Whether building a new home, adding a new bathroom, or renovating an existing bathroom, knowing shower sizes and configurations is an important part of the design process. You want to be as comfortable as possible in the shower while leaving room for the door to open and for the other fixtures to be accessible and usable.
Standard Shower Sizes
There are dozens of different-sized showers–including custom-made units. The smallest shower allowed by the International Residential Code (IRC) is 30” x 30”. This size shower is rarely used except in very limited spaces. Standard sizes begin at 32” x 32”.
The following chart lists the most common shower configurations and base sizes.
- Square Shaped Shower Stalls: 32” x 32”, 34” x 34”, 36” x 36”
- Large Rectangular Stalls: 36” x 60”
- Shower/Tub Combinations: 60” wide x 30” deep x 70” tall, 60” wide x 36” deep x 72” tall
- Walk-in Showers: 60” wide x 30” deep, 60” wide x 42” deep
- Corner Stalls: 32” x 32”
- Angle Corner Stall: 42” rear x 42” side x 29 ¾” door
- Steam Showers: 36” x 36” x 84” tall, 48” x 60” x 96” tall, 66” x 66” x 90” tall, 72” x 48” x 88” tall
- Americans With Disabilities Act Access: 36” x 36”
Choosing a Shower Size
Choosing a shower size depends on many variables.
- Bathroom Size. Small bathrooms (5’ x 8’) can only accommodate small shower stalls or small shower/tub combinations. Angle corner stalls save a few square feet of floor space but you will need room to open the door.
- Design. New bathrooms or complete bathroom renovations allow you to locate the plumbing wherever you want–giving you more flexibility with shower positioning and size. Using shower curtains instead of swing doors in a shower stall saves room in the bathroom and allows for larger showers.
- Door Swings. Most bathroom doors swing into the bathroom and require up to 10 square feet of floor space. Installing a pocket door or an outswing door allows space for a larger shower.
- Body Size. Someone 6’ 4” and 250 lbs. is likely never going to be comfortable in a 32” x 32” shower stall.
- Personal Preferences. If you only shower and don’t bathe, you can save space by installing shower stalls instead of a shower/tub combination. Or install a large steam shower.
One way to help you decide on a shower size is to mark off the base size on the floor and stand in the area. Move around like you are washing to see if you feel comfortable. Keep in mind how much space your taps and spout require and the amount of space a seat or bench takes–if you plan to add one.
Shower Curtains and Doors
One way to preserve floor space in your bathroom is to use shower curtains or sliding doors. Shower stall doors that swing open need at least 4 or 5 square feet of floor space and two feet of clearance to the nearest bathroom fixture–like toilets and vanities. Shower curtains and sliding doors remain inside the footprint of the shower base–providing more open floor space.
