Wall-mounted water closets are more
accessible for persons in wheelchairs. A water
closet seat that is 20″ high is about the same
height as most wheelchair seats and will
provide for easy transfer. Elevated water closet
seats are also available to provide access.
Regular bathtubs range in size from 54″ to
72″ long and 28″ to 32″ wide. The most common
size is 30″ × 60″. Often, a shower is installed
above the tub. This provides the convenience
of both and does not require two separate
facilities.
Bathtub rims should not be lower than 18″
from the floor to provide access from the
wheelchair to the tub. Tubs may also have
such safety features as nonskid bottoms and
grab rails. In addition, various types of seats,
stools, transfer seats, or lifts for use in bathtubs
or showers are available. Bathtubs are avail-
able with built-in bath seat/platform on the
opposite end of the tub from the drain.
Shower stalls are also popular. Many
homes have a tub and separate shower stall.
Prefabricated showers are available in metal,
fiberglass, and plastic. More luxurious showers
are usually made of ceramic tile, terrazzo,
marble, or similar materials, Figure 7-29.
Hand-held shower heads may be more conven-
ient and shower controls should be within reach
of the user. Tub and shower floors should be
flat and slip resistant. Common shower sizes
range from 30″ × 30″ to 36″ × 48″.
Shower stalls are available for wheelchair
users, Figure 7-30. Other stalls are available
with a wall-mounted seat that will fold against
the wall when not in use for persons who can
transfer from a wheelchair to a seat. Placing a
shower head over the center of the shower is
more accessible for wheelchair users.
Additional Fixtures
Many modern homes include a bidet in
bathrooms. Often, a bidet is only installed in
the master bath. However, some home designs
include a bidet in the main bath as well. A
bidet is shown on the left in Figure 7-31.
Whirlpools, Jacuzzis™, and saunas can be
installed in or near the bathroom. A whirlpool
can be used as a bathtub, bubbling bath, or
home spa, Figure 7-31. Powerful, pulsating jets
of water are fully adjustable to provide a
relaxing massage where it is needed the most.
Some Jacuzzis™ may be used as a whirlpool
or a bathtub as well. Saunas can be built as a
part of the bath during construction or
purchased in kits and added later. Some luxu-
rious designs include a combination of a
sauna, whirlpool, and steam bath.
Chapter 7 Room Planning—Sleeping Area and Bath Facilities
143
Figure 7-29. This shower makes use of durable
ceramic tile. (Photo courtesy of Kohler Co.)
Figure 7-30. This one-piece, prefabricated shower is
installed as a complete unit during construction. It is
accessible for wheelchair users. (Aqua Glass)