Roll-top: These are freestanding tubs, typically with claw feet and made of cast iron with a top that curves or “rolls.” This makes for a very comfortable place to rest your hands when soaking in this type tub.

Slipper: This is a type of freestanding tub in which one side is taller than the other, thus resembling a slipper. This elegant soaking tub gives your back much needed support as you sit in the tub.

Maybe you’ve just moved into a new house, or you simply wish to revamp your old bathroom. For the perfect relaxing bathroom suite you need a bathtub to soak in. But what style/type of bathtub do you need?

Although you may not have given it much thought, the style and design of a bathtub is very important, as it acts as a “centerpiece” to the room. It’s one of the many things people notice once they walk into a bathroom, and wouldn’t it be lovely if a person walked into your bathroom, saw how lovely and relaxing your bathtub looked, and commented on its attractiveness? Not that it’s normal to comment on how “attractive” a bathtub is, but if you pick the perfect style, you could have one rather handsome looking bathtub, that all the ladies and gentlemen are envious of.

So, what styles of bathtub are there?

Let’s start off with freestanding bathtubs. Depending on how big your bathroom is, a freestanding bathtub could be perfect. Different from built-in bathtubs, a freestanding bathtub can be shaped in various ways. You could have one that is round, and very bowl-like. This breaks the conventional style of a bathtub, perfect for adding a modern twist to a classic bathroom. You could opt for a freestanding bathtub that is rectangle, and add more of a clean-cut, modern appearance to your bathroom.

Roll top baths are the classic type of Victorian bathtub and are generally free-standing tubs held up from the floor by feet. These free standing baths give your bathroom a very elegant and classic feel. They can give the whole room an air of luxury, and a person may feel like a Victorian King or Queen whilst relaxing within one of these tubs. The feet on this style of tubs are one of the most eye-catching features, with many different styles of these feet being available. From the classic clawed feet style, to one that is more minimalistic and “block-like”. Instead of feet, a person could also choose a pedestal roll top bath tub, which has more of an art deco feel.

Another style of bathtub which echoes class and luxury, is a slipper tub. These bathtubs have one side which is slightly elongated, giving you more of a support to lay your back against. This style is perfect for someone who chooses to bathe for relaxation purposes.

When choosing the ideal bathtub for your bathroom, try to imagine how it would look filled with hot water and lots of bubbles. If you visualize it to look tempting enough to jump straight into fully clothed, then that gives you an inkling that it’s possibly the style of bath you wish to have in your home. If you choose a bathtub that is not built-in, make sure that your bathroom floor is strong enough to withhold the weight, as freestanding bathtubs can be extremely heavy.

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Branded Bathrooms freestanding baths. http://www.brandedbathrooms.com/baths/free-standing-baths/
This post was originally published on Southgate Chamber and can be found here: http://www.southgatechamber.com/choosing-the-ideal-tub-for-your-bathroom.html

Another type of bathtub you may want to consider is a walk-in bathtub.

VIDEO VERSION

Along with bathtubs and showers, sinks are an important part of a handicap accessible bathroom. The proper sink allows people who are physically challenged or in a wheelchair to take care of their basic cleaning habits such as brushing their teeth, washing their faces and hands, and shaving.

Pedestal Sink

One type of handicap accessible sink is the pedestal sink or lavatory. This visually appealing sink has a thin pedestal base below the sink bowl. The pedestal should be thin enough so that it can fit between the wheelchair users legs. A thin pedestal also allows a person in a wheelchair to get close to the sink.

This type base also keeps the water pipes hidden. With hidden pipes there is no danger of knees or legs getting burned by hot water pipes.

Pedestal sinks are available in many different colors, allowing them to blend easily into the design of your bathroom.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has standards for the height of a handicap pedestal sink. To be complaint, the ADA recommends that that the sink should be no more than 34 inches high. The knee space under the sink should be at least 27 inches high and 19 inches deep, with a width of 30 inches. The sink itself should be about 6 1/2 inches deep.

Obviously, there should be no vanity under the sink that a wheelchair could bump into. You should also allow about 4 feet of turning space in front of the sink so the user can more easily roll up to the sink.

