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Installing a shower seat can make it easier to have a relaxing shower. But which is a better fit for your bathroom. You may be torn between a built in shower seat and a fold down shower seat. Each has its own pros and cons. The choice also depends on the size of your shower and if others use it.
At Lori K Bath, we help Northwest Indiana residents navigate the design process for their new walk in shower, tub to shower conversion, or bathroom remodel and have made countless bathroom renovations in our years in business. Here’s what to know before a bathroom remodel.
Which Shower Seat Is Best For My Home
The choice between a built in bench and a fold down shower seat ultimately comes down to space and the intended users of the bathroom
Built in showers seats are best for larger showers that have the space to accommodate a permanent bench.
Fold down shower seats are ideal in a smaller space where the bench won’t be in constant use.
We understand that neither option is objectively safer than the other but ensure that each seat option has a way to sit and stand. A seat should be able to bear the weight of its occupant. A seat should also be comfortable. Comfort of a seat depends on the seats height, depth and location. If you have difficulty sitting down or standing up make sure that the measurements and mechanisms of the seat you choose are right, for you.
Think about how you’ll be using the shower on a daily basis.
A seat that’s right for one person might not be right for another.
What Is A Built-In Shower Seat
A built in shower seat is a permanent bench built into the shower.
Typically mounted on a wall or in a corner, built in benches can span the entire length of a shower or be mounted as a single seat.
These seats are often made from materials that match the rest of the shower.
Seats save space because they stay fixed in place and can make the shower feel like a spa.
The biggest advantage of seats is safety and convenience.
There is no need to add a piece of furniture that must be unfolded each time someone wants to sit down.
For people who know they will need a seat, in the shower a built-in seat can give them peace of mind that there will always be a seat.
The only downside is that it takes up space that could be valuable in a small shower. A permanent bench in the shower means there is always a piece of furniture taking up room, even when it is not in use.
What Is A Fold-Down Shower Seat
A fold down shower seat is mounted to the wall of the shower,
When the user needs to sit down, they extend the bench to the desired height and then lower it until it clicks into place or use a mechanism to open and close the seat.
Due to the mechanism being complex, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional.
Once the user has finished showering, the seat can be raised against the wall to save space.
This makes a fold down seat ideal for smaller showers or for people who aren’t planning on using the bench daily.
Some fold down shower seats have a solid surface, but others are slatted to allow water to drain.
Materials vary as do the options for finish, so you can select a color and style that fits your bathroom.
The largest concern with a fold down shower seat is the installation.
A wall mounted shower seat requires a strong mounting system.
It’s installed directly into the wall, but this may not be possible depending on what’s in the wall.
Discuss this with your contractor before the shower is installed.
Why A Fold-Down Seat Is Ideal In Smaller Showers
Perhaps someone in your household prefers to shower standing up while another would rather sit.
A fold down shower seat can save space when not in use, and allow the user who prefers sitting to do so at a convenient time.
This can also be helpful, in a bathroom where space is tight.
Fold down seats are often smaller and more compact so they don’t take up floor space. They come in sizes so you can pick one that works well with your space.
Someone who has limited mobility or weak hands might find it hard to open the folding mechanism.
Before choosing a seat think about how easy it’s to open and close it.
A complicated mechanism on your fold down shower seat can cause more frustration than a convenient, easy to use mechanism.
Which Is Better: Built-In Shower Seat Or Fold-Down
Although both built in and fold down shower seats can enhance your everyday showering, there is more to the details than meets the eye.
Space, everyday usage and installation are just a few of the many differences that set these two apart.
FeatureBuilt-In Shower SeatFold-Down Shower SeatSpaceTakes up permanent space in the showerCan be tucked away when not in useDaily useAlways available for useMust be lowered before useAppearanceBlends into overall design of the showerStands out as a separate fixtureCleaningClean surfaces and edgesClean surfaces, hinges, and edgesInstallationInstalled directly into the shower wallsMounted to the shower wallsBest ForLarger showers and regular useSmaller showers and occasional use
Don’t decide based on looks alone, but make the choice based on how you plan to use the seat.
If someone intends to sit for the majority of their shower, a built in seat may be the most convenient option.
Someone who showers standing up most of the time and only sits occasionally may find a fold down seat to be a better fit.
