One thing you should consider during your bathroom renovation project is to upgrade your traditional standard bathtub. These days, many homeowners are switching to a walk-in bathtub because of its accessibility and safety features. It provides older adults and people with mobility issues a more secure and independent bathing experience.
There is a wide variety of available tubs on the market, so be sure to weigh up your options properly. Here are some tips on choosing your walk-in bathtub.
Make Sure It’s Accessible
If you or your family member has mobility issues, a walk-in tub is a great solution to your bathing issues. As such, make sure your walk-in tub provides accessibility. For instance, most walk-in tubs have an inward opening door, which may be a problem for wheelchair users. An outward-swinging door, on the other hand, offers an easier transfer from a wheelchair and can also work perfectly in a narrow bathroom space.
Check the Size
Walk-in tubs are manufactured in many sizes, from compact to extra wide. When thinking about the size of your tub, don’t forget to consider the stairs and doorways in your home. Bathtub installation contractors would have to carry the tub to the bathroom, so you need to check if your tub can fit through the house and in your bathroom. Thus, a compact model is more ideal for narrow halls or doorways. In addition, since the walk-in tub holds more water than a standard one, the subfloor of your bathroom must be strong enough.
Consider the Safety Features
Before purchasing a walk-in tub, you also have to consider different safety features:
- Low threshold entry: All walk-in tubs have a low threshold entry, but it may vary between manufacturers. To prevent someone from losing their balance when walking in the tub, the threshold entry should be six inches tall.
- Anti-slip flooring: Slips and falls in the bathroom not only occur because of bathroom tiles. Keep in mind that your tub flooring also plays a role in stability. For this reason, your walk-in tub should have anti-slip flooring to prevent injuries during bathing or upon entering or exiting the tub.
- Built-in safety bars: Safety bars give the users more support when entering or exiting the tub and help adjust their bodies while bathing.
To help you install your walk-in bathtub, consult a professional contractor for assistance and guidance. As such, put your trust in the contractors from Elite Bathrooms LuxStone of Long Island. Our pro contractors are more than glad to go over your walk-in bathtub options. We also offer KOHLER® walk-in bathtubs to improve independent bathing and accessibility. Call us today at [company_number], or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.