Based on the size and color, the cost of a handicap pedestal sink can range between $200 and $400. Designer sinks can cost more.

Wall Hung Sink

Another option for the handicap bathroom is a wall hung sink. These are sinks that have been elongated so the bowl of the sink comes out further than on a typical sink. This allows the person in the wheelchair to roll up to and under the sink in order to use it.

Because the pipes may be exposed, they should be placed further back than on a normal sink. That’s so the person in a wheelchair won’t burn their knees or legs on the hot water pipe. Another option is to insulate the pipes so that any hot surfaces are covered.

Faucets

Sink faucets should also be more convenient for the handicapped person. That means a person should be able to operate it with one hand and it should, according to ADA standards, “not require grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.” (See 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design)

ADA accessible faucets can include the following types.

Also, it shouldn’t take more than five pounds of pressure to operate these faucets.

The combination of an ADA compliant sink and faucet can be a useful and visually appealing addition to the handicap bathroom.

For more information about handicap accessible bathrooms, read Creating the Handicap Accessible Bathroom.

You can buy the above sinks and faucets through the following link:

Video Version

Additionally, some shower stools and shower benches have metal screws that may be prone to rust. To ensure that you reduce the chances for mold to grow or rust to develop, you are going to want to keep your shower chair clean.

How to Do It

Every time that the shower is used, make certain that the chair is wiped down. One of the best ways to do this is have a shower cleaning kit handy. Antibacterial cloths are available and all that really needs to be done is a simple wipe and dry. The idea is to get as much water off the chair as possible. Germs love to get into small humid places and a moment of your time can prevent this from happening. Be certain that you dry the top and bottom of the seat. If possible, remove the chair from the tub between uses so it can further dry off.

You should make certain that you include the chair as part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine. (Read Steps to Clean Your Shower for more details.) For best results, have a good antibacterial soap on hand and a number of brushes. Germs are able to get into the smallest of places and you need have brushes that will permit you to scrub and clean around screws and between cracks. A cloth will not be sufficient.

Most shower chairs also have drainage holes. You may want to use a bottle brush to be sure you can clean inside those holes.

Cleaning Teak Shower Benches

Teak is often the wood of choice for consumers who want to display a stylish type shower bench or seat in their bathroom. However, it is important that you make certain to follow all of the cleaning instructions that are recommended by the manufacturers. Any brushes or cleansers you use need to be able to kill germs and also be safe for the teak shower seat. Be certain that you do not to use any kind of brush or cleaning product that may leave scratches. Scratches and grooves are ideal germ breeding grounds.

When trying to clean teak do not use any kind of product that is an acid base. This will destroy the finish and may even ruin the wood. This applies to all acid bases including clouding vinegar. If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to clean the wood, but make certain that the pressure is not so high that is going to damage the surface of the wood.

Shower chairs are going to be prone to germs. If you want to keep them bacteria free, remember to take them out of the shower when you are not using them and to keep them as dry as you possibly can. Proper care and maintenance will lengthen the life of any shower chair.

Safety First

For the sake of safety make sure the room is ventilated by opening the window or door. Put on some rubber gloves and you’re ready to go.

Empty Out

Before you start cleaning your shower, empty everything out. This is not only a great time to get rid of any empty bottles and small bits of soap but also to take a quick inventory as to what you need the next time you go shopping for bathroom supplies.

Shower Door

If you have a glass shower door, do that first because you can step inside the shower while it’s still dry. Use white vinegar, a glass cleaner, or warm soap and water to clean the inside of the shower door. After you clean glass shower doors, remember to clean out the shower door tracks. An old toothbrush can be used to get down inside the tracks.

Inside the Shower

Now it’s time to start cleaning inside the shower. Start at the top of the shower, then clean from top to bottom. Get the shower floor last so all the soap scum will go down the drain.

First, rinse off the walls with a mixture of hot water and soap. The idea here is to loosen the scum that’s on the walls. Next, it’s time to scrub. You can use a scrubber sponge. That’s one that does not have a scouring pad that would scratch your tile. Some people use a mixture of ammonia and vinegar while others prefer a mildew spray.

