There are many kinds of shower stalls that are sold on the market, but what size do they usually come in and what size should you purchase? Bathroom shower stalls are ideal for small bathrooms because they save space and are also convenient to use. In this article, we will discuss the different sizes of shower stalls that you can choose from.
What size do shower stalls come in? Shower stalls usually measure 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep. Other sizes include 36 inches by 42 inches and 36 inches by 48 inches. If you have a small bathroom, a shower stall that measures 30 inches by 30 inches is your best option because it provides function with a space-saving design.
What is the standard size of a shower stall? How much room does a shower stall need? What are the popular dimensions of a shower stall? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Shower stalls make showering more comfortable and also transform the look of your bathroom. If you are thinking of installing a shower stall, you first need to know how much space it requires so that you can find out if you have enough space in your bathroom for one.
What is a Shower Stall?
A shower stall is a closed or semi-closed enclosure that is installed in the bathroom. It can be installed in multiple-piece-seal together or one-piece seamless construction. Shower stalls are ideal for small bathrooms. If you have a new house, a one-piece seamless bathroom stall is ideal because it can be hard to install a shower through doors and frames. On the other hand, a multiple-piece shower stall is ideal if you are planning to remodel your bathroom. Are you interested in installing your own shower stall at home? We recommend this shower stall kit that you can purchase online.
What is the Standard Size for a Shower Stall?
The most common widths of shower stalls are 36, 32, and 60 while the length varies. Standard shower sizes are as small as 32 inches by 32 inches. However, most people would feel comfortable in a 48 inches x 36 inches size shower. If you have a lot of space to spare in your bathroom, you can install a shower stall with a minimum dimension of 60 inches by 36 inches.
How Much Room Does a Shower Stall Need?
There are different factors that you need to consider to find out how much room a shower stall needs like the code minimum in your area, required clearance, comfort, and accessibility guidelines. Let us look further at these factors below.
Code Minimums
According to the International Residential Code, shower stalls in homes should measure a minimum of 30 inches by 30 inches. This is a clear space without any seats or obstructions. Hence, if you decide to add a deep seat that measures 10 inches tall, your shower should measure at least 40 inches deep by 30 inches wide.
Take note that a lot of municipalities adapt and modify this code when it comes to developing local building codes. Make sure to check your municipality to find out if the building and planning department has set its minimum requirements for shower stalls.
Required Clearance
Make sure that you have at least 24 inches of clearance space in front of your shower according to the IRC. This space enables the shower door to swing open and closed without any obstruction. The clearance space also allows people to safely enter and exit the shower. Do not forget to check your local code to determine if it is different from the IRC before you plan a new shower for your home.
Comfort and Extras
The standard size of shower stalls for homes should be 30 inches by 30 inches. However, a lot of showers are designed to be larger to provide users with more room to move around. A shower that measures a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches is ideal to provide comfort and safety. If you have tall members in your household, you can consider extending the non-absorbent material higher than the minimum 6-foot requirement.
Accessibility Guidelines
You also need to consider the accessibility guidelines for members of your family who need extra space in the shower. Those who are using wheelchairs should have at least 30 inches by 60 inches of space within the shower and 30 inches by 60 inches of clearance space in front of the shower. This will allow them to easily maneuver the wheelchair. Moreover, if a family member needs to transfer from the wheelchair to the shower, the shower stall should be 36 inches by 36 inches with 48 inches by 46 inches clearance space for easy transfer.
✅ Video – 100 Modern Shower Designs for Small Bathroom Design Ideas
Hashtag Decor shared the video below on YouTube. It shows different modern bathroom design ideas for showers. If you are planning to upgrade your small bathroom with a shower stall, you can check out the video for tips and ideas.
How Do You Measure the Bathroom for the Shower Stall?
To measure the bathroom for the size of the shower stall that you need, you need to consider the available space. Measure the height of the bathroom from the base of the floor to the ceiling. Next, measure the available space in the area where you plan to install the shower stall.
Shower Stall Dimensions
The most common shower stall dimensions include 60 by 30 by 70 inches for a tub and shower combo, 48 by 36 inches for a shower stall, and square-shaped showers that measure 32 by 32 inches, 34 by 34 inches, and, 36 by 36 inches. With the wide array of shower stalls, there is not a single standard size that will be able to accommodate your bathroom renovation.
If you search on the market, you will find different sizes, shapes, and styles of shower stalls. Below are some of the most common shower stall dimensions. We have also written this article that discusses how much water a 20-minute shower use. You can check out the article to learn more about the topic.
