smallest of the most important doors inside the home, but it requires a lot of careful planning and thought.
The bathroom is designed to perform a very important function, which is why it is one of the most important rooms in the house. If you are planning to redesign your bathroom, make sure you carefully consider the standard bathroom door sizes mentioned above. Consider long-term use and what type of door you should use during this time. Note that some door manufacturers have a set of door sizes based on the material used. It is also better to consider other door features, especially when you want to consider accessibility for wheelchair users.
As mentioned earlier, the wisest thing a homeowner can do is to consult an architect or interior designer. The knowledge of these professionals can give you a clear understanding of how planning functional spaces matches with aesthetics. Of course, who wouldn’t want a beautiful bathroom? They also know the basic bathroom requirements such as standard bathroom door sizes and accessibility standards.