Bathroom Design
Remodeling Guides
Measures of Remodel Success: Bathrooms by the Numbers
Count on a beautifully laid out bathroom when you factor in these measurements, costs and more
It may appear that bathroom design is all artistry, with a soothing mix of colors, textures and spa features. But this part of the home can be tricky too, so it also comes down to the numbers. Knowing the following numbers will help you remodel your bath so that it is both beautiful and functional.
Designers and codes don't always agree completely on these, so when you get ready to build or remodel, be sure to check local requirements first.
Designers and codes don't always agree completely on these, so when you get ready to build or remodel, be sure to check local requirements first.
15: The minimum distance in inches from the center of your toilet to the adjacent walls. Fifteen inches might not seem like much, and it’s not. Many designers will allow more than this to avoid a squeezed-in feeling. Similarly, allow at least 24 inches of clear space in front of the toilet.
30: The height in inches of a typical bath vanity. This measurement can vary greatly by personal taste and the kind of sink you choose. If you select a vessel sink, you might actually like your counter lower so that the top of the sink is at 30 inches. You might also want to change the vanity height based on how tall you are to make sure it is comfortable.
80: The height of a showerhead in inches. This is another feature that can vary based on the height of those in the household. A nice compromise is a handheld shower on a sliding bar. That way it can be adjusted to the right height for anyone using it, and you get the added benefit of being able to easily wash your shower or tub by removing the showerhead from its cradle.
75: The average dollar cost of tempering a bathroom window, if required by code. Most building codes require tempering for any windows that are placed on walls with showers or tubs below them. Tempering keeps the glass from splintering if it breaks, which reduces the potential for injury.
2: The centimeter width of stone slab typically used when installed as a backsplash. You may select a 3-centimeter slab for your countertop, but if you try to install a remnant as a backsplash or sidesplash, you may be disappointed by how thick it looks. Many fabricators can mill a remnant down to 2 centimeters so that you have a sleeker look while matching your counter.
2: The centimeter width of stone slab typically used when installed as a backsplash. You may select a 3-centimeter slab for your countertop, but if you try to install a remnant as a backsplash or sidesplash, you may be disappointed by how thick it looks. Many fabricators can mill a remnant down to 2 centimeters so that you have a sleeker look while matching your counter.
50: The number of CFMs (cubic feet per minute of air changes) most codes require as a minimum in bath fans. Getting exactly the right number of CFMs for your bath involves calculating the volume of the room and the length of the ductwork. There are charts available online to help with this calculation. Add some bells and whistles to that fan with timers, humidity-sensing controls and other features.
2.5: The maximum gallons per minute allowed to flow through showerheads. There are many lower-flow options that feel like they have a higher flow rate because they are under higher pressure or have a different head configuration. It’s great to visit a showroom where multiple showerheads are hooked up so that you can see how they spray before you buy.
1/16, 1/8 or 3/8: The width in inches of your grout lines. The possibilities are actually limitless, but it’s something to think through carefully while selecting tile. The grout line will determine not only how your tile looks, but how it lays out. If you have 5 feet of space to fill, don’t expect five 12- by 12-inch tiles to fit perfectly. Figure in grout lines to know whether you’ll have to cut some tiles, and where you want those cuts.
3 or 4: The maximum square-inch size of tile easily installed in the pan of a typical shower. Because the shower pan slopes to the drain (usually in the center) larger tiles can’t be installed to match the slope without being cut. Sometimes a cut installation can work, but it’s easier to install smaller tiles. A side benefit of the small tiles is that they have more traction because of the grout lines.