60 by 30 by 72 Inches for a Tub and Shower Combo
This dimension is the standard for many old and new homes. The space needed around the tub basin is included when measuring the tub and the shower. Most homeowners with a tub and shower combo opt to upgrade them to a glass shower enclosure. This creates a crisp, modern, and clean look that is easily achieved with the glass.
48 by 36 inches for a Shower Stall
Different factors will affect the size of the glass shower enclosure. These factors include the available space in your bathroom and whether you prefer to set it in a standalone unit or an alcove of the bathroom. If you have a lot of space to work with, you can choose a large glass shower enclosure. As compared to a tub and shower combo, shower stalls provide more room to move around. You can also check out this article that we have written titled, should you leave your shower curtain open or closed? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
32 by 32 inches, 34 by 34 inches, 36 by 36 inches Square-Shaped Showers
Square-shaped showers can stand in the corner of the bathroom, along with all four sides enclosed by glass, or along one wall. The location and size of the shower stall will enhance the comfort and functionality of the bathroom. However, you need to remember that the size, placement, and shape of the shower can also affect the available space.
What are the Main Features of a Shower Stall?
The main features of a shower stall include the type and position of the door, the threshold, and the hardware finish. Let us learn more about these features below.
Type and Position of the Door
One of the main features of a shower stall is the type and position of the door. If you have a small or narrow space for the shower stall, it is ideal that you use a sliding shower door. On the other hand, if space is not an issue, you can choose a hinged door. Another option is that you can have a pivot door that swings in or out. A curved door is perfect if you want the interior of the shower stall to have more space. A clear sliding shower door is popular nowadays. If you want one, you can check out this shower stall kit with a clear sliding door.
Threshold
Another main feature of a shower stall is the threshold. This is where you step over to get in and out of the shower. In the US, the standard building code requirement for the threshold is a minimum of two inches. Bear in mind that there are three types of thresholds that you can choose from which includes the high, low, or no threshold.
A lot of homeowners choose the low threshold because they look better in modern bathrooms. Aside from that, low thresholds are also ideal for those who need easy access. However, you can also choose a high threshold for a thicker base. If you want the shower stall to look more spacious, you can prefer not to have a threshold.
Hardware Finish
Lastly, the hardware finish is another main feature that you need to consider in a shower stall. Nowadays, you can find a wide array of options available on the market. From the grab bars, shower door, and hand handles, you can choose different styles, colors, and materials.
What is the Standard Size for a Shower Cubicle?
The standard shower cubicle measures 2000mm by 1000mm. On the other hand, a disabled shower cubicle is designed to easily maneuver wheelchairs. The usual size of the disabled shower cubicle measures 2000mm by 2200mm. Moreover, a tip-up shower seat that measures 500mm by 500mm should be placed in a corner along with grab rails set on the shower headwall. You can also check out this article titled, do orchids like bathrooms? We have shared tips and information that you can refer to.
What is a Comfortable Size for a Shower?
People feel more comfortable using 48 inches 36 inches showers as compared to the standard sizes ones that measure 32 inches by 32 inches. The bigger and more spacious the shower is, the more space there is to maneuver, and provides extra comfort. You can also check out this article titled, should I tile under my shower base? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
What is the Best Size for a Shower?
The best size for a shower will have to depend on the preferences of the user. A lot of people recommend a shower to be at least three feet square with a wide entry so that there is more space to get in and move around. A shower that measures 42 inches by 60 inches is even better because it helps keep the water from staying out and also provides space to easily maneuver someone in a walker or a wheelchair.
What is the Average Cost to Install a Shower Stall?
The average cost of installing a shower stall is from 1,700 to 1,800 dollars. The price will vary according to the materials used, the style, the design, and the size of the shower. Installing a standard shower usually costs between 750 to 3,000 dollars while installing a customized shower stall can cost between 4,200 to 8,500 dollars. Are shower bases expensive? Check out this article that we have shared titled, why are shower bases so expensive? We have discussed the different factors that affect the price of shower bases.
What is a Stall Shower Curtain?
A stall shower curtain is a curtain that is specifically designed to fit the stall shower. A regular shower curtain is too big for a stall shower. We have also written this article that discusses if you can use a regular shower curtain for a stall shower. You can check out the article for more tips and information about the topic.
How Long Does a Shower Stall Last?
When properly installed and maintained, the average shower stall can last up to 50 years. Take note that this will also have to depend according to the material that the shower stall is made from. Some materials are more durable compared to others.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article which discusses the different sizes of shower stalls. There are different sizes of shower stalls that are sold on the market so you can rest assured that you will find one that fits the available space in your bathroom. Before deciding on the size of the shower stall, make sure to check the international residential code in your location to determine the building rules that you have to follow. Thank you for reading!