Why You Should Consider a Tub With a Built-in Seat

If you are considering a bathtub upgrade, it might be worth thinking about the addition of a tub with a built-in seat. These versatile and functional tubs provide a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. From added safety for those with limited mobility to improved relaxation for all, there are numerous benefits to installing a tub with a built-in seat.

Whether you are considering a tub seat to improve accessibility, upgrade the luxury of your bathroom, or simply make your bathing experience more enjoyable, a tub with a built-in seat may be the ideal solution. Find out whether a bathtub seat is the right pick for your home, and check out our top tips for safely integrating a bathtub with a seat into your bathroom.

A Bathtub Seat Provides Comfort for All Ages

A bathtub with an integrated seat, also referred to as a built-in seat or a bathtub bench, provides comfort for people of all ages. These seats are a popular choice for numerous reasons.

For the elderly or those with mobility issues, a built-in seat can make it safer and easier to get in and out of the bathtub. It can also provide a comfortable, secure place to sit while bathing. In the same way, a bathtub seat can be a great pick for those recovering from an injury or surgery. These seats provide support, which can be critical during the recovery process.

For young kids, a bathtub seat can offer a safe spot to sit while they are being bathed. For parents, this makes the process of washing their kids much easier and safer, preventing the child from slipping and falling.

For bathers of any age, a bathtub with an integrated seat can offer a comfortable, cozy place to recline while taking a bath. This makes the bathing experience more relaxing and can help reduce tension in the body. Some bathtub seats are even designed with whirlpool features, such as water jets, which can help provide a therapeutic back massage during a bath.

Finally, a bathtub seat can be an aesthetic upgrade. These seats provide a modern and sleek look for the room. They are usually made with durable materials, such as fiberglass, porcelain, or acrylic.

What to Consider When Installing a Tub With a Seat

If you have decided that you would like to install a tub with a built-in seat, there are numerous factors to consider to ensure the tub is safe and accessible for all who will be using it.

Use the following guidelines to make your installation a success:

• Consider the size and location. Make sure the tub you choose is large enough to be comfortable for bathing and offers enough room for the user to move comfortably. The location of the tub should be easy to access, with ample space for a bather to enter and exit the tub safely. Make sure to measure your bathroom and compare your existing space with the tubs available.
• Opt for extra safety features as needed. Consider adding a slip-resistant surface to the bottom of your new tub to prevent slips. Additionally, installing grab bars can help prevent falls as users enter and exit the tub.
• Make sure to account for any mobility issues. If you have an elderly parent or someone in the home who has mobility issues, make sure the tub is easy to access. A built-in seat can make it easier for bathers to enter and exit the tub, but you also need to consider the height of the tub. An extra step might be necessary to make sure it’s comfortable for the bather to step into the tub.
• Ensure the tub will drain properly. A built-in seat can lead to water collecting in certain areas. Make sure your tub has the right drainage to prevent water pooling, which can be a safety hazard.
• Match the design of the tub with your bathroom interior. Make sure the tub you choose matches well with the tiles, walls, and flooring in your bathroom. Your goal is to choose a tub that complements the overall aesthetic of the room.

Creating an Aging-in-Place Bathroom

For many, a bathtub with a built-in seat is the perfect addition to an aging-in-place bathroom. The goal of aging-in-place design is to create spaces that are safe, accessible, and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. The idea is to design a home in which someone can continue to live comfortably for years to come. Often, aging-in-place designs feature step-free entrances, wide hallways, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-use fixtures.

To incorporate a bathtub with a seat into an aging-in-place design, consider the following additions:

• A sloped entrance to the tub to make it easier to step in and out of the bathtub
• Grab bars to offer support as the bather stands and sits
• Faucet handles that feature easy-to-use levers rather than knobs that must be twisted
• Towel bars within easy reach of the bathtub

Shower vs. Tub: Which One Is Right for You?

Bathtubs with built-in seats can be a great way to improve the safety and comfort of your bathroom. However, in some cases, a tub might be too difficult for those with limited accessibility to enter and exit. In this case, a better choice might be a shower base with an integrated seat.

A shower base with an integrated seat is easier to step in and out of while still providing a comfortable place to sit during a shower.

To decide which one is right for you, consider the following:

• The mobility of those in your home: If anyone in your home will struggle to step over the side of a bathtub, a shower might be a better choice.
• Whether soaking is important to you or not: A shower with a seat is a great alternative to a bathtub bench, but it has limitations. You won’t be able to soak in a shower.
• The space in your bathroom: Another time when a shower with a seat might be a better pick than a tub is when you are dealing with limited space. A shower can be tucked into a corner and works well in small bathrooms.

Shop Kingston Brass

If you are looking for a bathtub or shower with a built-in seat, be sure to shop Kingston Brass. Along with these top-of-the-line products, Kingston Brass also carries numerous bathroom products designed to add to the luxury and comfort of any home. Choose from grab bars, towel racks, faucets, and more. Inspiration is a click away.