Good Questions: Stool or Bench for Shower?

My grandfather is coming to stay with me a few weeks and I'd like to find a stool or bench for him to use in the guest shower. I've found some really ugly ones online, but I'd like to find something a bit more visually appealing that I could keep in there all the time. Perhaps something in Teak? Does anyone have ideas on where I could find something cool? Thanks! Jake

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The Hinoki Stool from Design Within Reach is exactly what you are looking for — but expensive at $300. It's made of Japanese cedar and is the same kind of stool used in Japanese saunas. We found some other cedar and teak options but many were folding, which didn't seam stable in a shower.

If you have a tub, you could use the Hinoki Tub Bench, made from the same rot-resistant cedar, which is only $100.

Anyone have alternative ideas?

Comments (19)

Frontgate.com has several shower stools, but not inexpensive: http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=4504&path=1%2C2%2C105%2C4501%2C4504

Big time kudos to you for being an awesome grandchild! (We designed our downstairs bath and guest room with my grandmother in mind, but her health later kept her from traveling to see us! Other elderly guests have enjoyed the space, though.)

To answer your specific question, do a Google Image search for "teak bath stool" and you'll see some nice choices.

If you'd like to look at more tips for helping your grandfather stay safe and comfortable while he's visiting your home, check out these resources:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/10/aging-in-place-bathroom-accessibility.html

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Affordable_Ideas_to_Retrofit_Your_Home_for_Accessibility--A3601.html

I have this stool from Gaiam in my shower (use it to hold my bath items) and love it: http://www.gaiam.com/product/id/1010701.do?SID=WG092SPRTAPEMACS&gcid=S18376x088&keyword=teak%20seat

This one at BB&B is cheaper: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14945679

Just google, "Teak Stool" then "Shopping Results" and you'll find hundreds of options. Good Luck!!!

Don't know why a folding stool should be particularly unstable in a shower -- they are fine so long as they can be properly installed into the wall (i.e., into studs). Since showers are quite small, they are often ideal (you are less likely to trip over/into them, as they are not likely to be in the way).

Hello,
I don't know, if this is any help, but here's Finlands most popular sauna stool.

http://www.designforum.fi/product?product=1406472&productgroup=1210724

Unfortunately, I don't know, where you can find it in the U.S. But if you can, I can assure you, it's brilliant!

I'm an interior designer, I used a tree stump once in a clients shower for a seat. The Phillipe Stark Ghost Chair has arms that might be nice and its clear plastic so it won't look like its taking up the whole shower

okay a tree stump will rot, soooo not to knock the idea, but I wouldn't go with that for a long term solution. :) I too have the gaiam stool and like it a lot.

west elm had a teak bathroom group that included a stool.

We have a set of these benches/stools from Target. They work great in the bathroom. And, they can double as bedside tables (if you don't want them permanently in the bath).
http://www.target.com/14-Slat-Bench-Teak/dp/B000A9QB3G/sr=1-1/qid=1239202691/ref=sr_1_1/180-7419554-5631242?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Ateak%20bathroom%20bench&page=1

please excuse me for not staying on topic but i just have to say i found this post so sweet and heartwarming, hope you find the perfect stool!

I bought this in an attempt to have something to shave on but it was a bit to big to keep in the shower. However, it was very stable and I think it would work well for your grandmother:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ANR3WE/ref=asc_df_B001ANR3WE761778?smid=A3FTKNZ9RHYKG2&tag=yahoo-kitchen-mp-20&linkCode=asn

A lot of people carry this one and I would recommend it :-)

Ann Sacks has a really amazing one:
http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=272204&coll=305204&prg=1583704

I think its very expensive though (you can see it in their showroom on 18th street).

As a grandchild who misses her grandparents each and every single day, it is wonderful to see someone who so loves her grandfather. Please allow me to advise that this is a situation inwhich your grandfather's safety and comfort trumps aesthetics.

Please be sure to ask your grandfather what he needs. He may need a stool with handles so that it is easy to sit down and get up. Contact a medical homecare store in your area or even your local hospital and see what they reccommend and what they have available in regards to shower stool. Yes, tehy are not very attractive, however if they provide peace of mind for your grandfather and you while he visits, believe me, it is definately worth it.

Here's a folding one for $80 that looks pretty stable.

http://www.freshfinds.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/Teak-Bath-Stool/productID/5057C470-801C-46E1-A010-184048C2813B/categoryID/05CAE3BE-3A53-4624-9776-4812278465B0/

I found some that look the same on ebay for 1/2 the price.

I have the hinoki shower seat. It's very pretty, but much too low and narrow for anyone's Grandparent. It also did get mold. I had to soak it in bleach water to clean up.

I second Seaside's comments.

how about some inexpensive ikea outdoor furniture?

stool — http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00108005

chair — http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80117256
i'd guess they would stand up to the water, seeing as how they're meant for outside.

yay- excited to see an accessibility related post on AT!

I'm looking for the same thing. I found some on eBay, and there's a nice one online at Hammacher Schlemmer.

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/76075.asp

Not as pretty as the Finnish or Ann Sacks one, but more affordable!