How big should a doorless walk-in shower be?

When designing a new bathroom or renovating an existing one, installing a spacious walk-in shower can be a great way to upgrade your bathing experience. Walk-in showers offer easy access without climbing over a tub wall or door, making them a popular choice for people with mobility issues or who simply want the luxury of extra space. But how big should you make a doorless walk-in shower? Here are some key factors to consider when determining the right size walk-in shower for your bathroom.

What are the standard sizes for walk-in showers?

Most walk-in showers range from 32 to 60 inches wide and 34 to 48 inches deep. Here are some common standard sizes:

• 32 x 34 inches – compact walk-in shower
• 36 x 36 inches – average basic walk-in shower
• 42 x 42 inches – medium-sized walk-in shower
• 48 x 48 inches – large walk-in shower
• 60 x 32 inches – narrow rectangular walk-in shower
• 60 x 36 inches – standard rectangular walk-in shower
• 60 x 42 inches – spacious rectangular walk-in shower
• 60 x 48 inches – extra large rectangular walk-in shower

60 inches wide by 36-48 inches deep is considered an ideal size for most main bathroom walk-in showers. This allows enough interior space to comfortably move around and properly utilize the showerhead. For small bathrooms, 32-36 inch square showers can work well. Custom oversized showers may be 5 feet wide or larger.

Consider your bathroom size and layout

When deciding on walk-in shower dimensions, you need to carefully evaluate your existing bathroom space. Measure the footprint where you want to install the shower and make sure there is adequate room to accommodate the size you have in mind. Be sure to account for any benches, niches, or other built-in features in the shower layout that will take up additional area. It’s better to err on the side of a shower being slightly smaller than the available floor space rather than trying to squeeze an oversized unit into a tight bathroom.

Factor in entrance and door access

For a doorless walk-in shower, you need clear entry access without blocking other functional areas of the bathroom. Be sure to measure any tight corners or obstructions surrounding the shower entrance. If the entry opening is less than 24 inches wide, it will feel cramped and limit mobility going in and out of the shower. For wider entry access, select a shower size that allows at least a 30-36 inch opening. This makes entering and exiting safer and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.

Allow for optimal showerhead position

Most showerheads should be installed at a height of 70-80 inches from the floor. Make sure your walk-in shower dimensions will provide adequate clearance for properly positioning the showerhead. For rain showerheads or shower towers, extra overhead space is usually required. Check the manufacturer specs for your chosen showerhead and factor this into your selected shower size.

Consider overhead space requirements

In addition to the showerhead position, make sure there is enough overhead space for the full height of the shower. Most showers should have at least 7 feet of interior height clearance. Taller shower ceilings can give an airier, more spacious feeling. If ceiling height is limited, you may need to adapt the shower size accordingly to fit shorter ceilings. Make sure to account for factors like niches, grab bars, or plumbing that may further limit the usable interior height.

Accommodate mobility aids if needed

For seniors or people with disabilities, a walk-in shower should accommodate mobility aids like grab bars, shower seats, or even wheelchairs. Make sure your planned shower size allows for the necessary mobility features with proper placement and installation. This usually requires at least a 36 inch clear entry opening and 36 x 36 inches of interior floor space. Building ADA compliant showers are at least 60 inches by 30 inches to accommodate wheelchairs.

Decide on single vs double shower capacity

Will this shower be used by one person at a time or designed for two? For couples sharing a shower, choose a size with at least 48 x 48 inches of interior space. This allows you both to comfortably stand side-by-side. For double capacity, rectangular showers 60 x 36 inches or larger are ideal. Make sure any built-in seats can accommodate two people if needed.

Plan your features and accessories

Consider what shower components you plan to include and make sure your dimensions accommodate them well. For steam showers, more interior space is crucial. If adding body sprays, multiple showerheads, or benches, be sure to account for these features in the floorplan. Also factor in niches, grab bars, or shelving you may want to build into the shower walls and how much space these will take up.

Check your local building codes

Most residential building codes require minimum dimensions for walk-in showers. This is often at least 30 x 30 inches clear interior space. Be sure to check your local regulations for precise shower size requirements. These building codes are in place for safety, accessibility, and functionality, so your new shower must meet the mandated minimum size.

Allow for optimal water containment

A key factor in shower design is making sure water spray is properly directed into the interior space. Avoid sizing showers significantly larger than needed where water can miss body contact and splash outside the shower. Standard 60 x 36 inch rectangular showers work well to contain the water spray. For larger showers, consider adding extra showerheads for full coverage.

Choose the right shower base size

Pre-formed shower bases come in standard sizes like 32, 36, 42, 48, and 60 inches square. Choose a base that matches your planned interior dimensions or allows for a slightly smaller tile surround. Make sure your floor space can accommodate a pre-fab base if using one. Custom tiled shower pans can be formed to fit your exact shower footprint.

Match the scale to your bathroom

Whenever possible, maintain a sense of visual harmony between the scale of your shower and overall bathroom size. An oversized 72 inch shower may overwhelm a tiny half bath. On the other hand, a small corner shower can look out of place in a spacious master bath. Select shower proportions that make sense for your available space.

Conclusion

The ideal walk-in shower size for your bathroom depends on a variety of practical factors from layout to functionality. In general, stick close to standard shower dimensions unless you have an exceptionally large or small bathroom space. Measure carefully, account for all desired features, and follow building codes. This will ensure your beautiful new walk-in shower is sized just right for comfort and optimal use.

Shower Size	Shower Type	Best Use
32″ x 34″	Compact walk-in shower	Small secondary bathroom
36″ x 36″	Basic walk-in shower	Standard main bathroom shower
42″ x 42″	Medium walk-in shower	Mid-sized bathroom shower
48″ x 48″	Large walk-in shower	Spacious master bathroom shower
60″ x 36″	Standard rectangular shower	Primary shower in any home

Key Takeaways

• Most walk-in showers range from 32″ to 60″ wide and 34″ to 48″ deep
• Measure your bathroom space carefully including entry access
• Allow for proper showerhead height and overhead clearance
• Factor in mobility aids, seating, or usage by two people
• Check local building codes for minimum size requirements
• Choose shower base size to match interior dimensions

By carefully planning your new walk-in shower dimensions, you can enjoy this luxurious upgrade for years to come.