7.02 Bathrooms
Types of Baths
Half-bath/powder room - sink & toilet only
Full bath - sink, toilet, bathtub/shower
¾ bath – sink, toilet, shower with no tub
Master bath – full bath located as part of master bedroom
Bathroom Considerations
Locate near existing plumbing lines to lower construction costs
Position bathrooms to provide sound barriers between private and social areas
Consider how many people will use the bath
Allow space for safety
Design and measure the layout carefully as it is difficult and expensive to move fixtures
Check local building codes for minimum requirements needed for the bath
Bathroom Sinks/Lavatories/Wash Basins
Wall-hung sink: has open space beneath sink, can make the room appear larger
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks: supported by a free-standing base, often artfully shaped or appears as a sculpture
Inset Sinks
Inset Sink: set into the countertop, cabinet below adds storage
Above the counter
Above-the-counter: looks like a decorative washbowl set on a counter. Plumbing is below
Toilets/Water Closets
1. Can be mounted on wall or floor2. Ultra low flush (UFL) toilets may
be required by local building codes, use no more than 1.6 gal as compared to older models which may use up to 5 gal.
Floor mount Wall mount
Showers
Tub Showers: bathtub with a shower head above that may be in a fixed position on wall, adjustable or handheld. Some showers may have multiple heads at various levels
Stall Showers: walk-in with a door
Tubs
Freestanding: may have ball-and-claw for Victorian look
Enclosed tubs: may be round, rectangular, square, oval. Surrounded by 3 walls, may be sunken into floor or built on platform
Whirlpool tubs: includes water jets
Innovative Baths
Towel Warmers Chromotherapy Water jets
Cabinets and Vanities
Base cabinet in a bathroom that conceals pipes, provides counter space and storage
Universal Design in Baths 1. Wide doorways (36”) and extra
floor space (usually 5’x5’ turning radius for wheelchairs)
2. Grab bars near toilet and tub 3. Elevated toilet seat 4. Lever style sink and shower
controls 5. Lower cabinets 6. Tilting mirror
7. No-sill, door-less shower stall with rolling or fixed chair
Grab bars with hand held shower
Resources Housing and Interiors, pages 519-523 www.lowes.com www.homedepot.com www.nkba.com www.tubz.com www.hgtv.com www.bhg.com www.aarp.org
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