7 best shower bench: top picks and buying tips
Are you an elderly person who cannot take a shower standing? Are you disabled and do not want to have a caretaker shower you? The best shower bench can help you take a shower sitting, without the fear of slipping and falling.
There are different kinds of benches and chairs for showering, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. Some of these can be quite stylish and serve a decorative or storage purpose, in addition to providing comfort and support during a shower.
While shower benches are targeted at elderly or disabled persons, more and more people are liking the idea of sitting while showering. It’s also useful when you want to shave your legs in the shower.
What is the best shower bench?
- Best Shower Transfer Bench: Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench
- Best Teak Shower Bench: AquaTeak The Original Asia Teak Shower Bench
- Best Shower Bench for Elderly: Medokare Shower Stool
- Best Bamboo Shower Bench: Bambusi Shower Bench
- Best Metal Shower Bench: Better Living Products 70095 Smart 4 Shower Bench
- Best Plastic Shower Bench: Carex Universal Bath Seat
- Best Corner Shower Bench: AquaTeak The Original Kai Corner Shower Bench
The 5 best shower bench you can buy in 2020
1. Best Shower Transfer Bench: Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench
The Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench can help you get in and out of the shower. The wide bench has a seat made of three plastic panels with holes for water drainage. You can also adjust the backrest for added comfort and support while taking a shower.
Even the height of the seat can be adjusted in increments of half an inch, thanks to the dual-column legs. The height range for the seat is 17.5 inches to 22.5 inches, which I believe is enough to support short as well as tall individuals.
The frame of this bench is all aluminum, which makes it sturdy and able to withstand up to 400 pounds. With a depth of 18.5 inches, the seat on the bench is quite comfortable. The bench itself weighs just 10 pounds, so you should be able to move it rather easily.
This is a reversible shower bench, so it will fit in virtually any bathroom. You can install the arm handle on either side of the bench as your shower requires. The non-slip suction cups at the end of the legs are quite big, so they offer a strong grip, which is crucial for safety.
As for the assembly, it should not take you long to put it together. The company specializes in such products, and that’s why it has made assembly tool-free.
reasons to buy:
- Adjustable height and backrest
- Quality construction
- Large non-slip cups to prevent any accidents
- Quick and easy assembly
- Reversible for both left and right entries
reasons to avoid:
- Length may be short for large tubs
- Adjusting the height could be easier
2. Best Teak Shower Bench: AquaTeak The Original Asia Teak Shower Bench
Featured in Architecture Magazine, the AquaTeak shower bench is quite a looker. This teak shower bench is water-resistant and features non-corroding stainless steel hardware. The teak used for this bench is 100% sustainably resourced, so it’s environment-friendly as well.
The 18-inch bench is appropriate for any bathroom, small or large. It features a concave seat, which should be comfortable to sit on. The rubber feet at the bottom provide enough stability for use on the slippery ceramics or tiled surfaces in the bathroom.
AquaTeak produces teak furniture so that you can expect only high-quality. This is a sturdy bench that’s also aesthetically pleasing. You can even use it around the house and on your patio as a regular bench.
The weight of the teak bench is 20 pounds, which is obviously heavier than plastic or even metal chairs. There is very little assembly required for this bench, so you can do it yourself.
reasons to buy:
- High-quality, sustainable teak
- Beautiful design
- Strong grip
- Easy to use
- Easy and quick assembly
reasons to avoid:
- No backrest
3. Best Shower Bench for Elderly: Medokare Shower Stool
The Medokare Shower Stool is specifically designed, keeping in mind the needs of the elderly and the disabled. With this bench, you also get a mesh tote bag for holding all the toiletries and hanging it on the cutout on the bench.
The seat of the stool has detachable padding, which makes cleaning a breeze. The holes on the seat make sure no water accumulates. You can easily move it around using the handles built into the seat.
You can easily adjust the height of the bench between 12.5 inches and 18.5 inches. The weight capacity is 280 pounds, which is enough considering that an elderly is going to use this. The seat is 20 inches wide and 12.2 inches deep.
Medokare has made its assembly tool-free and effortless. Since it’s incredibly lightweight, it’s easier to move and use. The aluminum legs with non-slip rubber feet provide enough friction to keep the bench stable in the shower.
