Code for the amount of door swing?

mandolynn100 · 06-10-2009, 09:51 PM

Does anyone know if there is a certain degree that an inside door (to a bathroom) needs to be able to open?

We are redoing our bathroom. It is a straight shot from the door, with the vanity on the left wall and the shower, tub, and toilet on the right wall. The shower is directly behind the open door.

It is currently a one-piece acrylic that is set back 5-6 inches more than the tub. We'd like to replace it with tile and extend it as much as we can because it is pretty small. The door only opens maybe 115 degrees now before it hits the shower doors. Thanks for any help.

Amanda

Scuba_Dave · 06-10-2009, 10:21 PM

Many bathroom doors only open 90 degrees
Both my bathrooms at this house are that way & the bathroom at my last house too

Just Bill · 06-11-2009, 07:36 AM

Looked thru IRC, don't see anything on bathroom doors. Just specifics on toilet and tub clearances.

gma2rjc · 06-11-2009, 08:44 AM

You're smart to think about the door ahead of time. Some people don't....

Scuba_Dave · 06-11-2009, 09:31 AM

That's too funny
My last house I installed a pocket door because the bathroom was small. It allowed me to put a larger vanity in

mandolynn100 · 06-11-2009, 09:36 PM

I love the notch they cut out. You know you're right, scubadave, I know in my parents' house there a bathroom door that only opens 90 degrees. Thinking about it, even if it was to code to be slightly less it just would look or flow right.

We had thought about a pocket door, but I've heard that they can be a pain in the butt, and we also would have to deal with an outlet and the main wall switch, and nowhere else to really put it. But it would definitely be nice to not have the door constantly hitting the shower door.

**Gary in WA** · 06-11-2009, 10:41 PM

Just put hinge stop on it. They tend to punch a hole in the door unless it is a solid core, though. If hollow core, add a self closing hinge spring (bommer hinge) on the other hinge pin. Be safe, G

mandolynn · 06-12-2009, 08:10 PM

Oh brother. Why did I not think of that? Thank you so much.

Paragon · 06-14-2009, 06:51 PM

No code that I am aware of unless you are dealing with ADA and then you get into clear space requirements but not really door opening angles.

If it opens 90 degrees you are good to go but just make sure you accomodate what needs and space requirements you need.

Take care and good luck!

mandolynn100 · 06-14-2009, 09:33 PM

Yeah, I think 90 degrees will be alright, too. I just have to remember to factor in the handle on the shower door if it hits at the doorknob. Thanks.