For the grout between the tiles, a grout brush is recommended. This brush with a stiff bristled will help to remove the soap scum from the grout. After rinsing off the walls and grout you may then want to use white vinegar on the grout for deeper cleaning. Then, as before, rinse off the wall and grout.

If your walls and grout haven’t been done in a while, you may have to repeat this process the next day. Some people also swear by a steam machine. You can use this tool to clean both the walls and the grout.

To make the rinsing off process easier it will be helpful to have a handheld showerhead. These usually have a flexible hose that will let you move it all around your shower. Start rinsing from the top and go down the walls.

Shower head and fixtures

After the walls you should clean off your showerhead. If it’s been a while since it was cleaned, you might want to remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar. You can clean the showerhead holes by scrubbing with an old toothbrush. This is also the time to clean the hot and cold knobs or the valve that controls shower pressure. Many of these are stainless steel or have a chrome finish so be careful not to use any scrubber that can scratch them.

Shower Floor

Now it’s time to turn your attention to the shower floor. Begin by cleaning out the drain. Depending on your type of drain you may have to take off the drain cover or just reach in and grab the hair that has collected there. If you find this particular part of the job too unpleasant, there are drain cleaning tools you can buy that make his job easier.

Then clean your shower floor much like you clean the walls. Rinse all the dirt and soap scum down the drain.

Accessories

Last, but not least, if you use accessories such as a shower caddy or a freestanding shower seat, these also need to be cleaned. It might be easier if you take them out of the shower to clean them.

If you clean your shower on a regular basis, instead of waiting until you can no longer stand it, it will be a much easier and more pleasant job.

Read Tools to Use to Clean Your Shower for details about what equipment you might want to use to clean your shower.

Below are some of the tools you can use to make cleaning your shower easier. Read Steps To Clean Your Shower for details about getting your shower cleaner.

Basic Shower Cleaning Tools

If you have tiles in your shower, one area that you have to ensure gets properly cleaned is the grout. Grout is a major source of both mildew and mold. Even if you cannot see the mold, it may still be there. One of the best ways to sanitize grout is to get a good grout brush and a bacterial killing soap product.

A good grout brush needs to have strong bristles and the best ones will not have a flat surface. You want to make sure that the brush gets into the grout. Many brushes skim across the tile but do not get right into the grooves with the grout.

Most companies seal grout when it is used in a bathroom, but over time sealants become ineffective and water absorbs into the grout. You may eventually have to reseal the grout in your shower.

Moisture is one of the main reasons that a shower can become moldy. A squeegee is a perfect way to clean off all the excess water in the shower, and it only takes a couple of minutes. Squeegees not only reduce the moisture in the bathroom, they will also help to prevent water spots. You can use your squeegee on tile, walls, and especially glass shower doors.

Another alternative is to get a good shower cloth. There are many different kinds available and many of them come with built-in disinfectants. After every use of the shower, you can quickly use one to wipe down the entire shower.

If the thought of cleaning out hair in shower drains makes you ill, a drain cleaning tool is available. Basically, it’s a piece of plastic with grooves on it that slides into your drain and lets you lift out any hair that’s in there. You can then dump it without having to touch it.

Automatic Shower Cleaner Kits

Some people find that an easier way to keep their shower clean is to use an automatic shower cleaner. These come in kits with a sprayer that spins to put cleaning fluid on all the walls of the shower. Your press a button and walk away.

These products not only are simple to use, but are effective at killing all kinds of bacteria, can last for over thirty days, and have a pleasing scent. This type of setup will greatly reduce the chance of any kind of bacterial growth and will keep the shower fresh and odor free. There are two settings on most of these products, one for quick jobs and one for deeper cleaning. They are safe for almost all kinds of showers or tub-shower combinations and can be used daily.

Steam

Steam is another great way to help keep bacteria and germs from growing in your bathroom. One of the big advantages of using a streamer for cleaning is that it kills gems without using harsh chemicals. Additionally, with a steam cleaner, you can guide the spray right into grout and other small areas ensuring that they are sanitized.

With the many shower cleaning tools available you should have no excuses for not cleaning your shower.

