Accessible Solutions: Bathroom Plans and Finishes

Accessibility in master baths may be provided in part with duplicate fixtures. If there are two vanity sinks, for example, one can be tailored to the wheelchair user and the other to the other occupant. Master bath doors, especially from dressing areas, are often left open when the room is either unoccupied or being used solely for grooming. Compartmentalized bathrooms may include an inner and an outer door. For master bedrooms, a swinging door, a pocket door, or a pair of small cafe-style doors may be appropriate as long as the open door is not an obstruction. Components of Accessible Bath and Toilet Rooms Special design consideration is recommended for toilet rooms that will serve a wheelchair user. Every component-- including the doors, finishes, lighting, mechanical, and storage facilities-- should be carefully selected. Bathroom Doors - Different doors are appropriate for different bathrooms depending on their use and location. Hall bathroom or powder room doors, for example, are typically kept partially open when the room is not in use. The open door signals that the room is vacant and provides daylight to the hall. If the hall bath is large enough, an in-swinging door is usually most appropriate. Out-swinging doors must remain closed, otherwise the open door obstructs the hallway. Bathroom doors should be wide enough to allow comfortable passage, but no wider than necessary in order to minimize the clearance required for the swing. For wheelchair users, a 32" clear opening is recommended. A narrower width may be adequate, particularly when a bathroom door location allows a straight wheelchair approach. Bathroom door hardware should be easy to operate. Special care should be exercised in selecting hardware for pocket doors. Recessed hardware is difficult to use without good hand function, so surface-mounted pulls are recommended. These pulls reduce the opening width, however, so extra width should be provided. Bathroom windows provide both light and ventilation so it is convenient if some units are installed in accessible locations. Although many types of windows are appropriate for a variety of different reasons, casements are often easy to operate because of their crank mechanism and their simple latch catches. Bathroom Finishes - Bathroom finishes for walls, floors, ceilings, and built-in casework must meet demanding performance requirements. Because they may get wet, bathroom finishes must be moisture resistant and easy to clean. Finishes should not absorb odor and should resist staining, so bathroom surfaces are usually hard and smooth. These surfaces can be slippery when wet and, in the event of an accidental fall, can result in serious injuries. Powder rooms and the grooming portion of compartmentalized bathrooms do not need similar moisture protection because they do not include bath fixtures. Floor finish options are generally limited to either ceramic tile or vinyl products. Ceramic tile is a harder floor material, but with a no-skid finish it can provide a more, slip-resistant surface when wet. Vinyl products are less expensive, softer in the event of a fall, and warmer to the touch. Both finishes can be easily cleaned. Carpet can create hygiene problems and makes wheelchair travel difficult.

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