Bath Boards

By Author: James Carratt
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A bath board is a board that can be fitted to your bath is you struggle to get in and out of the bath. A bath board wedges between the rims of the bath, which provides a seat for you when you are bathing. You can use the bath board to sit on and wash your legs, or even wash your body using a hand held shower spray. Or alternatively, you can use the bath board to sit on and then slowly lower yourself onto a bath seat so that you can be nearer the bath water.

The bath boards are typically slatted so that water drains through the board. Bath boards are usually made of solid plastic, wood, metal and even cork.

For safety reasons, you must ensure that the board is fitted securely across the top of the bath and the board is at the opposite end of the bath taps.

A Standard Bath Board

A standard bath board should not extend over the rim of the bath, because there is a higher risk of the board tipping in such circumstances. Most bath boards have an adjustable bracket or fitting system on the underneath of the board, which acts as a rigid brace securing the board to the sides of the bath.

An Extendable ...
... Bath Board

Extendable bath boards are similar to a standard board, however an extendable board is longer and extends over the rim of the bath. This forms a section where you can sit on the board outside of the bath. These boards have height adjustable legs which stand on the floor. This board is ideal for those who wish to use the seat outside of the bath to assist them to get in and out of the bath, and is a good place to sit on whilst drying after a bath.

It is recommended that you consult an occupational therapy when buying mobility and daily living equipment.

- Types of bath board
- Types of bath boards fixings
- What size bath board do I need
- How to use a bath board
- Additional extras for your bath board
- Choosing equipment for my bath

Types of bath board

Comfort and your budget will determine what type of bath board you require. The material and shape will determine how comfortable a bath board will be.

Moulded Plastic
Moulded plastic bath boards are made from moulded plastic, which is generally lightweight and easy to clean. Moulded plastic is generally low in cost and is quite resistant to damage. Bath boards made from this material are very popular due to the balance between budget and durability.

Wooden – Plastic coated/painted
The plastic coated wooden bath boards have a smooth surface, which allows you to slide across the board with ease. It is recommended that wooden bath boards are checked regularly for wear such as chips, due to heavy use.

Wooden – Polished
Polished wooden bath boards are suitable for sliding across due to the polished top. It is important to check for wear due to heavy use as the polish may wear away.

Wooden - Cork
The cork top bath boards provide a good level of friction when you are sitting on the board. You are generally less likely to slide on such a board, when comparing to a polished or plastic coated bath board, however you will need to lift yourself when getting on and off the board as you cannot slide on cork bath boards. They are generally warmer when sitting on as cork material absorbs and holds your body heat quicker than plastic. You must check your cork bath board for wear such as chips and stains due to heavy use.

Coated Metal
The coated metal bath boards are generally heavier but stronger. They can withstand heavier use than a moulded plastic bath board or a wooden bath board. The coated metal bath boards can be ideal for those who are heavier in body weight. A smooth surface allows you to slide on the board when getting on and off the board.

Padded
A padded bath board is typically more comfortable that most bath boards due to the cushion, padded seat of the board. The padded bath board is ideal for those who have a low body weight, are under weight or are in pain when sitting or bathing.

Slatted
The slatted bath boards allow water to drain through the board into the bath to reduce the amount of water that may sit on a board. This makes it easier to sit on the board and dry yourself, and it also means the board will be less slippery. Please note that when using slatted boards, please take great care to not trap any body parts in the boards. The boards with smaller gaps between the slats are considered better amongst slatted bath board users.

Cut-away Front
There are a range of bath boards that have a section cut away from the board to allow for easier personal cleaning. Boards with cut-away sections can be made from any material but are typically padded. Cut away front bath boards are ideal for those who do not want to lean on the bath board whilst bathing.

Types of bath boards fixings

The bath board must be securely fitted against the sides of the bath so that the board does not move once in place. If the board moves then it is not secure and is not safe to use.

Once the board is secure, you should make regular checks to ensure that the board fixings remain tight and in place.

Brackets

Some bath boards have adjustable brackets and some allow you to angle the brackets to wedge the board against the inside of the bath.

The brackets for bath boards are usually made from metal or plastic, and they usually have wing nuts to hold them in place. If you have weak hands, problems using your hands or problems with your wrists, you may find it difficult to tighten the wing nuts. If this is the case you may want to get some assistance when installing the bath board.

Some brackets adjust along one central column, however those that have two fixings are generally stronger. All brackets should be checked regularly.

Pillars

There are some bath boards that are fixed in place using four small pillars which have grooves in them. They are fixed in each corner of the board holding it in place to the bath sides.

Wall-hung Brackets

When your bath rim is not wide enough on one side to fix your bath board to then wall-hung brackets are ideal. Such brackets allow you to fold the bath board up the wall when not in use or can even be removed. The bath board typically is attached to one side using a bracket and rests of the bath rim on the other side. The wall-hung bracket provides a safe alternative for those with narrow bath rims and do not wish to change their bath.

Size of Board

Depth (from front to back) – a wider board is generally stronger due to the larger area fixed to the bath sides. A wider bath board is also typically more comfortable as there is a larger surface area to sit on. A wider board is ideal for those who are heavier in body weight however the wider board will take up more bath space.

Width (from side to side) – you must consider the width of your bath board. If you have a bath that is wider than average or narrower than the norm, then you should check the width of the board before buying one. You bath board should not overlap the bath rim because if it does it can become unstable and tip over.

Weight – if you intend to move your board regularly, put it away or take it away with you then the weight of the board will be important. The heavier boards are generally more secure.

Capacity – you must check the weight capacity of your bath board before use. The metal covered bath boards are suitable for those who are heavier in body weight. The moulded plastic or wooden boards are suitable for those who are lighter in body weight.

How to use a bath board

You should always use a bath board with a slip resistant mat. This is for your safety when using the board.

1. Sit on the edge of the board with your feet on the floor outside the bath.
2. Slide yourself backwards on the board.
3. Turn towards the bath, lifting your legs over the bath side. You may require help from someone to do this or you could use a leg lifter.
4. Slide yourself to the middle of the board, using grab rails or handgrips to move into position.
5. Once in the middle of the bath board, you can either lower onto a bath seat or use a hand held shower spray to wash yourself. An extendable bath board is recommended for those who want to dry themselves out of the bath but remain seated on the board.

Additional extras for your bath board

Handgrips

Grab Rails

Soap Dish

Cut-away front

Slip Resistant Mat

Leg Lifter