Stay in the home you love
A simple guide to making your bathroom and kitchen safe and easy to use from a wheelchair or walker, so you or a loved one can keep living at home.
Why more families are choosing to stay home
Aging in place means staying in your own home, safely and independently, as you get older. Most people want to. And with the cost of assisted living climbing, a one-time remodel often makes more sense than moving.
A bathroom you can use sitting down
A regular vanity has a closed cabinet underneath, so a person in a wheelchair has to reach sideways to the sink. An ADA vanity leaves open space for your knees, so you can roll right up, sit comfortably and reach the faucet.
What to look for in an accessible sink
These are the guidelines from the 2010 ADA Standards. They’re written for public buildings, not homes, but they’re the most common measurements remodelers use.
| What to check | The guideline |
|---|---|
| Sink height | No higher than 34″ from the floor to the rim |
| Room for your knees | At least 27″ high and 30″ wide under the sink |
| Floor space in front | 30″ wide by 48″ deep, facing the sink |
| Pipes underneath | Covered or insulated so legs can’t touch them |
| Faucet | Easy to use with one hand, no tight grip or twisting |
Good to know: a 34″ sink is close to a standard counter height, so standing family members can use it comfortably too. For full details and diagrams, see our ADA sink requirements guide.
Other bathroom changes builders recommend
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) aging-in-place checklist also suggests:
- A curbless, walk-in shower at least 36″ wide, with a fold-down seat and a handheld showerhead
- Bracing inside the walls for grab bars by the toilet, tub and shower
- A toilet 17″ to 19″ high
- Slip-resistant flooring
- At least one accessible bathroom on the main floor, with room to turn around
Our ADA vanities for the home
Each one is designed with open knee clearance and ships fully assembled.
See every size in ADA Accessible Cabinets & Vanities.
A kitchen that works from a chair
In the kitchen, the goal is a place to wash, prep and cook while seated. That means open space under part of the counter, with storage and controls within easy reach.
Our ADA kitchen base cabinets give you an open knee area for seated use, with regular cabinet storage on either side.
Kitchen changes builders recommend
- Counters at more than one height, with open seating space underneath
- A 30″ × 48″ clear space in front of appliances, or a 60″ circle to turn around
- Roll-out trays or lazy susans in the lower cabinets
- Lever or loop handles and a pull-out spray faucet
- A microwave at counter height and good lighting over work areas
Good to know: in a private home, the ADA Standards allow a kitchen sink that adjusts from 29″ to 36″ high, so you can set it for the person who uses it most.
See all ADA Kitchen Cabinets.
Six simple steps to plan your remodel
- Start with the person. Who will use the room? Do they use a wheelchair, walker or cane? Will they sit or stand at the sink?
- Measure the space. Look for a 30″ × 48″ open area in front of the sink and room to turn around.
- Pick the right size. Our ADA vanities range from 24″ to 78″ wide, and our kitchen systems from 78″ to 92″.
- Check the wall. Wall-mounted cabinets hang from the studs, so plan for wood blocking before the drywall goes up.
- Plan the plumbing. Keep pipes out of the knee space and cover or insulate them.
- Order early. Most orders ship in about 2 weeks, so order before your contractor is ready.
Common questions
Do I have to follow the ADA in my own home?
No. The ADA Standards apply to public and commercial buildings, not private homes. However, they’re the most common guide for accessible design, so many homeowners and remodelers use them.
How high should a wheelchair-accessible bathroom sink be?
The ADA guideline is no higher than 34″ to the top of the rim. For example, our ADA Vanity 30″ sits at a 34″ ADA height.
How much room does a wheelchair need under a sink?
The ADA guideline is at least 27″ of height and 30″ of width for your knees, plus a 30″ × 48″ open floor space in front of the sink.
Can a standing person still use an ADA vanity?
Yes. A 34″ sink is close to a normal counter height, so it works for both seated and standing family members.
What’s the benefit of a wall-mounted vanity?
A wall-mounted (floating) vanity hangs from the wall studs, so the floor underneath stays open for wheelchair footrests and easy cleaning.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship in about 2 weeks. Liftgate delivery is included, and carrier transit time is additional.
What our customers say
“Speaking with Hunter and James was like calling a family member for help and advice.”
“From customer service to the craftsmanship, everything is TOP NOTCH.”
“The cabinets were beautifully done and arrived in a timely fashion.”
“Excellent quality and produced on time. Great team, highly recommend them.”
“Speedy and well packaged! Exactly like the picture and stated on the website.”
“Easy to work with, great pricing and they are quick to respond.”
Ready to make your home easier to live in?
ADA vanities and kitchen cabinets, made in the USA, fully assembled, with a 5-year warranty.
Sources
- AARP: Majority of Adults 50-Plus Want to Age in Place
- CareScout: 2025 Cost of Care Survey
- National Safety Council: Older Adult Falls (citing CDC)
- U.S. Access Board: Guide to the ADA Standards, Lavatories and Sinks
- NAHB: Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Check local building codes and work with a qualified contractor for installation.
