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How Much Weight Can the Molded Shower Seat and Shower Base Hold?

▶Glossary8
  1. Which Showers Have the Molded Seat
  2. What the 250 and 300 Pound Figures Mean
  3. Supporting the Base
  4. Heavier Bathers and Add-On Seating
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

Ella's molded shower seat is not given an official weight rating, but Ella states it will hold up to 250 pounds. The shower base is not formally rated either. Ella has quoted the base at up to 300 pounds, and in some answers the seat and pan together at 250 pounds, so treat 250 pounds as the safe planning figure and confirm the figure for your exact model with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. If a bather weighs more than 250 pounds, plan on an add-on seat or bench rather than relying on the molded seat.

Which Showers Have the Molded Seat

The molded seat is part of the shower shell itself on the 60 by 36 inch one-piece AcrylX stall and on the 60 by 33 inch three-piece shower with the molded seat. Because it is molded into the shell, it is not a separate part that can be swapped for a different seat. The same 250 pound guidance applies to the seat on both stalls. For a walkthrough of how the three-piece unit goes together, see installing the 60 by 33 three-piece shower with molded seat.

What the 250 and 300 Pound Figures Mean

Not rated means the seat and base have not been tested to a certified load standard, and Ella does not publish a maximum. The figures above are the loads Ella states the parts will carry in normal use: about 250 pounds seated on the molded seat, and up to 300 pounds on the base. Normal use means lowering yourself onto the seat and standing on the base, not jumping or dropping onto them. A grab bar next to the seat helps a bather sit and rise gently, which keeps the load on the seat where it belongs.

Supporting the Base

The base carries its load best when it is installed exactly as the instructions describe, level and fully supported across the floor. Follow the installation article for your unit and have your installer confirm the base is set correctly before the walls go on. For overall base sizes and how to measure the alcove, see walk-in tub and shower base sizes.

Heavier Bathers and Add-On Seating

If the bather is over 250 pounds, or if you simply want a seat with a listed capacity, Ella offers add-on shower seats, benches and chairs. Their sizes, capacities and finishes are listed in shower doors, seats, benches and accessories, and mounting instructions are in installing shower seats, benches and chairs. Wall-mounted seats transfer the load to the wall behind the panel, so your installer should follow the mounting instructions for the wall support the seat needs. If you are weighing a walk-in tub instead of a shower, this article on weight limits and bariatric options covers the tub side.

Common Questions

What is the weight limit on the molded shower seat?
The seat is not officially rated, but Ella states it will hold up to 250 pounds in normal seated use. This applies to the molded seat on both the 60 by 36 one-piece and the 60 by 33 three-piece showers. Heavier bathers should use an add-on seat with a listed capacity.
How much weight can the shower base hold?
The base is not formally rated, but Ella has stated it will hold up to 300 pounds when installed as instructed. Proper support under the base is what lets it carry that load. Your installer should confirm the base is level and fully supported before the walls are set.
Is the seat tested to a certified load standard?
No. Ella does not publish a certified rating for the molded seat or the base. The 250 and 300 pound figures are practical guidance from Ella for normal use, not laboratory ratings.
I weigh more than 250 pounds, so what seat should I use?
Choose one of Ella's add-on shower seats, benches or chairs and check the capacity listed for it. Mount it to the wall exactly as the installation instructions describe. The molded seat should not be relied on above 250 pounds.
Does the 250 pound figure apply to the 60 by 36 one-piece shower?
Yes. Ella has confirmed that the molded seat on the 60 by 36 by 77 inch one-piece AcrylX stall is not rated but will hold up to 250 pounds. Ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 if you are unsure which stall you have.

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.

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