ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliance is an important consideration when designing a bathroom, as it ensures that the space is accessible and usable for people with disabilities. In this blog, we'll take a look at some key considerations for designing an ADA compliant bathroom, including required heights and dimensions of grab bars, ADA compliant fixtures and design considerations.
Grab Bar Height
One of the main considerations when designing an ADA compliant bathroom is the required heights and dimensions of fixtures and features, particularly grab bars. According to ADA guidelines, grab bars should be mounted at a height of 33-36 inches from the floor, and they should be able to support at least 250 pounds of weight. In addition to height, other dimensions to consider include the width and depth of the grab bars, as well as the spacing between them.
ADA Compliant Products
There are a number of fixtures and features that can help make a bathroom more accessible for people with disabilities. Some examples of ADA compliant fixtures include lever-style handles, touchless faucets (we personally like Principle Faucets), and the inclusion of handheld showers. It's important to choose fixtures and features that are easy to use and operate.
Sunken Floors Rather than Shower Curbs
Another key consideration is the use of a sunken floor rather than a shower curb. A sunken floor allows for easy access to the shower, as it eliminates the need for a threshold or step. This can be especially beneficial for people with mobility impairments or those who use a wheelchair. A no-curb shower design is another option that can provide easy access.
RainStick and ADA Compliance
RainStick has been designed with ADA considerations in mind. The Shower's main controller sits at a height of no more than 48", making the appliance compliant with ADA requirements. The Shower also allows for either a shower curb or a sunken floor in your bathroom design process and comes with a handheld shower for ease of use.
Designing an ADA compliant bathroom requires careful planning and consideration when choosing fixtures and features and is important to ensure bathroom configurations are accessible to all users.