You can shower on this bench quite comfortably using a handheld showerhead. There is a cutout for placing the showerhead, so you use it only when you need to.
reasons to buy:
- Great value for money
- Lightweight and easy to put together
- Comfortable seat
- Multiple utility features like a cutout, handles, and tote bag
- Adjustable height
reasons to avoid:
- No backrest
- Weight capacity could be higher
4. Best Bamboo Shower Bench: Bambusi Shower Bench
The Bambusi Shower Bench is handcrafted with bamboo wood. I, for one, love the softness bamboo provides, so this is the best shower bench if you want something comfortable.
Easy to put together, the bench has a shelf underneath the seat for easy access to toiletries. With a waterproof finish, this bench will give you years on end. Also, the material is antibacterial, preventing the accumulation of mold and mildew.
The bench is not quite big, so it only takes minimal space. That said, the seat has the appropriate dimensions to provide enough room to sit on. The seat is 19 inches in length, and 10 inches in width, whereas the height of the bench is 18 inches.
It can double as a storage organizer in the bathroom. You can place toilet paper rolls, towels, and candles, for a pleasing look. You’ll find such benches in spas as they are not just functional but also stylish.
Even though it’s a wooden bench, it’s not heavy at all. The weight of this Bambusi shower bench is just 8.5 pounds.
reasons to buy:
- High-quality materials
- Simple but stylish design
- Easy assembly
- Fits in the shower area or tub easily
- Easy to clean
reasons to avoid:
- Height not adjustable
- No backrest
5. Best Metal Shower Bench: Better Living Products 70095 Smart 4 Shower Bench
This shower bench from Better Living Products may look simple, but it has a great design. The aluminum legs are sleek but quite sturdy. It can easily withstand a weight of up to 300 pounds.
The Smart 4 Shower Bench has a plastic seat with a non-slip texture. As a result, not only are the legs with rubber feet slip-resistant but also the seat itself. Also, the seat is quite large, providing enough room to sit.
Made from high-quality aluminum and plastic, this seat will not rust so easily. Since it’s pretty basic, it comes ready to use with no assembly needed and weighs just under five pounds.
The height of the bench is 17.9 inches, which is fixed. Because of a large drain hole in the center paired with a concave shape, water does not stay on the seat when you’re showering.
reasons to buy:
- Minimalistic design
- Extremely lightweight
- High-quality aluminum legs
- Comfortable seat
reasons to avoid:
- Height not adjustable
6. Best Plastic Shower Bench: Carex Universal Bath Seat
The Carex Universal Bath Seat is an all-plastic shower bench with a weight capacity of a whopping 400 pounds. You can easily adjust the height from 16 inches to 21 inches.
The chair is super lightweight, as it’s made from plastic. You can move it in and out of the bathroom easily. Nevertheless, the rubber feet make sure there’s enough grip to prevent any falls. You can also use the built-in handles for extra support while showering or when getting up.
What I like most about this bench is the shape of the seat. Even though it does not have a backrest, the edge of the seat is curved and lifted to provide better support. Also, there are tiny holes for the water to flow out.
The height adjustment mechanism is located in the feat. You basically screw and unscrew the feet to decrease or increase the height. However, you have to do that for each foot separately, which can be a bit of hassle.
reasons to buy:
- Lightweight and portable
- Comfortable and large seat
- Easy to use
- High-quality materials
- Made in the US
reasons to avoid:
- Height adjustment is a bit tricky
7. Best Corner Shower Bench: AquaTeak The Original Kai Corner Shower Bench
Another beautiful and high-quality product from AquaTeak that doubles as bathroom storage. This one features a built-in shelf at the bottom for placing all your shower essentials. You can also use it to put your feet.
Made from naturally water-resistant teak, it’s also one of the strongest wood for furniture. This will easily give you years and years of use, provided you clean it and maintain it well. Even the hardware is corrosion-resistant.
The seat will fit in the corner of your bathroom, so it’s not that great for use in a bathtub with curved corners. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful chair that can elevate the look of your bathroom.
