At Laurel Mountain, we're dedicated to providing bathrooms that blend safety, accessibility, and style. Our belief is that everyone deserves a bathroom designed to cater to these essential aspects. Discover the perfect harmony of form and function for your space.
Our commitment to inclusivity drives us to provide innovative solutions that adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Whether you want to renovate an existing bathroom or create a new accessible space, we have the expertise and products to cater to your needs.
The ADA was enacted to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to facilities and services, promoting independence and dignity. Regarding bathrooms, adherence to ADA shower requirements is crucial for creating a space accommodating individuals with diverse mobility needs. At Laurel Mountain, our team is committed to helping you design and construct a bathroom that meets these requirements and enhances the overall aesthetics and functionality.
ADA-compliant showers should have a threshold of no more than 1/2 inch. This barrier free shower base allows easy entry and exit, reducing the risk of tripping or falling.
The ADA mandates that shower stalls have a minimum interior dimension of 36 inches by 36 inches for transfer showers and a minimum of 60 inches by 30 inches for roll-in showers. This size ensures sufficient space for individuals using mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or shower chairs, to maneuver comfortably.
The shower must have a minimum outside clearance of 36 inches in width and 48 inches in length, measured from the control wall to allow for easy approach in a wheelchair.
A mandatory feature in an ADA shower is a wall-secured seat, which can be either folding or non-folding and is capable of withstanding a minimum of 250 lbs of vertical or horizontal force, applied at any point on the seat. In transfer showers, the seat should extend from the back wall to a point within 3 inches of the shower entry. The optimal height of the seat should range from a minimum of 17 inches to a maximum of 19 inches above the bathroom floor.
Grab bars must be installed inside the shower stall to enhance safety and stability. These bars aid individuals with balance and support while transferring in and out of the shower. ADA guidelines specify the appropriate height and placement of these grab bars. Roll-in showers and transfer showers require horizontal bars on at least two walls. The tops of the horizontal bar should be 33 to 36 inches from the floor. For transfer showers, the bottom of the vertical bar must be 3 to 6 inches above the horizontal bar on the wall.
The controls, shower spray unit, and faucet in transfer showers must be installed on the side wall opposite the seat. The shower spray unit for transfer showers must have a minimum hose length of 59 inches that can be used as a hand-held shower or a fixed-position shower head. The shower head must have a non-positive shut-off with an on-and-off control. The shower controls should be accessible and operable from a seated position. This accommodation is crucial for individuals who cannot stand for extended periods.
Discover the key to ensuring your facility is ADA-compliant with the United States Access Board's presentation on accessible bathing facilities. Download it now to gain valuable insights that will help you provide a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all.
