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Public Restroom

Everything about designing a public restroom layout

A public restroom is more than just a functional space; it reflects a community's commitment to the well-being and comfort of its members and visitors.

Designing this layout requires careful consideration of various elements, like adequate space for stalls, urinals, sinks, and hand dryers, to minimize waiting times and ensure smooth traffic flow. Notice that public restrooms have official regulations to be followed that vary according to geographic location. Make sure to look into this or consult with an expert to get your layout right!
Dimensions 📏
Rules Of Thumb 👍
Layout Examples ✏️
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  • Sink Dimensions
  • Toilet & Urinal Dimensions
  • Toilet Paper Holder Dimensions
  • Toilet Stall Dimensions
  • Accessible Toilet Grab Bar Dimensions

Sink Dimensions

Sink dimensions and typologies vary widely:
  • Countertop sink sizes range between 40x40 cm to 46x91 cm~
  • Wall-mounted sinks range between 25x40 cm to 35x60 cm~
  • Corner sinks range between 45x45 cm to 60x60 cm~

Toilet & Urinal Dimensions

Public toilet and urinal sizes vary depending on the design and manufacturer. A monoblock toilet size is roughly 75x60 cm. A floating toilet size is approximately 35x50 cm, and a floating urinal size is 38x40 cm~. In both cases, a basin is installed in the wall behind it that ranges between 7-20 cm. All types of toilets and urinals must be coordinated carefully with the plumbing and wall structure. The toilet should always be centralized in an 80 cm clearance space to allow for comfortable use.

Toilet Paper Holder Dimensions

The size of a toilet paper holder is between 10x12 cm to 30x13 cm.

Toilet Stall Dimensions

Dimensions of standard and accessible toilet stalls depend on local building codes and requirements; follow those closely or consult an expert to get them right!
  • A benchmark compact public toilet stall is 80x155 cm~, and a spacious one can get to 90x160 cm~.
  • Accessible toilet stalls range from 150x220 cm~ to 225x190 cm~ and require a minimum of 150 cm floor space radius to allow for the maneuverability of a wheelchair.
  • Note that a toilet stall can be constructed from different types of partitions, which affects its total SQM. Use thin partitions to keep it compact or walls if you have a spacious area in hand.

Accessible Toilet Grab Bar Dimensions

Dimensions of accessible toilet grab bars depend on local building codes and requirements; follow those closely or consult an expert to get them right!
  • Grab bars should be installed in an accessible stall on both sides of a toilet, sink, and in shower.
  • Vertical grab bars come in a 15 cm typology and a 75 cm~ typology.
  • Horizontal grab bars vary between 60-85 cm.
  • L-Shaped shower grab bars are approximately 93x110 cm.
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  • Public Sink Clearance & Guidelines
  • Toilet Stall Clearance & Guidelines
  • Spacing Between a Toilet Seat to a Paper Holder
  • Urinal Clearance & Spacing
  • Accessible Toilet Circulation & Clearance

Public Sink Clearance & Guidelines

  • The amount of sinks a restroom should have is determined by the number of toilets it facilitates. Keep a 1:1 ratio unless there are three or more toilets; in that case, place two-thirds the number of sinks as there are toilets.
  • Whether you have a compact or large space, the minimal clearance in front of a public sink restroom should be approx. 76x120~ cm.
  • When placing several sinks on your layout, space them with a dimension between 35 cm to 45 cm.

Toilet Stall Clearance & Guidelines

  • A toilet should be centralized in an 80 cm clearance, with a minimum of 40 cm from its center to each size.
  • The clearance in front of a toilet should be a minimum of 75x75 cm.
  • The clearance in front of a toilet booth should be a minimum of 76x120 cm.
  • The number of people a space facilitates determines the number of toilets and accessible stalls needed in its restroom; this depends greatly on local building codes and requirements; follow those closely or consult an expert to get them right! A general benchmark is:
  • 1–5 people: require one toilet and one sink
  • 26–50 people: require 3-6 toilets and 3-6 sinks
  • 76–100 people: require 7-10 toilets and 7-10 sinks

Spacing Between a Toilet Seat to a Paper Holder

Small details make the difference!
  • Toilet roll holders are typically installed 20-30 cm from the front of the toilet, a maximum of 91 cm from the rear wall, and about 65 cm high.
  • It's common to place the toilet paper holder on the right side of a stall, looking at its door, as most people are right-handed.
  • Make sure to coordinate between the paper holder to the door opening area!

Urinal Clearance & Spacing

  • A urinal should be centralized in a 76 cm clearance, with a minimum of 38 cm from its center to each size.
  • The clearance in front of a urinal should be 120x76 cm~.
  • Urinals can be laid out on a floor plan with or without partitions, spaced between 30 cm - 40 cm~.

Accessible Toilet Circulation & Clearance

Dimensions of accessible toilet stalls depend on local building codes and requirements; follow those closely or consult an expert to get them right! Some general benchmarks for dimensions are:
  • Clearance in front of sink: is minimum of 75x120 cm.
  • Clearance in front of toilet seat: is a minimum of 120 cm.
  • Circulation radius in stall: is a minimum of 150 cm.
  • Clearance alongside the accessible toilet should be 76 cm for transferring from a wheelchair to the toilet seat and back.
Scroll Down & You Will Find...
  • Double-Stall Public Restroom
  • Triple-Stall Public Restroom
  • Stalls & Urinals in Public Restrooms
  • Mirrored Stalls in Public Restrooms
  • Public Restroom with Accessible Stall

Double-Stall Public Restroom

A restroom with two separate stalls is appropriate for small offices or organizations to ensure minimal waiting time while providing individuals with the privacy they need.

Triple-Stall Public Restroom

A spacious public restroom featuring three individual stalls, allowing for efficient and comfortable use by multiple visitors simultaneously.

Stalls & Urinals in Public Restrooms

A public restroom offering a combination of private stalls and urinals is commonly a men's room rather than a unisex restroom. It caters to the needs and preferences of different users.

Mirrored Stalls in Public Restrooms

Creating a mirrored public restroom layout is space efficient when the wall enclosure allows it. With both toilet stalls and sinks facing each other, it is crucial to maintain adequate circulation space for a smooth flow of people.

Public Restroom with Accessible Stall

Accessible stalls can be located next to public restrooms or incorporated within them. The second option creates an inclusive facility to accommodate individuals with disabilities, featuring a spacious and accessible stall equipped with all necessary amenities.
‘Many Reasons To Get Up In The Morning. The Most Important One: Need To Pee’ 🚽