Bathroom steps and seats

Steps and seats are a vital component in any bathroom intended for someone with mobility issues.

When combined with rails it is often possible to make a standard bathroom more than suitable for someone with restricted mobility by adding some steps and seats in strategic areas.

Bathroom seats and chairs

Bathroom seats and chairs come in a wide range of options and applications. These range from specialist items like fixed shower chairs and remote control height adjustable bath seats to more general seats and stools that can be used when using a wash basin. Seats can be fixed or free-standing.

Shower-style seats

• A fixed shower seat will be mechanically fixed to a wall and possibly the floor, preventing it from sliding or tipping. Fixed shower seats have the advantage of total stability and there is never any concern over them moving, slipping or being knocked over. These seats are manufactured from waterproof non-corrosive materials and they can be supplied with or without arms or handles (that often fold up). Fitting them is a fairly simple job, although waterproof fixings will be required in a shower cubicle or a wet room.

• Folding shower seats - There are shower seats that can be mechanically fixed to a wall at the seat level, but which then have height adjustable fold away front legs. These seats can be folded flat against a shower wall when not in use to ensure that they are not a hindrance to someone wishing to stand whilst they shower.
• Moveable shower seats have non-slip feet to ensure that they do not slide when in use. They can easily be moved out of the shower when an able bodied person wishes to use it. With seats of this kind it is advisable to position them against a shower wall for additional stability.
• A fourth kind of shower seat is the mobile shower seat which is very similar to a wheelchair, but which is fully waterproof. These chairs can also be combined shower and commode chairs, see this page commodes and combi shower chairs.

See our shower seat page for more information.

Seat specification

The seat itself is a further component that has many available variations. Seats can be padded, perforated (for easy drainage and drying) or simply made from a flat water resistant material. Shower seats can also swivel to facilitate easy ingress and access.

The seat shape can also be important in respect to comfort and hygiene. Some people prefer a horse-shoe shaped seat that provides easy access to the groin area and that can make washing and showering off a simpler process.

Most seats will take a weight of up to around 350 pounds (25 stone), but stronger seating (and larger seat sizes) capable of bearing larger people are available.

Bathroom steps

Bathroom steps are an aid that can help someone with reduced mobility gain access that will assist them in reaching, climbing or performing some task within the bathroom. They should be non-slip, both in terms of their stability on the bathroom floor and in respect of the top surface on which a person using them would stand.

Steps come in different riser heights generally ranging from 2 inches through to 6 inches. The width and depth of the tread (the part you stand on) is also available in different sizes to suit the task and location in question. By combining two or more steps of ever increasing height it is possible to create a gradual stepped slope that leads to e.g. a shower bath.

Some steps are available in a modular format, or can be linked together, whilst others are solid or have four load bearing legs. There are many options available.

In addition to differing step sizes, bathroom steps can also come with single or double rails (a single has a rail on one side whilst a double has a rail on both sides). Some manufacturers even produce steps that incorporate a towel rail for added convenience.

Different bathroom steps take different loads, however there are steps available that can bear a person of up to 700 pounds (50 stone).

Plinths that can be seated under toilets and bidets (to provide extra height) and ease the effort of sitting and standing are also available, see Toilets and wash basins for more information.

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