Modern shower stalls today surely look sleek and stylish. Adding a shower stall in addition to your bathtub, if you have the available space, could be a fantastic way to improve the look of your bathroom. Although many people enjoy a relaxing bath in the tub, a quick shower is usually the more practical and convenient option, with all the time constraints that our busy lifestyles and schedules have. Think of the luxury that you have, having the choice.
Showers come in all kinds of designs and styles from which you can choose. You could decide based on the functions that you need or on the style of your bathroom. Today, the ones that are made using tempered glass are the more popular choice. This is because glass would be able lto let light pass through, helping in the creation of an open and fresh feeling in an otherwise small and cramped room. Another popular option would be the acrylic model. They are designed to be leak-free and easy to keep clean. A well-made model should provide many years of performance.
For those people with special needs or disabilities, the standard stall may not be the best and easiest to use. As you could probably tell, the standard bathtub side wall could pose quite a difficult obstacle to overcome if you have some form of disability or are using a wheelchair. Fortunately, though, many manufacturers and builders today have already realized and considered this, resulting in numerous good options for convenient handicap shower stalls. For those are aren’t fully handicapped but need a little help in the shower, a shower stall with a seat preinstalled is a great idea.
A lot of bathtubs take up around an area of 5 feet, and you could easily get shower bases that would perfectly fit in a standard tub footprint after removing the bathtub.
Also,o good news would be that water lines and drains usually line up with shower bases like these. However, in most cases, new surround walls need to be installed so that everything will match up. And because you are just installing a shower base, you would have a lot of different options available to you to use as your wall materials, like tile or fiberglass.
After opening up the walls, you need to install backing support boards so you would be able to add grab bars and rails to your shower stall. You can finish everything off with some specially floor-mounted shower doors that would be able to complete a large and safe handicap shower stall.
Features that Make Handicap Shower Stalls Safer
A well-designed handicap shower stall often includes features that go beyond just extra space. Built-in grab bars provide support while moving around. Non-slip flooring helps prevent falls, which is especially important when the floor gets wet. Many stalls also come with fold-down seats so you can sit comfortably while showering.
Some models even have handheld showerheads with long hoses. These make it easier to direct the water exactly where you need it without straining. A low or no-threshold entry is another key feature. It allows wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility to get inside the shower without stepping over a high edge.
Benefits of Installing a Handicap Shower Stall
The main benefit is independence. People with mobility challenges often want to manage daily activities on their own. A handicap shower stall gives them that freedom in a safe way. Families also find peace of mind knowing their loved one can shower without as much risk of slipping.
Another benefit is the boost in property value. Homes with accessible bathrooms appeal to more buyers, especially older adults planning for the future. Even if you don’t need the features right now, installing a handicap shower stall can be a smart investment for long-term living.
FAQs
What is the difference between a regular shower stall and a handicap shower stall?
A handicap shower stall usually has a wider entrance, a lower or no threshold, and added safety features like grab bars, non-slip floors, and seating options.
Can I convert my bathtub into a handicap shower stall?
Yes, many shower bases are designed to fit into the space where a standard bathtub once was. This makes conversion easier and often more affordable.
Do handicap shower stalls require special plumbing?
In most cases, the existing water lines and drains will line up. However, new wall surrounds or backing boards may need to be installed for proper support.
Are handicap shower stalls only for wheelchair users?
Not at all. They are useful for elderly individuals, people recovering from injuries, or anyone who prefers extra safety and convenience in the shower.
