Installing an Ella shower seat, folding bench, fold-up chair or teak seat comes down to one rule: every wall-mounted seat must anchor into studs or solid in-wall backing confirmed by a licensed contractor. Beyond that, each product has its own specifics: 2x6 backers and a bracket for the bariatric corner seats, all four screws in every plate on the folding bench, an 18 to 19 inch seat height with silicone on the screws for the fold-up chair, a location card and 16 to 19 inch height for the teak seat, three screws per side for the grab bar shelf, and a stability test for the removable bathtub seat. The caregiver curtain rod mounts on brackets with silicone in every hole and must touch the floor in a barrier-free shower. Grab bars themselves and the accessory spec comparison are separate articles.

Bariatric Corner Shower Seats (rectangular and Rounded)

The rectangular seat is 26 x 14 inches with a 24 1/2 x 12 inch stainless bracket; the rounded seat is 20 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches with a 13 x 12 inch bracket. Both are permanently mounted, support up to 600 lbs, have a slip-resistant textured top, and carry a one year warranty.

1. Install 2x6 backer boards horizontally between the studs at the bench height, level and centered where the bracket will go, and secure them with structural screws.
2. After the wall finish is complete, mark the bracket location, pre-drill into the backer and mount the bracket with lag screws or heavy-duty fasteners.
3. Set the bench on the bracket, align the mounting points and fasten with the 1/4 inch screws supplied.
4. Fit the angle finish cover over the bracket edge (rectangular seat) and run silicone where the bench meets the wall.

Folding Bench with Nylon Slats

The 32 13/16 inch bench has a stainless frame, weighs about 16 1/2 lbs, is rated to 452 lbs and carries a five year warranty. Only competent, qualified installers should fit it, and the wall behind each fixing plate must be perfectly flat with no protruding joints or tiles. Use all four screws in each fixing plate: one missing or loose screw dangerously reduces the load capacity, and two or more missing means the support is not guaranteed. The supplied screws are for wood studs only; for other wall types contact the team. Re-check screw tightness periodically. Do not clean with abrasive liquids or bleach, and never dry it with hot air.

Fold-Up Shower Chair (phenolic Seat)

The 16 x 24 inch padded phenolic seat has four swing-down legs with adjustable feet, a 304 stainless base and two 3 inch wall flanges, each with three mounting holes, and meets ADA requirements.

1. Choose a location with proper structural support, away from pipes, wires and grout lines, and measure with the seat folded up to confirm clearance. A licensed contractor must confirm the concealed backing.
2. Set the top edge of the seat, in the down position, 18 to 19 inches from the finished floor. Level it side to side, adjust the feet, and keep at least 1 1/2 inches between the seat's rear edge and the wall when it is flat.
3. Mark and drill pilot holes. Apply silicone to the back of each flange in a half circle above the top screws and around each lower hole.
4. Secure with the supplied screws, tight, straight and flush without over-tightening, then test by applying pressure gradually.

Folding Teak Shower Seat

The 20 x 13 inch solid teak seat folds to about 3 1/4 inches from the wall and requires stud mounting.

1. Stick the adhesive-backed location card to the wall at the desired height, typically 16 to 19 inches from the finished floor, check it with a level and punch starter holes through the marks. A licensed contractor must confirm the in-wall backing.
2. Drill the pilot holes and remove the card. Insert the wall plugs if mounting over tile; even with plugs, every screw must anchor into a stud or solid backing. Tap expansion bolts flush.
3. Align the bracket and fasten with the stainless screws, firm and level without over-tightening.
4. Fold the seat up and down several times, sit briefly to check stability, wipe it down and oil the teak as needed.

Grab Bar with Storage Shelf

The 18 inch, 1 1/4 inch diameter 304 stainless bar with a 14 1/2 x 4 inch shelf is rated to 300 lbs and comes in satin brushed, chrome and matte black. Locate the studs with a stud finder, or add wood blocking if the studs are not where the bar needs to be, and have the backing confirmed by a licensed contractor. Hold the bar level at the chosen height, mark, pre-drill, and install all three screws on each side into the studs or blocking. Tighten fully without over-tightening, snap on the flange covers and test by applying pressure gradually. Deck-mount tub grab bars and the add-on wall bars are covered in grab bars: what is included and add-on wall bars.

Removable Bathtub Seat

This seat measures 31 1/2 x 13 1/8 inches, weighs about 9 1/4 lbs, supports up to 330 lbs and adjusts in width from 25 9/16 to 31 1/2 inches to span the tub. It is intended exclusively for bathtub use. Position it carefully on the tub rims and simulate one or more stability tests, pressing down and shifting weight, before anyone uses it. Stability should be re-checked whenever it is moved.

Caregiver Shower Curtain Rod

1. Evaluate the wall and choose fasteners for it; screws and anchors are included. Drill a small test hole, in a grout line if the wall is tiled, and check for obstructions or uneven areas that would keep the bracket from sitting flush.
2. Determine the height and location of the wall support. In a barrier-free shower the curtain must touch the floor when installed.
3. Mark the drill locations and drill with a countersink bit sized to the fastener to avoid cracking tile, marble, granite, acrylic or fiberglass.
4. Apply clear 100 percent silicone in a circle around each hole to keep water out of the wall cavity.
5. Tighten the screws in an alternating sequence until the bracket is pressed firmly to the wall without movement.
6. Insert the J-shaped end of the rod into the slot of the wall bracket.
7. Twist the cap and pull to extend the telescopic rod across the opening; the extension section is tight for shipping and may need pliers.
8. Place the receiver bracket beneath the point where the rod meets the opposite wall and repeat steps 1 to 5.
9. Thread the top of the curtain onto the rod.

Watch: What Is Behind a Shower Wall

No Ella video shows a seat being mounted yet, but this shower installation shows the framing, the studs and the wall panels going up, and points out the steel reinforcement rods inside the panels that a fastener must avoid. That is what a seat or curtain bracket has to reach through, which is why blocking goes in before the walls are finished. On AcrylX stalls the Armorcore backing lets seats and bars go anywhere; see the stall comparison.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your wall construction or model, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850. Sizes and finishes for every seat are in the accessory spec sheet article, and cleaning in caring for Ella showers and accessories.