With sturdy rubber feet, it makes sure the bench stays in place at all times. The Original Kai Shower Bench weighs only 13.5 pounds. There is assembly required, but it isn’t complicated or time-consuming.
reasons to buy:
- High-quality built
- Beautiful design
- Shelf for storage
- Five-year warranty
reasons to avoid:
- No backrest
Buying Tips
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, over 235,000 people end up in emergency rooms because of injuries that happened in the bathroom. An overwhelming majority of these incidents happen during showers. And as you would have guessed it, people over 60 make up a high percentage of these cases.
Falls can be extremely dangerous, especially for the elderly. Over 27,000 adults die as a result of falling and getting badly injured. One effective way to prevent falls, at least in the bathroom, is to use a shower bench or chair.
If you want to buy the best shower bench that’s comfortable to sit on and provides a strong grip, there are a few things to consider.
Materials
While there are not any specific types of shower benches, they do vary by materials. The three most common materials you’ll find in shower benches are:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Aluminum
When it comes to materials, wood is perhaps the sturdiest. Bamboo and teak wood is the best for use in the shower as these woods will not get damaged by the water. However, these tend to be expensive.
Chairs made of plastic and aluminum are a lot cheaper. Still, quality should be a priority because the bench should last long.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is directly related to the quality of the materials. Ideally, you would want a shower bench with a weight capacity of 250 to 400 pounds.
A shower bench with a lower weight capacity can be hazardous as it would not be able to withstand a lot of weight for a long time. It might even break, which can be dangerous and cause injuries in the shower.
Size
The size of the shower benches varies greatly. Some are quite small, so they can fit inside the tub, while those transfer shower benches are bigger. Make sure to measure your tub or shower area, to ensure you get the right size of the bench.
Height
The height of the shower bench should ideally be adjustable. If it’s not adjustable, you want to make sure it’s appropriate for your height. If it’s too low, you’ll be squatting, which is not exactly comfortable.
Feet
The bench’s feet are crucial as far as your safety is concerned. The whole idea of the shower bench is to prevent slipping. For the same reason, the bench should be non-slip itself.
Most benches, regardless of the material, use rubber feet. These rubber feet offer great friction and do not corrode or rust with exposure to water. Nevertheless, make sure that the rubber feet are non-slip and secure on the shower bench you choose.
Portability and Ease of Use
You also have some wall-mounted shower benches, but those are not portable at all. A bench that’s easy to use and lightweight would be ideal as you can place it anytime you need to shower. This is useful when other people, who may not need a bench, are also using the shower.
Here’s a guide to how you can use a shower transfer bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do teak shower benches get mold?
One of the reasons why teak is used in shower benches is that it has a rich oil content. This makes it water-resistant, ultimately resisting mold too. However, it’s not entirely immune to mold.
Cleanliness and maintenance will go a long way in ensuring your teak shower bench shouldn’t get moldy. Clean the chair with soapy water periodically to maintain the finish of the wood and prevent mold and bacteria from making it their home.
Even if your teak bench gets mold, you can easily clean it. Just use a teak cleaner with water and detergent to remove the mold. If the mold causes discoloration, you can use a teak polish to restore the bench to its original color and finish.
Q. How deep should a shower bench seat be?
Shower benches vary in sizes a lot. For the right support and comfort, you need a bench that has the right depth, which depends on your own size.
If you’re stocky or tall, you may need more depth in the seat than someone who isn’t. Generally, a depth of 15 to 18 inches is plenty for a shower bench. People with mobility issues can consult ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for the right standards.
Q. Can you heat shower bench?
Heated shower flooring and seats are a different product line, designed to serve a different purpose. Most shower benches are primarily for the elderly or those with mobility issues, and may not have features such as heating.
You may be able to install heating cables underneath a marble shower seat. However, this kind of thing would require the whole bathroom to be remodeled, which would be costly. It would be best to hire a professional to get an estimate.
Wrap Up
So why do you need the best shower bench? For plenty of reasons, as mentioned above.
A shower bench can make the cleaning process very comfortable and easy. It also eliminates the need to have a caretaker with you in the shower. Besides, built-in shower benches are quickly becoming a trend in bathroom designs.
In my opinion, the best shower bench is AquaTeak The Original Asia Teak bench. The beautifully designed bench looks simple and effortless, while also serving the purpose it’s made for.
The teak will last longer in comparison with plastic or aluminum. Although the height is not adjustable, it’s still appropriate for most people.