Everything today has more choices and options, and the shower caddy is no exception. When looking at shower shelving you will find that there are many possibilities, including corner units and over the showerhead or shower door designs. Additionally, they come in various colors, shapes, sizes and with many optional specialty features.

Considerations

One thing you should consider before purchasing a unit is who will be using the caddy. Are you the only one in the house or are you considering an entire family? The answer to this particular question is going to help you make the best choice.

The more people who will be using the caddy, the more shelves you might want to get. Not everybody wants to use the same kind of shampoo and conditioner.

Caddy units come in a number of different materials. Stainless steel, mesh, plastic and rope are just a few of the choices. When choosing a material, think about how you are going to keep the caddy clean and looking its best. Furthermore, you will also want to consider other problems that can occur like rust, corrosion and/or water spots.

Types of Caddies

An over the showerhead caddy can be quite useful when you have small children in the home. If you do not want them to have access to certain items like razors, it is perfect for keeping these items from their reach. Because it has many shelves, this option is also great if you have an existing caddy, but determine that it is not big enough.

An over the shower door caddy similarly has a number of shelves. It will have long hooks that allow it to fit over most standard shower doors. It may even have adjustable shelves.

A pole caddy can be great. They are usually installed using a suspension pole similar to the ones that are sometimes used to hold up shower curtains. They are not only solid and sturdy; they also offer a large number of shelves.

If you are looking for something more permanent, you can get a permanent type caddy that can be glued or attached with suction cups directly onto the shower tile or shower surround. These units can be used on almost any kind of surface so you can attach it anywhere in the shower. Many people select caddies that can be tucked right into the corner thereby making the most of their shower space.

One option that many people really appreciate is having a dispenser on their caddy. This option eliminates the need to have shampoo bottles within the bathing area, which are often knocked and spilled. Many of these units even provide an anti-steam mirror for men who like to shave in the shower.

Fancy and fun caddies can be found. For example, if your bathroom is used by children, you might want to think about a frog or an octopus caddy.

Bathrooms are one room in the home that everybody, including guests will use. Clean up the clutter and mess. Get yourself a caddy.

Many homes are being designed and built with neo-angled showers. Other showers are just too small for a shower chair, especially if you live in an apartment. Even your bathtub may be too small to fit a shower seat into.

If you are facing these situations, a corner shower seat may be the only possible solution. Fortunately, there are many options when trying to pick the ultimate corner shower chair.

Teak Shower Stool

A freestanding teak corner shower stool is probably the most beautiful option. These kinds of chairs are designed specifically to go fit neatly into your shower or bath. Teak is a hard wood that is known the world over for its resistance to water. And teak shower seats feel warm and look stylish.

One of the major drawbacks of a corner teak stool is that it may not offer as much seating area as other portable shower seats. This means a larger person may feel less secure while sitting on them.

For more information read Choose a Hardwood or Teak Shower Seat for Elegance and Quality.

Poly or Stainless Steel

Stainless steel and polyethylene chairs are also available for the corner of your shower. They are sturdy and very easy to clean and maintain. They can be quickly sprayed and sanitized after each use. In most cases, you will not have to buy any special antibacterial products.

Additionally, some of the seats have holes in the top, which prevents water from pooling.
Although stainless steel chairs are not as attractive as many of the teak stools, they tend to be less expensive.

Built-in Shower Seat

Many people decide that they would prefer to have a shower seat built permanently into their showers. Once installed, this corner seat cannot be moved. Many people feel more secure using a built in shower corner seat. They do not have to be concerned about the seat shifting or moving in any way.

These type seats are usually tiled to match the décor of the shower enclosure. That makes this seat look like part of the shower design.

You can also buy a complete acrylic base for your shower which has a corner seat as part of its design. Because of its size, the base can be a much more expensive option than other types of built in seats.

One of the major drawbacks of a built in corner seat is that if the person who wishes to use it is restricted to a wheelchair, they may not be able to get in and out of the shower without help. Many of these corner seats require that the person be able to stand for a least a short period in order to get onto the bench. If the person is unable to stand, the only alternative is to have someone help to lift the disabled person to and from the corner seat.

