Support Center / Showers, Panels & Accessories / Is a 3/4-Inch Shower Base Threshold ADA Compliant for a Commercial Building?
Back to Showers, Panels & Accessories

Is a 3/4-Inch Shower Base Threshold ADA Compliant for a Commercial Building?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary9
  1. The 1/2-Inch Figure and Where the Caregiver Base Fits
  2. Options with a Lower Threshold
  3. What Ella Cannot Supply
  4. Steps for Specifying a Compliant Base
  5. Residential Versus Commercial
  6. Related Guides
  7. Related Videos
  8. Common Questions
  9. Still Need Help?

ADA standards generally limit the threshold in a roll-in shower compartment to a maximum of 1/2 inch. The Accessible Caregiver Shower Base is listed with a 3/4-inch threshold, which sits above that figure, so it is normally not the right choice where a commercial or public project must meet the roll-in requirement. Ella's Bubbles offers barrier-free bases for those projects, and custom sizes can be made. Confirm every requirement with your local building department before you specify, because state and local codes decide what passes inspection.

The 1/2-Inch Figure and Where the Caregiver Base Fits

The Accessible Caregiver Shower Base is built for home care with a low 3/4-inch threshold. That height suits many residential projects, but the ADA figure for roll-in compartments is 1/2 inch, and local codes can also regulate the edge profile. When an architect, facility or inspector is applying ADA or a state accessibility code, look at the barrier-free line instead. The threshold comparison across Ella's base types is in Shower Base Sizes and Thresholds Compared.

Options with a Lower Threshold

  • Standard barrier-free bases. Ella's roll-in wheelchair accessible bases are designed for curbless entry. The 32-by-60-inch barrier-free pan is available with either a left-hand or right-hand drain, and the range of stock sizes is listed in Shower Bases, Walls, and Filler Pieces.
  • Custom-size bases. When the opening does not match a stock size, a custom base can be requested. Size ranges, drain placement rules and how to ask for one are in Custom-Size Shower Bases. State in your request that the project needs a barrier-free threshold so the team can confirm what is possible for your opening.

What Ella Cannot Supply

Ella's Bubbles does not offer a floor insert or riser that raises the interior of a stepped base to bring its drop within an accessibility limit. If a shower kit with a recessed floor has already been purchased and the project turns out to require a roll-in threshold, the answer is a different base, not an add-on. Check the threshold figure on the spec sheet before ordering rather than judging from a product photo, since a low step and a flush floor can look similar online.

Steps for Specifying a Compliant Base

  1. Ask your local building department which accessibility standard applies to the project and what maximum threshold height and edge profile it enforces.
  2. Choose a barrier-free base, stock or custom, and note the drain position the plumbing requires.
  3. Request the spec sheet for that base from your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 and submit it with your plan review.
  4. For the rest of the compartment, compare grab bar and seat height requirements with Ella's dimensions using ADA Seat Height and Grab Bar Placement.

Residential Versus Commercial

Accessibility requirements differ between a private home and a commercial or public building, and the building department reviewing the project decides which figures apply. A homeowner choosing between the caregiver base and a barrier-free base can decide based on how the shower will be used, but ask the local permit office before ordering when the project is a permitted remodel.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower The video provides visual guidance for installing a barrier-free five-piece shower, emphasizing the importance of inspecting the unit upon arrival and noting any damage.
  2. 1:32 Dry Assembling Your Modular Shower The installer dry assembles the modular shower in an open space to ensure correct panels, drain location, and proper alignment before moving it to the bathroom.
  3. 3:04 Preparing the Framing Pocket and Subfloor The installer checks the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level, making necessary adjustments and inspecting the subfloor for integrity.
  4. 4:05 Installing the Shower Pan and Drain The installer cleans the pocket, dry fits and levels the pan, installs the drain body, and adheres the pan to the subfloor using silicone adhesive and bracing.
  5. 7:40 Assembling and Securing Shower Panels The installer places protection on the floor, caulks the pan ledge, and installs the lower and upper back panels, securing them to the studs.
  6. 8:31 Installing the Valve Wall and Plumbing The installer caulks the pan ledge and vertical back wall seam, sets the panel, drills holes for the valve and supply outlet, and connects the PEX supply lines.
  7. 11:05 Adding Accessories and Finishing Touches The installer marks, drills, and caulks around pilot holes for accessories, then caulks all seams and the front edge of the threshold, recommending a water retainer and shower curtain.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower This chapter explains how to receive and inspect your shower unit upon arrival, including what to do if there is damage.
  2. 1:17 Dry Assembling Your Shower This chapter demonstrates how to dry assemble your modular shower to ensure all panels and the drain are correct and undamaged.
  3. 2:49 Preparing the Framing Pocket This chapter shows how to check and adjust the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level.
  4. 5:02 Installing the Drain Body This chapter guides you through installing the drain body and preparing the drain to meet local plumbing codes.
  5. 5:44 Permanently Installing the Base This chapter details how to permanently install the shower base, ensuring it is level and properly supported.
  6. 8:12 Installing the Wall Panels This chapter demonstrates installing the wall panels using the pin and slot system, starting with the wall opposite the valve.
  7. 9:13 Installing the Valve and Wall This chapter shows how to install the valve and then the valve wall panel, including connecting the water supply lines.
  8. 11:13 Finishing and Sealing the Shower This chapter covers installing surface mount accessories, caulking all seams, and the option of adding a flange trim molding kit.

Common Questions

What is the maximum ADA threshold for a roll-in shower?
ADA standards generally limit the threshold in a roll-in shower compartment to 1/2 inch. Local and state codes can add requirements for the edge profile, so confirm the exact figure with the building department reviewing your project.
Can I use the Accessible Caregiver Shower Base in a commercial building?
Its 3/4-inch threshold is above the 1/2-inch ADA roll-in figure, so it is normally not accepted where the roll-in requirement applies. For a commercial or public project, specify a barrier-free base and confirm the requirements with your local building department.
Does Ella make a 32 by 60 barrier-free shower pan?
Yes. The 32-by-60-inch barrier-free pan is available with a left-hand or right-hand drain. Other stock sizes and the custom-size option are described in the linked base articles.
Is there an insert to raise the floor of a stepped shower base?
No. Ella's Bubbles does not offer an insert or riser to reduce the drop inside a stepped base. If the project needs a roll-in threshold, a barrier-free base is the correct product.
Where do I get the spec sheet for plan review?
Ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 for the spec sheet of the base you are specifying. It lists the threshold height, dimensions and drain location that a plan reviewer needs.

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.

Related guides

Did this solve your question?

If not, open a ticket and our team will pick it up from here.

Open a Support Ticket