Designing an accessible shower is crucial for ensuring people with disabilities or limited mobility can enjoy safe, comfortable bathing experiences. An accessible shower has features like grab bars, benches, and low thresholds to accommodate users of all abilities. With careful planning and design, you can create a beautiful, functional accessible shower. This guide covers key factors like layout, fixtures, materials, and more to design the perfect accessible shower.
Choose an Open Layout
An open, curbless design is ideal for accessible showers. Eliminating obstructions makes entering and moving within the shower easier for people with mobility aids like wheelchairs.
Consider Doorways
The shower entrance should be at least 32 inches wide for wheelchair access. A sliding door or shower curtain is preferable over hinged doors that obstruct maneuvering space.
Select a Level Entry
A threshold flush with the bathroom floor allows smooth entry without needing to step over an obstruction. This curbless entry prevents tripping hazards.
Maximize Open Space
With no glass enclosure or lip to step over, the shower floor can extend throughout the entire wet area for open accessibility.
Add a Folding Shower Seat
Built-in folding seats offer safe resting spots without taking up space when not in use. Choose waterproof teak seats for comfort and style.
Install Sturdy Grab Bars
Installing grab bars throughout the shower provides stability for entering, moving within, and exiting the space.
Place Bars Strategically
Grab bars by the seat, on rear and side walls, and near the entrance provide anchors for transfers and balance.
Choose ADA-Compliant Bars
ADA standards require 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inch diameter grab bars that support 250-300 pounds of weight.
Contrast Colors
Contrasting grab bar colors from walls make bars more visible to those with low vision. Bright finishes like white, chrome, or contrasting wood aid visibility.
Mount Securely
Proper mounting into wall studs or concrete ensures grab bars remain firmly anchored and don’t detach from walls.
Select Slip-Resistant Surfaces
Choosing shower floors, accessories, and fixtures with slip-resistant finishes prevents falls and injuries.
Add Textured Flooring
Small tiles, aggregate coatings, or rubber mats create traction to avoid slipping. Large tile grout lines can catch toes.
Use Slip-Resistant Benches
Wood or ceramic bench surfaces often get wet. Add adhesive slip-resistant strips for reliable seating.
Choose ADA Faucets/Controls
Levers, paddles, and handles are easier to operate than knobs for those with limited dexterity.
Install ADA-Compliant Floors
ADA Standards specify floor coefficients of friction to reduce slipperiness when wet.
Provide Ample Lighting
Proper illumination ensures shower users can see obstacles, fixtures, and grab bars to avoid accidents.
Install Overhead Fixtures
Ceiling lights outside and inside the shower area provide ambient lighting from above.
Use Can/Recessed Lighting
Recessed can lights or LED strips around the shower area provide directional task lighting.
Include Nightlights
Low-level nightlights allow middle-of-the-night shower access without turning on overhead lighting.
Avoid Shadows
Place fixtures to avoid casting shadows on seats, grab bars, and floor areas. Diffused light prevents harsh shadows.
Select Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
Choosing durable waterproof materials that require minimal maintenance facilitates accessible shower use.
Use Waterproof Drywall
Greenboard, cement board, or waterproof drywall protect walls from moisture damage.
Choose Low-Maintenance Surfaces
Plastic, fiberglass, or acrylic units are waterproof and easy to clean. Natural stone requires more sealing.
Install Wood-Look Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile looks like wood but is waterproof and scratch/stain-resistant for low maintenance.
Use Mold-Resistant Materials
Waterproof grout, caulk, tile, and non-paper-faced backer board prevent mold growth in wet areas.
Include Convenience Features
Handheld showerheads, adjustable rods, mirrors, and storage make accessible showers more functional and comfortable.
Install Adjustable Showerheads
Handheld heads with adjustable slide bars accommodate seated or standing users of all heights.
Add Shower Benches
Built-in or removable teak benches offer concealed storage for bath accessories when not in use.
Place Mirrors and Storage
Fog-free mirrors, shelving, and recessed soap trays promote independence in grooming/bathing.
Keep Floors Clear
Shower caddies, corner shelves, and wall-mounted dispensers prevent tripping over bottles on the floor.
Provide Temperature Controls
Exposed plumbing, anti-scald valves, and digital displays allow users to regulate water temperature to prevent burns or discomfort.
Insulate Supply Lines
Cover exposed hot and cold water pipes to protect users with sensory issues from touching extremely hot/cold surfaces.
Install Anti-Scald Valves
Pressure balance, thermostatic, or tempering valves automatically regulate temperature swings in water pressure.
Choose Digital Faucets
Digital display settings allow users to see and control exact water temperature before entering the shower.
Separate Controls
Individual hot and cold handles provide added precision in adjusting water temperature.
Follow Accessibility Standards
Referencing ADA standards, building codes, and guidelines ensures an accessible shower design.
Meet ADA Requirements
The ADA Standards outline minimum dimensions, clear floor space, grab bars, controls, and more for accessible design.
Consult Building Codes
Local plumbing, electrical, and accessibility building codes provide standards to follow during construction.
Review Universal Design Principles
The 7 Principles of Universal Design provide best practices for creating accessibility.
Hire an Occupational Therapist
OTs can evaluate designs and recommend customizations tailored to a user’s specific mobility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accessible Showers
How wide does an accessible shower need to be?
ADA standards require a minimum clear width of 60 inches measured from wall to wall. A width of 36 inches is allowed for showers located at the end of a bathroom.
What size grab bars are needed in showers?
The ADA mandates grab bars be installed 6 inches maximum from walls and be 1-1/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches in diameter capable of supporting 250-300 lbs.
Do you need grab bars in a handicap shower?
Yes, grab bars are essential accessibility features in showers for disabled users to hold onto when entering/exiting and throughout bathing for stability and fall prevention.
What is the minimum size for a wheelchair accessible shower?
A 60 inch by 30 inch clearance or 60 inches diameter is the minimum size for a wheelchair accessible shower per ADA standards.
How high should the shower head be for handicapped?
ADA guidelines require an adjustable handheld shower head installed on a slide bar with the bottom of the bar set 48 inches above the shower floor.
What type of floor is best for handicap showers?
Non-slip ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles are common. Slip-resistant vinyl, rubber flooring, aggregate coatings, or applied strips also create traction.
Conclusion
Designing an accessible shower requires careful planning but can create a beautiful, functional space accommodating diverse needs. Following ADA guidelines and universal design principles allows for a safe, comfortable shower experience through open layouts, sturdy grab bars, slip-resistant surfaces, adequate lighting, easy-to-clean materials, temperature controls, and convenient accessories. With an accessible shower, all users can enjoy the renewing comforts of bathing independently and safely.