Installation of the Built in Corner Seat

Installation of the tile type built in corner chairs must be done correctly. The seat must be securely attached to the shower wall and sealed to prevent water from seeping into the wall. You may want to hire a professional plumber to be sure the seat is built correctly.

The other types of freestanding corner seats may come already assembled or can be assembled very quickly and easily. They will then be available for immediate use.

Summary

If shower space is a concern, but you still want the benefits a shower seat can offer, consider buying or installing a corner shower seat.

Various types of shower seats are available that make it much easier for someone who is physically challenged to sit comfortably and safely in a shower.

First, for people who use a wheelchair, shower commode chairs are available. This special type of wheelchair can be made of waterproof PVC or may have an aluminum frame and stainless steel hardware. These chairs also have large wheels so the person in it can get themselves in and out of the shower. What’s more, many are lightweight and can be folded so they can be easily moved.

A commode chair often also has a special hole that permits the chair to double as a toilet. Underneath the chair is a removable container that can be taken out and cleaned as required.

A person who is in a wheelchair may need, or prefer, to have a transfer bench. This is an adapted version of the standard shower seat. The design of the bench allows a person to move from their wheelchair onto the bench and then slide themselves into the shower. Many models allow you to adjust the seat height.

If you are concerned about water getting onto the floor, you don’t have to worry as many of these benches have a feature which allows the shower curtain to be pulled across. These benches are very useful for not only the disabled person, but also their caregiver. With this type of unit in place, the caregiver will have virtually no lifting to do. In fact, many people who are confined to a wheelchair can get in and out of the shower using one of these benches with no assistance at all.

If you are looking at a long-term care situation, you should think about a wall mounted or fold down shower seat. These are extremely convenient and useful. Wall mounted shower seats can be conveniently folded out of the way when they are not needed. Many of these seats are made of a phenolic, which is a very durable long lasting plastic compound. If you plan to get a wall mount, there are a number of different features available, including safety locks, and arms.

A handicap shower seat is ideal for any person who needs assistance getting in and out of the shower or who just wants to have privacy for taking a shower. Replacing or modifying a shower or tub can be very costly, but the addition of the appropriate shower chair can make major renovations or alternations unnecessary. And the range of options for a handicap shower seat enables the physically challenged person to be involved in making their own choice.

The above seats can be purchased at:

• Teak
• Hardwood
• Rubberwood / Parawood.

Teak

A teak shower seat is not only practical, but will add beauty and style to any bathroom. Due to its natural water resistance, a teak stool can be placed directly into either a shower or a bathtub. Teak is a durable hardwood which will last for many years and, over time, take on an attractive grey patina. For both its elegance and quality, there are few shower seats that can compare to one made of teak.

When selecting a teak shower chair you have three basic designs to choose from. There are teak shower stools, corner benches, and folding chairs.

Teak Shower Stools

The most common design is that of the teak shower stool. These square three or four-legged stools can be found with either all teak or aluminum legs. The seat has vents in it to allow water to drain through. Some also come with a basket feature. This permits an individual to store shower items right beside them. You wouldn’t have to stand up or move around if they need to reach the shampoo or conditioner.

Teak Corner Bench

Depending on the size and shape of your shower, you might want to select a teak corner shower seat. This will still give you the benefit of having a chair in the shower, but will take up less room and make getting in and out of a shower much easier.

Not all shower enclosures are square. Many homes have neo angle showers, and the square shape of the standard stool often makes it awkward to use. The triangular shape of the corner stool allows it to fit compactly into this type shower as well as a bathtub.

Teak Folding Chair

For those who want a shower chair they can remove from the bathroom or shower, a teak folding shower chair is an ideal solution. These can be picked up and moved easily. Additionally, a teak folding shower chair can be stored almost anywhere, when it is not in use.

Many people use these for outdoor showers or as part of their backyard landscaping. That’s because of their design and larger size.

Hinged Teak Shower Seat

There are hinged or fold down shower seats made of teak. As with other retractable shower seats, these type seats provide more room in the shower because when not being used they are folded out of the way.

But even when folded up or down, the teak seat will still provide visual interest in the shower, unlike the typical plastic hinged seat. They can also be spruced up by using fancier connecting hardware, such as brass.

