How to design an accessible wet room

When it comes to designing a shower space for disabled users, the easiest and safest option is usually a walk in shower or wet room.

For maximum comfort, it is often best to install the shower in the same wet room space as an accessible toilet and sink, especially if space is tight.

These bathroom spaces must be specially designed with accessibility in mind and specific height and dimension requirements must be respected.

Walk in or wet room showers have the same basic components as traditional showers with additional characteristics:

• they are open making them spacious and easier to access;

• there is no threshold to step over on the floor;

• they are adaptable and you can install a shower screen.

Installing a walk in or wet room shower requires extensive building work. In terms of materials, it should be easy enough to track down supplies.

Here are the main components required to install a walk in shower:

• a walk in shower tray which forms the floor of the shower;

• anti-slip flooring (if the shower tray does not have an anti-slip surface; to be fitted to a height of under 2cm);

• a low profile shower waste to fit beneath the shower tray;

• adhesive for the flooring; silicone to seal.

It's worth noting that it is usually easier to install a wet room shower as part of a complete bathroom renovation. In this case, you can use the same anti-slip flooring for the whole room, including the shower floor, as long as you ensure you have a suitable slope to the waste outlet.

All shower fittings must be accessible and installed at the correct height to ensure accessibility, comfort and safety for the user.

Building Regulations Approved Document M provides details of the specific requirements for disabled shower room layouts, dimensions and included fixtures and fittings.

The document sets out minimum dimensions for a bathroom wet room, whether or not it includes a toilet, basin and shower.

• the minimum size of a disabled shower room is 2200mm deep by 2000mm; the minimum dimensions for an accessible wet room with a toilet, basin and shower are 2500mm x 2400mm;

• the shower tray must measure a minimum of 1000mm x 1000mm;

• there must be 1500mm x 1500mm clear circulation space to enable the wheelchair user to turn around;

• the floor of the shower area must be anti-slip and should generally feature a maximum fall of 2%.

The document also sets out the height requirements for shower fixtures and fittings:

• a foldaway shower seat should typically be installed 440mm to 560mm from the ground;

• horizontal grab rails should be installed on either side of the shower seat at a height of approximately 20 cm above the seat height to assist standing;

• an anti scald shower valve should be fitted within reach of the foldaway seat;

• both a fixed and an adjustable shower head should be installed, each with independent controls.

• accessories must be easy to grip and adjust;

• soap holders, shampoo dispensers and other accessories should generally be installed at 85 cm from the ground.

When it comes to installing other accessible bathroom equipment and toilets, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• the basin should be installed 720-740 mm from the ground. It should not feature a pedestal and the waste should be installed as close as possible to the wall to allow for wheelchair access underneath;

• doc M mixer taps are required and lever action taps are recommended;

• these taps must be easily operable using one hand;

• an adjustable tilting mirror with a handle can be installed behind the basin;

• grab rails should be installed on either side of the basin;

• shelves and other storage accessories should be installed at an appropriate height;

• toilet seat height must be 440mm and 500mm in a disabled-access bathroom, but the most common height is 450mm;

• grab rails should be installed on each side of the toilet.

• Shower door and screen buying guide

• How to install a wet room shower

• Shower set buying guide

• Shower tray buying guide

• Shower enclosure buying guide