In one of our bathrooms, we still have an old-fashioned tub and shower combination. That’s useful for a few reasons, but it comes with a host of other issues that shower stalls don’t have. Here are some reasons why you should consider the shower stall and not bother with the tub combo.
1. Most people take more showers than baths. If you don’t take baths, why have a tub? Even kids can be taught to shower from an early age, and once they’re big enough to leave the sink bath behind, put them in the shower.
2. Decorating with shower curtains is annoying. We’re in the middle of this now,w and I have to say it’s a pain. There are hundreds of different styles and color options, whereas if I just had glass shower doors for my stall, then I wouldn’t even need a curtain.
3. Tubs take up space. It’s true, the footprint on a shower stall is much less than that of a tub, so in small bathrooms, or areas where you have a layout issue related to space, you’re much better off getting the stall instead of a tub.
4. Tub surrounds turn yellow after a while and need to be recaulked. The tub surround to protect your walls from water looks cheap; they age quickly and need recaulking at least annually in order to keep water from getting behind them and causing problems. If your tub area is an odd size, you either have to pay for custom surrounds to be built (expensive) or buy something in multiple pieces that doesn’t match the styling you want.
Overall, my suggestion is to get a shower stall and go for the convenience factor. They’re modern, easy to clean, and out of the way.
Shower Stalls with Seats
If you need a shower stall but don’t like the idea of standing up all the time and need a comfortable place to sit down, you should look into getting a shower stall with a seat already installed. You can get them as part of the premolded stall, and it’s a great place to sit for shaving your legs, or if you’re worried about safety. Some people aren’t strong enough to stand in the shower the whole time, so a seat is necessary for their comfort and protection.
If you are planning a more elaborate shower stall, such as one made of tile, le you can build in a nice seat to give you a great place to sit or store additional shower items. The best seats are at least 36 inches wide, so you have enough elbow room to move around. The seat itself can be simple plywood that is covered by matching ceramic tile, marble, or granite, you name it. Be sure it’s a smooth surface for maximum comfort.
Adding this feature to your shower can make your house more appealing to an older market. As we age, we are less steady on our feet, and having a place to sit in a slippery shower will make it much safer. If you need an official handicap shower stall, we recommend reviewing our page on that.
The easiest thing to do is buy a premolded fiberglass shower stall with a seat already included. This provides you with no extra work, and what you seek is already there. They are available at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s,s, and Menards, and may need to be custom ordered, but the wait is worth it.
