Shower Stool vs. Built-in Bench: Our Guide
When it comes to enhancing your bathroom experience, the choice between a shower stool and a built-in bench can be pivotal. While both have their merits, in the following we'll explore why opting for a shower stool might be the better choice. It's true, we are a little biased towards a well designed shower seat, but there are some real limitations to an integrated bench that are important to consider.
Accessibility and Reach
One of the primary issues with built-in benches is their location within the shower. Often, they end up too far away from the shower controls and the showerhead to reach comfortably while sitting. This can range from inconvenient to dangerous depending on the needs of the person using the shower. A shower stool, on the other hand, can be easily placed in the ideal position to ensure that you can reach the water controls and shower head without any hassle.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Our lives are constantly changing, and our needs evolve over time. A built-in bench, once installed, remains fixed in its position, which can be limiting when your needs or the needs of other users change. A shower stool, however, offers the advantage of adaptability. It can be easily repositioned to accommodate different users, making it a versatile and functional addition to your bathroom.
Comfort and Safety
 While a tile bench may appear sleek and stylish, it often comes with drawbacks in terms of comfort and safety. Tile surfaces tend to be cold, which can be uncomfortable, especially during colder months.
Maintenance and Cleaning
An often underestimated drawback of built-in benches is the increased cleaning effort they demand. There are additional areas where water can pool, leading to mold and mildew growth. Shower stools, provide better drainage and can be moved for cleaning. Our Lotic shower seat is also made with rust-free and mildew resistant materials to make the cleaning process even easier.Â
Utility Over Storage
A built-in bench can quickly turn into an unintended storage shelf. It's common for various shower essentials like shampoo bottles and soaps to accumulate on the bench, leaving you with less room to comfortably sit. On the contrary, a shower stool is designed with a singular purpose in mind: to provide a comfortable and convenient place to sit while showering. By choosing a shower stool, you can ensure that your shower space remains dedicated to its primary function.
To recap, here are the challenges with integrated shower benches:
- The bench can end up too far away from the shower controls and the shower head to reach while sitting
- A permanent bench canât be repositioned to adapt for changing needs (or other users)
- A tile bench is cold and gets slippery
- More places for water to pool = more cleaning
- A built in bench ends up being a storage shelf instead of a useful surface
While the idea of an integrated shower bench may seem appealing at first, the limitations and drawbacks become evident upon closer examination. Shower stools offer greater accessibility, adaptability, comfort, and ease of maintenance. They are designed to enhance your shower experience by providing a functional and convenient seating solution without compromising on safety and hygiene. Ultimately, the choice between a shower stool and a built-in bench comes down to your specific needs and preferences, but for many, the versatility and practicality of a shower stool make it the better choice for a more enjoyable and functional shower space.
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