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17", Our smallest accessible vanity so far...

September 4th 2,025

When remodeling commercial spaces to comply with TDLR requirements, one of the biggest challenges we encounter is the bathroom sink. Some of the constraints we find are:

  • Limited space from the back wall to the front edge of the sink.

  • The use of insta-hot devices create a messy look that we want to hide. Wall mount sinks will not have the capability to hide things below the sink.

  • Prefab ADA compliant vanities are sometimes pricey, only come in standard sizes that do not always fit the space, and the finish selections are limited.

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CREATING A CUSTOM - LOW COST ACCESSIBILE VANITY 17" LONG:

CASE STUDY 1

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STEP ONE: Determine the available space based on TDLR requirements and allowances:

  • In this case we resourced to swing the door out without an automatic closer. In this way we did not need to have a 12” clearance on the latch side of the door. We only have 3” from the door opening to the edge of the vanity.  WE DETERMINED WE HAVE ONLY 17” TO 17.5” AVAILABLE FROM THE WALL TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE VANITY.

  • The 5’ clearance for the commode was also taken into account. WE DETERMINED WE HAVE 30” WIDTH AVAILABLE FOR THE VANITY.

  • The depth of the sink should be around 5”, and no more than 6”. to allow for the 27" knee space+countertop thickness.

STEP TWO: Finding a sink with the following characteristics:

  • The drain needs to be at the rear side of the sink  4" to 5” from the backsplash. Otherwise, the P-trap will not fit behind the apron.

  • For Undermount sinks, we need the cut-out dimension to be no more than 12”. For a 17" countertop (from the backsplash to front the edge of the vanity), we can safely have at least 2.5” of stone slab in the front and the back of the sink cut out. 

  • For Vessel sinks there is more flexibility, because we don’t need a sink cut-out.  We found a 13”x15.5” vessel with a rear drain at 5” from the backsplash. We used the vessel attached to the back wall (see section detail)​​

STEP THREE: Designing the vanity and getting it built

TIPS:

  • Offset the drain at least 4” from the sink drain, so the P trap has enough space to turn sideways and turn again to reach the wall.

  • Make sure the location of the structural reinforcement does not conflict with the location of the faucet and water supply outlet.

  • When working with very tight spaces make sure to take into account the thickness of the backsplash tile. If your backsplash will be installed ON TOP of the 17" countertop, you will lose about 1/2" for tile and mortar. keep that in mind so you don't end up with a 16.5" countertop, and fail passing the TDLR inspection.

  • Give your design at least ¼” allowance for error.

  • Show in the section detail drawings the "knee clearance" dimensions, and use a cardboard template to verify dimensions in construction.

  • When working with minimal dimensions, work side by side with the contractor to find alternative solutions.

  • Use a one hole faucet and place it on one side of the sink, so you have enough room for the mirror. This placement of the faucet is TDLR and ADA approved, and actually is a more comfortable option for people with physical limitations.

  • Accessible sinks are usually shallower. Try aligning the faucet with the drain to reduce the amount of splashing.

  • A vessel sink tends to be more comfortable for people with physical limitations when the rim of the sink is close to the front edge of the vanity.

If you have questions or need assistance designing an accessible bathroom, please contact us at 1COMMON GROUND

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by: Laura Baiamonte, AIA, NCARB

© 2025 1commonground
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