Minimum dimensions of toilets according to regulations
Room dimensions
If you have a toilet to install as part of a construction or redevelopment of rooms under renovation, the question of the size of the toilet may arise. This small room must meet comfort and accessibility requirements and take into account practical aspects such as the direction of opening the door, ventilation, etc.
The dimensions of this part should not be chosen lightly and are regulated.
The measures stipulated by the regulations are:
- Length of the piece: 1.40 m minimum;
- Room width: 70 cm minimum.
This regulation is based on a certain logic which recommends that if we must take into account the space occupied by the bowl, the evacuation and the flush, what remains must be sufficient to sit and place one’s legs with adequate space between the person and the door. The measurements stipulated are, of course, taken in relation to a large adult.
What about the door?
In addition to the question of the dimensions of the room, the regulations also stipulate thatit is necessary that the door opens outwards so as not to obstruct entry and exit from the room. It is also a question of safety: if the person in the toilet falls or becomes unwell, help from outside must be able to enter the room. However, this becomes impossible if the door opens inwards and a person is on the ground.
The only exception for opening from the inside concerns toilets of a sufficiently long length so that the opening can be done taking into account the presence of a person. For example, if the door is 63 cm wide, the minimum length of the toilet will be 2 meters, or, for a door 93 cm wide, the length of the room then increases to a minimum of 2.30 meters.
The sliding opening door – often recommended in the case of a layout for a person with reduced mobility in order to facilitate passage with an armchair or crutches – can also be the solution during a renovation, if you cannot really change the length of the piece.
What regulations for people with reduced mobility?
Room dimensions
When building their homes, more and more people are adopting more comfortable dimensions in order to adapt spaces to people with reduced mobility, particularly if they have a rental project for their home.
In fact, by adapting the premises to PRMs, they open up a larger panel of potential tenants. The demand for housing adapted for people with reduced mobility is greater than the supplyeven if mentalities tend to change.
In addition, one may also want to adapt the dimensions in anticipation of one’s own old age and so that the dimensions remain suitable in the event of future reduced mobility.
The regulations stipulate that, for these people, the dimensions of the room are as follows:
- width : 1.5 m minimum;
- length : 1.5m minimum.
- free space around the bowl: 1.10 m
- minimum height of the bowl: 50cm
What about the door?
For people with reduced mobility the regulations are based on the passage of a wheelchair, even if all PRMs are not necessarily in a wheelchair.
We consider that it is necessary to facilitate the passage of an armchair and to install support bars at seat height.
The door will therefore open outwards or, better yet, slide, to facilitate passage, with an access width of a minimum of 85 cm.
It is necessary to pose folding handles at the level of the bowlat a height of 80 cm and a width of 90 cm.
If the room is too small (sized just 1.50 m by 1.50 m), the sink will have to be installed outside the room so as not to obstruct the passage of the chair. However, it can be placed in the toilet if the room is larger than these dimensions, taking into account the measurements of the sink. The latter must be positioned at a height of 80 cm.
Allow a depth of more than 60 cm for adding the sink.
Dimensions of the toilet bowl
Bowl height
Between the floor and the edge of the bowl, the ideal measurement is between 40 and 50 cm. These dimensions are calculated for most people, but we will make sure to increase them slightly when it comes to fitting out toilets for people with reduced mobility who will find more comfort in using a toilet bowl. higher.
Type of bowl/WC
Wall-hung toilets are on the rise. They are convenient for cleaning and have a more modern appearance than the floor-standing toilet.
However, the suspended toilet must meet certain installation criteria (bearing wall, support frame) and are a little more expensive to install compared to a traditional toilet.
Once again, we will take into account the space to make the best choice.
From an aesthetic point of view, even if you prefer to opt for a traditional toilet bowl for budget reasons, Today you have a wide range of colors that go beyond the ordinary and traditional white sanitary ware. For graphic toilets, you can dare to go with black or even red. All originalities are allowed and blue, pink and lavender will add a touch of softness to this space of the house which also offers the possibility of highlighting one’s creativity.
What is the ideal toilet size for comfort?
To arrange a space comfortably, you can plan toilets with a width of 1 meter and a length of 1.80 meters. They are both easy to access and provide greater comfort of use.
With minimum comfort measures (width 90 cm and length of 1 meter), we take into account the ideal space dedicated to the bowl plus 20 cm distributed on either side of it.
We also allow approximately 40 cm of space in front of the toilet bowl.
With larger dimensions (width 1 meter to 1.5 meters and length, 1.80 meters to 2 meters), we could also consider adding a small hand basin and a shelf for storage.
How to make the toilet pleasant?
Space
If you respect the regulations, you will be able to feel comfortable in your toilet, but sometimes, if the configuration allows it, you can further enlarge the dimensions for better comfort.
If you have any doubts about the optimal dimensions, do not hesitate to seek professional advice.
Choose the best solution for the door, to avoid taking up too much space.
The options
Toilet bowls may be offered with a push flush button. Other models are pull buttons. For wall-hung toilet bowls, the button is often recessed into the wall. Installing a double button makes sense for economic and ecological reasons. It helps limit water consumption by offering different water jet power.
If you install a sink in the toilet, you can also choose to install taps with a water saver to avoid wasting water, or a tap with a motion detector to avoid letting the water run for let’s soap ourselves.
Ventilation and lighting
With or without a window in the room, it is important to provide good ventilation. This avoids discomforts such as humidity problems or persistent odors.
The lighting should not be blinding but should always be sufficient to enable reading, which is often an occupation in toilets.
The interview
If you have a septic tank, maintain your bowl with suitable products and do not use bleach. A maintenance product must be used every three months to avoid bad odors. Have your septic tank emptied regularly by an authorized professional.
For the sewer system, you can carry out regular maintenance of your toilets with the usual products. Some favor natural products, others swear by bleach to disinfect their toilet bowl. Whatever your choice, it is recommended to carry out rigorous maintenance of this space.
The decoration
Even simple, decoration is permitted and even recommended. A small green plant if you have natural light can give a little something extra to this room. It’s also up to you if you want a more attractive and colorful piece: choose, for example, a pretty painting for your walls or wall tiles to give more personality to this room.
To store your cleaning products and your supply of toilet paper, you can provide a wall cabinet which takes up less space than a floor unit and allows you to have everything at hand.
Which are the errors to avoid ?
With the implementation of current regulations, installing toilets may seem simple at first glance. However, there are a few mistakes to avoid if the layout of this room is to be truly successful.
- Always check that your measurements are consistent with users and comfort. Knees should not come into contact with the door. We must not run into walls on either side as soon as we move. If you have a tall person in your family, remember to provide enough space so that they do not lack comfort.
- Take care in choosing your door and be careful about the direction of the opening.
- Also think about thermal insulation: If your toilet is at the other end of the house, it is important that the room has a normal temperature and that users are not chilled when they enter it in winter.
- Soundproofing the room is also to be provided to ensure more privacy.
- Ventilation is essential, especially if your toilet does not have a window. Lack of ventilation can cause odor and humidity problems in this small space.
- The lighting must also be well adapted for the visual comfort of users.
By following these few simple design rules, you can make your toilet more comfortable and pleasant to use.