Have you been thinking about redesigning your bathroom? Bathroom remodels are among the top home improvement projects in the country. This comes with good reason because a nicely designed bathroom can offer a great impact on your appreciation of your home.

It is essential to note though that there are a lot of considerations when designing a bathroom. Safety and ergonomics are the main ones. A bathroom may seem to require a simple design because of the small space but it needs careful planning and analysis. Still, the best decision that any homeowner can ever do is to seek consultation or hire an architect or an interior designer. These professionals know the design standards all too well and that would benefit the aesthetic and functional aspects of your bathroom’s design.


Codes and Standards

To have a better understanding of the bigger picture, it is essential to learn about the standards or guidelines set by building codes and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Building codes are an area’s official rules in terms of building safety. Any person who plans on a construction project, including DIY home projects, is legally required to abide by these rules. City inspectors check projects and make sure that the building code guidelines were followed.

The majority of cities choose to adopt the guidelines from universal building codes that are updated and developed by the International Code Council or ICC. For residential projects, the International Residential Code or IRC is set as the basis. Cities can lay down more specific rules based on the IRC or amend them as well.

Planning guidelines are also published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association or NKBA. This helps designers to form and design bathrooms with a functional and safe approach. Unlike the building codes, these aren’t legal requirements but serve as helpful in ensuring the safety and usefulness of a bathroom. 


Most Common Standard Bathroom Door Sizes

One of the most important aspects of bathroom design is the door size or opening dimensions. The standard bathroom door size should have a clear opening of 32 inches and a door width of 34 inches. The 34-inch clear width is considered the universal design for bathroom doors. The smallest allowable opening is 24 inches but this is only allowed if existing walls prohibit any type of modifications. 

How to measure a clear opening of a door?

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Measuring from door jamb to door jamb when a door is open provides the door’s opening but this is not the clear opening. To get an accurate clear opening, you will have to measure from the inside of a door to the other side of the opening. Take note that the door should be open when measuring this.

Typically, the clear opening measurement is around 2 inches less compared to the door opening. Just make sure to ignore door knobs upon taking these measurements.

If you are looking to undertake this project we got two recommendations of doors you should consider.

Both have different size and inswing options.


Bathroom Door Size for Wheelchair Accessibility

If you are redesigning your home and need to consider wheelchair accessibility for a family member or even for yourself, then obviously you will need a bigger bathroom door opening. The minimum standard is that an outward opening door should be 950mm wide with a 900mm opening. A bigger bathroom should coincide with this as well as wheelchair accessibility should also be considered in the design. For good measure, a minimum of 1500mm width and 2200mm length is required. 

person in a wheelchair in front of a door
Image credit: Canva

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards serve as an essential basis for accessible design. The width requirements based on ADA standards are the most crucial aspect of the door size. 

You also want to consider making the door opening and closing a swift experience for the person in the wheelchair, so you might want to think about installing a sliding door for your bathroom.

Our top picks for this are:

If you want to find more options you can also check out the list we’ve put together for you of sliding door options.


Standard Bathroom Door Sizes Based on Universal Design Considerations

It is essential to note that bathroom door sizes follow a standard universal design and this does not just spring up from nothing. This was based on careful analysis of usability, accessibility, and ergonomics. Bathroom door sizes may be the smallest among the most essential doors inside of a house but it also takes a lot of careful planning and consideration. 

A bathroom is designed to serve a very important function which is why it is one of the most important rooms of a house. If you plan on redesigning your bathroom, make sure that you carefully consider the standard bathroom door sizes mentioned above. Consider long-term use and what type of door you should be using while you’re at it. Take note that some door manufacturers have a set of door sizes based on the materials used. It would be better to consider other door features as well, especially when you want to consider accessibility for wheelchair users. 

As mentioned earlier, the most intelligent thing that a homeowner can do is to consult an architect or an interior designer. The know-how of these professionals can provide you with a clear understanding of how planning functional spaces coincides with aesthetics. Of course, who wouldn’t want a beautiful bathroom? They also know the standard bathroom requirements such as standard bathroom door sizes and accessibility standards.

Editorial Contributors
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Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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