Bathroom Clearances Guide: Doors, Toilets, and Showers

Clearances are the invisible difference between a bathroom that feels roomy and one that feels cramped. While codes vary by location, you can still plan for comfortable spacing.

Door Swing and Entry

• Make sure the door does not hit the toilet or vanity
• Consider a pocket door in tight layouts
• Leave enough space to stand and close the door

Toilet Area

• Provide clear space in front of the toilet
• Keep enough side-to-side space so it does not feel squeezed

Shower and Tub

• Make sure the shower entry is wide enough to use easily
• Plan for a clear, dry spot just outside the shower

Vanity Area

• Allow space to stand and open drawers
• If two people use the bathroom, plan for overlap in front of the sink

Mock Up the Layout Before Building

Tape the layout on the floor or use cardboard cutouts. This helps you feel the real spacing and avoids surprises after installation.

Accessibility and Future Use

Even if you do not need accessibility features now, a little extra clearance makes the bathroom easier to use and improves resale appeal.

Door Options That Save Space

Pocket doors or out-swing doors can free up valuable space in tight layouts. These are often simple changes that make the room feel larger.

Storage and Clearance Interactions

Large vanities or tall cabinets can reduce standing space. If you need storage, consider recessed or wall-mounted options to keep the floor area clear.

Test With Real Fixtures

If possible, bring cardboard cutouts or empty boxes to simulate the vanity, toilet, and shower door swing. This makes spacing issues obvious before installation.

Final Thought

Even without exact measurements, planning for generous clearances improves daily comfort. If you are unsure, have your contractor mock up the layout on the floor before framing.