Bathrooms

Layouts, waterproofing, ventilation, sanitaryware, storage, finishes, accessibility, and renovation planning.

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Bathrooms guides

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01BA

Bathrooms · 45 min planning

How to plan a small bathroom layout

Protect clearances and door movement first, then align plumbing, storage, lighting, ventilation, and visual sightlines.

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A sound starting point

What to check first

Bathrooms need coordinated waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, access and storage. Resolve the wet-area system before finalising tile and fitting choices.

Plan the water path

Falls, wastes, thresholds, screens and junctions should direct water to drainage without trapping it.

Protect clearances

Test door swings, shower entry, toilet space, cleaning access and safe movement before ordering fixtures.

Vent moisture outdoors

Size and operate extraction appropriately and provide a path for replacement air.

South Africa · Australia · New Zealand

Regional context

Wet-area extents, floor wastes, licensed waterproofing, electrical zones, ventilation and inspection requirements vary across jurisdictions. Use the rules adopted where the property is located and coordinate the membrane with the exact drain, substrate, penetrations and doorway.

Plan the work

A better project brief

Draw the water path

Show shower spray, falls, waste, threshold or waterstop, screen openings and where a blocked drain could send overflow.

Protect service access

Keep valves, cistern mechanisms, traps and fan components reachable without breaking waterproof finishes.

Plan drying and cleaning

Provide effective extraction, replacement air, towel space, accessible corners and finishes that tolerate the intended cleaning routine.

Coordinate every penetration

Record taps, mixers, shower arms, screens, grab rails, cabinets, lights and accessories before waterproofing. Use designed seals or fixing zones so later installers do not puncture the membrane blindly.

Test the occupied layout

Check entry, showering, drying, toilet use, grooming, storage and cleaning with doors and drawers open. Protect comfortable reach and emergency access rather than relying only on whether fixtures fit on paper.

Common questions

Bathrooms quick answers

Are tiles waterproof?+

Tiles and grout are finishes. The specified waterproofing system and correctly detailed penetrations protect the building beneath.

How can a small bathroom gain storage?+

Use recessed or mirrored cabinets, wall-hung fittings, shallow ledges and storage positioned outside direct splash zones.

Does a bathroom renovation need a floor waste?+

Requirements depend on jurisdiction, building class, shower type and the extent of work. Confirm the adopted local code before setting floor levels.

Can waterproofing be repaired locally?+

Sometimes, but only when a compatible detail can overlap sound existing membrane and restore continuity. Hidden or widespread failure may require broader removal.

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