Bathroom remodels can be difficult. You need to get every measurement correct but shower dimensions most of all. The absolute minimum size for a shower is 30 square inches. However the minimum size that most people find comfortable is 36 square inches. But shower dimensions are much more complicated than that.
Table of Contents
Common Standard Shower Dimensions
What is the Minimum Shower Size
With the rising popularity of tiny homes, you need to know that you can put a shower in with dimensions as small as 30 square inches. Of course, this size will only feel appropriate for petite homeowners. If you have wider shoulders, you’ll want something larger.
The minimum size of shower dimensions appropriate for most people is 36 inches. This is a size that allows you to reach to your head and wash your hair, lean down to wash your feet, and any other necessities.
What are the Shower Dimensions for a Bathtub/Shower Combination
Of course, many families appreciate having a bathtub in their homes. But not everybody has room to have a free-standing bathtub. Because of that, bathtubs are frequently combined with showers.
You get the best of both worlds with the luxury of a bathtub but the quick action of bathing in a shower when necessary. The typical bathtub comes in a 60” length. You can get a one-piece shower/tub combo that has the walls already attached to the tub. Or you can get the walls separate.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your shower walls if they come separate. This way, you can get the right number of handles and shelves to suit your various lotions, potions, and washcloths.
What is the Ideal Size for a Walk-in Shower
Of course, walk-in showers are in demand by most homeowners now. Many people see them as more fashionable and higher end than other bathroom fixtures. The average size of a walk-in shower is 60” x 30” though another common rectangular size is 60” x 42.”
Walk-in showers can really be made of any size. For the most part though, they are made to fit the same nook as an old shower/tub combo. Of course, you can also make a walk-in shower that is square. Be creative with the size!
2 Person Walk-in Shower Dimensions
If you are looking for something more luxurious, you can make a walk-in shower for two people. There’s something about showering with a friend that just makes it more fun, if not more romantic.
Make sure that both occupants have room to move about and bathe completely and easily. Build your shower with at least 72” x 36” for a minimum shower dimension. Again, just like all other types of showers, you can build your shower larger for more luxury.
Luxury Shower Dimensions
Everybody wants a bit of luxury in their lives. To make your shower ultra luxurious, make your shower extra large. Be careful not to make it too large though or you’ll get chilled on the parts of you that are out of the water.
If you do make your shower too big, add extra shower heads to prevent chill. If you don’t want to add extra shower heads, keep your shower to no more than 84” on a side.
There are so many different ways to add luxury to your shower!
Doorless Shower Dimensions
Most showers, regardless of size are bordered by 2-3 walls and a door to keep the water in. You can also create a doorless shower if you situate and lay things out correctly. Start by making sure that you point the shower head away from the door opening.
Doorless showers tend to do better with rectangular shower dimensions rather than square. This allows room for the door to be farther away from the shower head than in a square space. Try to make it at least 36” wide and 60” long.
Dimensions for Common Shower Accessories
Shower Door Measurements
Common Glass Thickness Options
- 3/16
- 1/4
- 3/8
- 1/2
Measuring for a shower door is easy to mess up but also easy to do once you understand the process. Make sure that you measure across the bottom, middle, and top of the shower door opening. That’s the key. There’s no guarantee that your walls are plumb and straight.
When you go to measure the height, you should do so at several different points as well. It’s not as vital to get the height correct since there isn’t anything keeping the door from fitting. However, if you are the type to notice variation, you’ll notice a “tilt.”
Shower Head Height
A typical shower head height is 80” from the floor. Of course, there is no rule that says that you can’t change that. For instance, if you have a family member who is taller than average, you can raise the shower head height to accommodate.
It isn’t recommended to put the shower head lower than 80” if you ever want to sell the home. But you can always consider putting a handheld shower head on so that people who want the shower lower can have that.
Shower Control Valve Height
The control valve in a shower needs to be accessible to any shower user. Typical shower dimensions for the control valve, just like doorhandles, will be anywhere from 36” to 50” from the floor. Again, there is some variation allowed. Don’t be afraid to customize the shower to what you want.
How to Choose the Right Shower Dimensions and Accessories for Your Bathroom
The key with the shower, as with the rest of the bathroom remodel, is to make sure that it works for what you need and what you want. It is crucial that you maintain standards of use above all other concerns. But after the functionality is there, feel free to get creative.
Shower Accessibility
The most crucial concern for shower dimensions and remodels is to make sure that the shower is accessible to all users. A classic example is to make sure that the shower is ADA accessible.
However, you also need to make sure that the shower is accessible to users who may be taller than normal. There is nothing worse than having to do a squat in order to get under the shower head.
Overall Bathroom Dimensions and Layout
There are several important factors to the overall bathroom remodel. It is typical, for example, that if the toilet or sink has to be next to the shower, it’s the toilet. That way the person using the bathroom gets cleaner on the way out.
Remember, there needs to be adequate space for each fixture in the bathroom. Don’t put the toilet so close to the shower that you can wash your feet while using the facilities. And you should never feel cramped while washing your hands.
Conclusion
It can be incredibly difficult to plan your bathroom remodel. And the shower dimensions necessary for a comfortable shower, or maybe even a luxurious shower, are one of the key factors to how you feel in the bathroom.
If you plan on making your shower larger, plan on two shower heads. For those people building out doorless showers, consider a rectangular shower instead of a square shower. There are little tips and tricks for everything. Don’t be afraid to customize!