How to Build a Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom

Install wide doorways. If the bathroom is accessible from a straight-in approach, make the door at least 32 inches wide, but 36 inch wide doors are better for access. The door for hallway bathrooms should be at least 36 inches wide so a wheelchair has room to turn. If you install a swing-away door hinge, add an extra two inches to the door’s frame.

Install a tub transfer seat in bathrooms that have tubs. This seat allows a wheelchair user to take a bath without the need to lower herself to the tub’s floor.

Build a wheelchair-accessible shower. Install a shower equipped with a seat, a roll-in shower or one that has a small curb that contains the water to one area, as full roll-in showers have the tendency to make the whole bathroom floor get wet. It is also a good idea to provide a handheld showerhead at chair height so an individual can place the stream of water where needed. If you do not have a wheelchair an individual can use in the shower, provide or install a waterproof shower seat.

Equip tubs and showers with grab bars. Grab bars provide extra balance support when getting in and out of a shower or tub.

Install a toilet seat that is 17 to 19 inches tall. Place a toilet grab bar on the wall or in the form of a fold-down grab bar.

Use a pedestal style sink, wall-mounted sink or a sink that does not have lower vanity cabinets beneath the basin. The bottom of the sink should be about 29 inches above the floor and the counter should not exceed 34 inches in height so a wheelchair user can roll under the basin to gain access. Use a single-lever control in place of two faucets to control the water flow and temperature. Insulate or cover any exposed pipes to prevent burns.

Include a large mirror that tilts so all individuals using the bathroom can adjust it as needed.