Inclusivity and accessibility should not only extend to societal conventions. It should also be a part of how our homes are designed. When designing your bathroom, accessibility, ease of use, and safety are important considerations. Accessible bathrooms have designs that allow everyone ease of use, whether they use a wheelchair or not. This article highlights appropriate arrangements of some of the bathroom features you can include when building or going for a bathroom renovation in Ottawa to make it wheelchair-accessible.
How to make your bathroom wheelchair-accessible
Appropriate shower design for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
Some of the most common bathroom injuries involve falls while showering. Wet tiles can be a hazard, even for a non-disabled person, and especially dangerous for the elderly, the infirm, and those who use wheelchairs. Here are some ways you can make your bathroom more accessible and wheelchair friendly:
- Fixed or rolling shower seats of about 17″ to 19″ in height to allow easy transfer from wheelchairs and walkers
- Plastic chairs and stools that can be removed easily for those who don’t need to sit in the shower
- Shower floors should be level with the rest of the bathroom floors, without curbs, to allow access for people who use wheelchairs and walkers
- Showers should be at least 60″ wide for comfortable wheelchair mobility
- Showers with a transfer seat should be 36″ wide
- Install easy-to-reach shelves to hold shower products in the shower
- Install grab bars throughout the shower (3 bars, one on each end)
- Install non-slip floors (preferably textured tile or slatted wood trays over concrete)
- A handheld showerhead that will reach a seated person
- An easy-to-reach towel hook
To see how a professional renovation can completely transform a shower space, browse our bathroom renovation portfolio project for real-world examples.
Appropriate bathtub design for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
While showers are a common bathroom feature and easily customizable, there are also many ways in which bathrooms with bathtubs can be made accessible for all.
- Walk-in tubs with grab bars, featuring a gradual depression that can be walked into using grab bars, with an added seat for more functionality
- Place tub controls near the seat for easy reach
- Install easy-to-reach shelves to hold shower products, either built at shoulder height or aesthetically installed on the bathtub’s edges
- Install grab bars throughout the tub (2 bars, one to grab while standing and one while sitting)
- An easy-to-reach towel hook allows a person to reach for a towel without overextending themselves
If you are unsure whether a full remodel or a targeted renovation better suits your needs, our bathroom renovation vs remodel guide breaks down the key differences to help you make the right call. You can also view our bathroom reno portfolio project to see what a thoughtful accessibility-focused transformation looks like in practice.
Appropriate bathroom vanity designs for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
While many focus on showers and bathtubs, the vanity and sink often get overlooked. The sink is in constant use, and it makes sense for upgrades to be installed here first before moving on to the rest of the bathroom.
- A sink with no cabinet underneath ensures wheelchair users can reach the sink easily without overextending themselves, placed at a height that allows the user’s knees to get under the sink’s lip
- Single-handed or hands-free faucets are convenient and prevent hot water burns. Our plumbing team can handle all fixture upgrades as part of your renovation
- Mirrors at appropriate heights, either lower or longer, will make it easier for the wheelchair user to look at themselves
- Accessible storage means cabinets should be installed at hand rather than shoulder height. Our shelving and storage service can design and install custom solutions that keep essentials within easy reach for wheelchair users
For further design ideas tailored to accessibility, visit our bathroom renovation ideas page before getting started.
Appropriate toilet designs for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
When redoing a bathroom to make it more accessible, almost every facet including the toilet must be redone. Following are some suggestions you can employ:
- A higher toilet of about 17″ to 19″ high, with thicker seats that allow easy transfer from a wheelchair or walker
- Easy to reach toilet paper and other essentials
- A bidet would be ideal for those who cannot reach the toilet paper
- Grab bars on each side at an appropriate height to prevent falls or accidents
Appropriate lighting for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
Dim lights are all the rage, but not so much for accessible bathrooms. Well-planned electrical and lighting upgrades can help mobility-challenged individuals navigate the space more safely.
- Overhead lights will provide added visibility in the tub or shower, aiding people in locating their clothes or other accessories with ease
- Embrace natural lighting if you are not looking for artificial light solutions. Skylights and windows can be an ideal choice, though you still need a reliable artificial light system for night-time or overcast days
- Install switches at low heights for ease of use. You can also add clap-activated, touch-enabled, or motion-detecting systems for lighting
Our simple elegance bathroom reno portfolio project is a great example of how lighting and layout work together to create a clean, functional bathroom space.
Planning Your Accessible Bathroom Renovation
Understanding the full renovation process before you begin saves time and prevents costly surprises. Our reno 101 process page walks you through every stage from initial planning to project completion. For homeowners looking to address accessibility throughout the entire home, our complete home renovation service can bring every room up to the same accessible standard.
For those adding a dedicated accessible bathroom to a lower level, our basement bathroom portfolio project demonstrates how even compact spaces can be designed for full wheelchair accessibility. To learn exactly what to expect at each stage of your project, visit our bathroom renovation process page for a detailed overview.
Ready to Start Your Accessible Bathroom Renovation?
If you are considering adding or redoing an accessible bathroom in your home, Ben Ozorak can help with your bathroom remodelling in Ottawa. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team design a space that is safe, functional, and beautiful for every member of your household.
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