How to Install a Folding Shower or Bath Seat

A shower seat or bench can be a vital tool for bathing for the elderly and disabled. It adds an important level of safety in addition to greatly improving the convenience of bathing. A folding seat is an option that fits into a compact shower space. It is also more stable than a stand-alone seat or bench because it is attached directly to the wall so it cannot slip and slide or topple over. You can add a folding shower or bath seat to your bathroom yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder Drill Screwdriver Silicone caulk Stainless steel screws

Instructions

1. Run a stud finder along the bathroom wall to find two studs and mark them. The studs will be 16 inches apart and so will the mount holes for the seat.

2. Measure up from the tub or shower floor to the height you want the seat installed at and mark it. Hold the seat up to that height with both ends aligned over the studs. Mark the exact location of the seat's mounting holes on the wall. Some folding shower seats come with a paper template that can be used to mark out the location.

3. Drill the mounting holes. If you must drill through tile, scribe the surface with something sharp like an awl to prevent the drill bit from skating across the surface. Make sure these pilot holes go into the studs.

4. Apply silicone caulk to the pilot holes to keep water from leaking behind the screws and prevent the screws from working loose with use over time.

5. Screw the seat's mounting brackets to the wall through the pilot holes. Use stainless steel screws only. If you are not sure that the screws that came with your seat are stainless steel, buy your own that are. Other materials, even plain steel, will eventually rust.

Tips & Warnings

• Add grab bars to your bath or shower as well. Getting in and out of the tub can be very difficult and dangerous for the elderly. Transferring someone to the shower from a wheelchair is also very hazardous.

• Overtightening the mounting screws to a tile wall can crack the tile.