Which Shower Seat Is Better For Aging In Place
As many homeowners age in place, they may need to make modifications to their bathrooms to make the space more suitable for their needs
Standing for an entire shower can be draining for some and sitting can help to mitigate their symptoms
There are two types of shower seats; built in and fold down
Both can be viable options, but it depends on the individual
Some may need assistance when transitioning from sit to stand, which may require a certain type of seat
Individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices may have a need for a specific seat size, height, and location
These individuals may require more than a standard shower bench
An occupational therapist may help to identify what type of shower seat and grab bars are ideal for an individual with special needs
While making modifications for an accessible shower it is important to consider the entire layout of the bathroom, as well as the entrance to the shower
The overall design will affect how comfortable the user will be.
Should You Install Grab Bars With A Shower Seat
Grab bars can be beneficial in a bathroom with either a built in or fold down shower seat.
Sitting down and standing up again requires more balance and strength than most people realize.
A grab bar can give someone something to hold onto, providing an added measure of safety.
The location of these bars depends on the seat and the user’s needs.
Some homeowners benefit from having a grab bar along the wall near the shower, but others need something in a different location.
Avoid using a towel bar or shower door handle as a makeshift grab bar, as these aren’t designed to support someone’s full weight.
Instead, grab bars should be securely mounted to an appropriate section of the wall.
Installers should plan the location of these bars, as well as shower seats, at the same time.
This way, they can make sure there is enough space and strength in the wall.
They’ll avoid placing an accessory in a spot where another is needed, or vice versa.
Can I Add A Shower Seat During The Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom renovation is the perfect time to incorporate a shower seat, but it’s never too late to add one.
If you are turning your bathtub into a walk‑in shower you could put a built‑in bench in it.
Look at the size of your shower and think about how you will use it.
If you plan to use a shower seat a lot make sure there is space for the shower seat.
A built‑in shower seat needs a part of the shower that is set aside for the bench. A fold‑down seat only takes up space when it is in use.
When you decide where to put the shower seat talk with your contractor, about fixtures like the shower controls. Some people find it hard to reach shower controls when they sit or kneel in the shower.
The location and height of the shower seat impact this.
Make sure to discuss the intended users of the shower as well.
Someone with limited range of motion or dexterity may need a different seat than someone without mobility issues.
A built in seat or a fold down seat can be constructed to fit the needs of the intended user.
At Lori K Bath, we help northwest Indiana homeowners achieve their dream bathrooms. Our family owned and operated company specializes in walk in shower installations, tub to shower conversions, bathroom remodeling, and more. We have the expertise to complete most jobs in a single day, with minimal disruption to your daily life.
How Do I Choose The Best Walk-In Shower Seat
Walk in shower seats come in a variety of styles and sizes. The best way to choose is to start with the end user.
Will someone need to sit for an extended period of time? Will the seat only be used occasionally? How many people will use the shower seat on a regular basis?
These are a few of the questions that will help you narrow down your options.
Then, consider the size of the shower.
A larger walk in shower may be able to accommodate a built in shower seat better than a smaller shower.
Space is important, but so is accessibility.
Can someone reach the shower seat comfortably? Will they be able to stand up again without needing a grab bar or support?
Some showers have controls on the back wall, but a person with limited mobility will likely find it difficult to reach these controls if they’re sitting or kneeling in the shower.
We know that seat height, seat depth and overall weight capacity of a seat matter as much, as the ease of installing a seat.
I also know that each person and each bathroom is unique. The goal is to find a seat that fits the space and the user’s needs.
Find A Custom Shower Seat For Your Home
Your daily routine should be simple, comfortable, and convenient.
Whether you select a built in shower seat or a fold down shower seat, make sure it provides the support and stability you need without sacrificing space or convenience.
If you’re considering a shower seat, call us at Lori K Bath to learn more about the options available to you.
We specialize in walk in shower seats, shower bench installations, tub to shower conversions, and bathroom remodeling for residents of NW Indiana and the Chicagoland area.
Our family owned company prides itself on offering Made in USA solutions and factory trained installers that complete most bathroom projects in a single day.
We can guide you through the planning process, from an initial consultation to final approval of the design plans.
Contact us today to request your free design consultation and explore the possibilities for your new walk in shower or bathroom remodeling project.