For more information read The Difference Between a Fold Down Shower Seat and a Folding Shower Seat

Benefits and Features

The advantage of buying a teak shower seat is that teak is the world’s most water resistant wood. This is why you often see teak used in all kinds of bathrooms and in the construction of outdoor furniture. Teak is such a classic wood that you often only see it stained. It can be painted, but due to the natural beauty of the grain, most people prefer to not alter the color.

For additional information about teak wood, read Shower Seat Materials: PVC, Stainless Steel /
Aluminum, Hardwood, and Mesh.

The price of a teak shower stool or a teak shower chair can range in price from about $45 to $70 and up. However, the cost is minimal when one takes into account that it will last for years and unlike many of its metal and plastic counterparts, teak has a look of elegance.

If you are looking to buy a chair for the indoor bathtub or shower or for your back yard, you should consider getting a teak shower seat. You will be pleased by its comfort, practicality, and attractiveness.

Hardwood

Woods other than teak are also available. These include

• Iroko, a moisture resistant wood from Africa
• Brazilian walnut, known for strength and durability and its resistance to moisture
• Bamboo, a more ecologically friendly choice
• Rubberwood, also called parawood

Rubberwood is typically grown in Southeast Asia. It is a lighter color than teak, but can be stained. It is also water resistant and less expensive than teak. If you want the look and feel of wood, but want something that is ecologically friendly, you may want to consider rubberwood.

Given all these options, why not consider a teak shower seat now?

Click on the following link for teak shower seat.

Therefore, before you begin any kind of bathroom upgrade or renovation and especially if you are changing showerheads, you should have a basic understanding of what the valve does and what options you have.

Manual Valve

The least expensive type of shower valve on the market is the regular or manual valve. These valves do not regulate the temperature of the water nor do they control the pressure. This is the type of system that is in place if you’ve ever been either frozen or scalded in the shower.

Additionally, if this were not bad enough, if someone in the house decided to run the dishwasher, you might have had your shower reduced to a steady drip.

Pressure Balanced Valve

The pressure balanced valve is the one that you will find in most homes today. This valve is probably the one that you have in your bathroom right now. It normally consists of a single handle and a single control. When you turn the handle to the left, the water gets warmer. You do not control the pressure.

With this valve, you do not have to worry about other people using the water while you are showering. The valve is set to accommodate any changes in both temperature and pressure automatically. If someone does flush the toilet, the temperature in the shower should not vary more than a couple of degrees.

These shower valves often incorporate what is known as a diverter. This small valve allows you to direct where the water comes out. In many of these systems, the diverter control is on the faucet. This changes the water from flowing out of the faucet and directs it to the showerhead.

Thermostatic valve

The other option available is known as a thermostatic valve. This permits an individual to set the temperature of the water and regulate the pressure. There are separate controls for both. This feature is great for shower safety and for anyone who plans to install a shower with multiple outlets or for performance showers.

Shut-off valve

For additional water and utility bill savings, you should consider a shut-off valve or on-off button. With this device, you simply push a button or turn a lever to turn off the water from the shower head. When you’re finished soaping up, simply turn the water back on. The water returns and you don’t even have to readjust the water temperature.

Shower Valve Installation

A shower valve is not difficult to install, depending on exactly what you intend to do. If you are doing a simple replacement job, you can most likely do the job yourself in a matter of hours.

However, if you are planning to go with an extremely elaborate shower with multiple heads and different types of valves, you are probably better off getting a plumber or contractor to do the job. If you are going to put out thousands for a custom shower with special rain atmosphere showerheads, the installation is not where you want to start pinching pennies.

There is also a matter of building codes and insurance. As with any type of remodeling, you will have to find out exactly what the codes are in your area. In many cities, you are no longer permitted to install regular valves. For shower safety reasons you must put in either a thermostatic valve or a pressure balanced shower valve. If you do have any problems or the shower leaks and causes water damage to anything in the house, you may discover that your insurance is not going to cover the costs if you did the renovation yourself. Sometimes it is simply better to get a professional.

You can purchase shower valves here: