If you’re looking into installing a nice shower bench or seat in your bathroom, there are a number of reasons why this may be a good idea.
Why would you want to install a new shower bench or seat? Of course, this is a personal preference, but you may want to consider one if you are disabled, elderly or just want to have a nice place to relax during or after your shower.
Hung Shower Bench and Seats
A hung shower bench seat is hung right onto the wall and can be folded up against the wall. This is nice if you have some people in your family that need the seat as well as people who prefer more space.
Portable Shower Bench and Seats
If you’re just in need of a seat that you can stow away, you can pick shower seats up at a relatively low price. They are generally rated up to 300 pounds, and unlike a hung shower bench, you can use these in or out of the shower.
These are good if you have undergone surgery or injured a leg and need some added support and stability when you take your shower. If you are looking at purchasing a seat for your shower, these can be ready as soon as you pick them up and stowed away until you need them.
Built-in Shower Bench and seats
For those looking to spend more time in their shower a built-in shower bench or seat might be what you’re looking for. There are several different options for built-ins, two of which are the corner niche or shelf and the large bench.
The corner niche is just a small shelf in the corner where you can rest your foot to shave your leg or wash your feet. You could sit on them as well, but as that is not what they are designed for, they won’t be very comfortable.
The large bench is also great for you if you need a place to shave your legs or just a place to dry off. It leaves you with plenty of room to sit down and relax. It’s especially nice if you have a steam shower where it can create a spa effect right in your own bathroom. If you have a large shower, you can keep it out of the water and use it to store things such as extra towels and soap.
One of the best thing about the built-in opposed to a portable or hung bench or seat is that they are much easier to clean. This is because they are tiled over along with the rest of your shower. All you need to do is scrub them as you would the rest of your shower.
Look For Convenience and Comfort
When looking at either a shower bench or seat look to convenience and of course comfort before purchasing. You can find a variety of these products at your local DIY store, and you may find them cheaper there versus opting to look to a medical supply store. Shop around for the best deal but also consider how comfortable and convenient they will be once in your home.
All of these products come in a wide range of prices and styles. You can get both your portable or hung bench and seats in plastic or wood with a number of designs which are visually appealing but don’t cut short on convenience and comfort. They are become pretty popular, and can really make your bathing experience a bit more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead
For those looking at selling their home or staying for a short period of time, you may find that a shower bench or seat actually increases the value of your home.
It is also a good idea if you are planning on installing a shower bench or seat, to install grab bars along where the bench is going to be placed or installed. These will add to the value of your home if you plan on selling or make it more convenient for you if you plan to live there for a long time. For the elderly or disabled, grab bars can make standing up much easier when they’ve finished their shower.
Lotz of Logic
A quality bench in your bathroom may make your bathing experience that much better if you find one that is the right fit for you. With so many options out there to choose from, you can pick one up and have it installed in a day or slightly longer if you decide to put in a built-in with your bathroom remodel.
We hope this article helps you with any questions you may have when considering buying a shower bench or seat. This is just one of the many things you can do as a DIYer looking to upgrade your bathroom.
Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on getting a shower bench or any other bathroom remodel projects, give me a call. My team and I have been serving the South Barrington, Barrington, North Barrington, Inverness, Lake Zurich, Schaumburg, Elgin, Long Grove, South Elgin, Palatine, Wayne, Deerfield, and all of Chicago area for 30+ years.
