January 3, 2025

What are Phenolic Shower Seats?

Phenolic shower seats are made from a layered plastic material called phenolic resin. They are known for their several advantages, including their durability, strength, moisture resistance and mold & mildew resistance, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial showers.

What are the key benefits of phenolic shower seats?

• Durability: Phenolic resin is a highly durable material, making the shower seat resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and warping. This is ideal for a shower environment where a shower seat faces frequent use and exposure to moisture.
• Water resistance: Being non-porous, phenolic resin doesn’t absorb water, preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which can contribute to the deterioration of other materials over time.
• Easy to clean: Phenolic shower seats are easy to maintain with just soap and water. They are not susceptible to harboring bacteria or germs, making them a hygienic choice.
• High weight capacity: These seats are typically very strong and can support a high weight capacity, often up to 500 pounds. This makes them suitable for users of various weights and body types.

Overall, phenolic shower seats offer a combination of durability, water resistance, ease of maintenance, high weight capacity and a long lifespan, making them a valuable choice for many bathroom applications.

Are phenolic shower seats comfortable?

Phenolic is a hard material, similar to plastic, so it is not inherently soft or plush to sit on; however, it is fairly comfortable and it won’t get too hot or cold, such as a metal shower seat may.

Are phenolic shower seats safe?

Yes, phenolic shower seats are safe as long as they are properly installed and meet all necessary safety standards. Phenolic shower seats typically have a grippy, textured surface which helps to make this type of shower seat even safer as its grip minimizes the risk of slipping in the wet environment of a shower. While the phenolic shower seat itself might be safe, it’s essential to be aware of individual limitations. If you have mobility issues, ensure that the shower seat height and grab bar placement in your shower are appropriate for safe and easy transfer from standing to sitting positions.

Are phenolic shower seats ADA compliant?

Yes, phenolic shower seats can be ADA compliant as long as they meet all ADA requirements, such as weight capacity and dimension specifications. All phenolic shower seats on GrabBars.com are ADA compliant and have a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.

Are phenolic shower seats durable?

Yes! Phenolic shower seats are considered highly durable due to several factors:

• Material properties: Phenolic resin is a strong and dense material that is resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and warping. This makes it well-suited for the demanding environment of a shower, where it can withstand frequent use and exposure to moisture.
• Water resistance: Phenolic resin is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb water. This prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can contribute to the deterioration of other materials over time.
• Weight capacity: Phenolic shower seats are typically very strong and can support a high weight capacity, often up to 400 pounds. This makes them suitable for users of various weights and body types.

Compared with other shower seat materials, phenolic is considered to be more durable than plastic or wood as plastic can be prone to cracking or breaking and wood typically requires regular maintenance to prevent moisture damage.

How long do phenolic shower seats last?

Phenolic shower seats are known for their exceptional longevity, and their lifespan can be quite impressive as long as they experience normal use, are securely and professionally installed, and are properly taken care of. Typically, phenolic shower seats can last for up to 20 years, or even longer in some cases. 

Which types of shower seats are available in phenolic?

There are 4 types of shower seats available in phenolic material on GrabBars.com:

• Phenolic Wall-Mounted
• Phenolic Wall-Mounted with Legs
• Phenolic, L-Shaped, Wall-Mounted
• Phenolic, L-Shaped, Wall-Mounted with Legs

Can phenolic shower seats be used in both residential and commercial showers?

Yes, phenolic shower seats can be used in both residential and commercial showers due to their versatility and several key qualities that make them suitable for both settings. These are the key features of phenolic shower seats that make them ideal for both residential and commercial bathrooms:

• High durability
• Hygienic properties
• Ease of cleaning
• High weight bearing capacity
• ADA compliance
• Cost efficient

Where are phenolic shower seats commonly used?

Phenolic shower seats are a very popular choice due to the material’s many advantages! You can often find them in residential homes as well as the following commercial environments:

• Hospitals and nursing homes: Phenolic’s high weight capacity, easy cleaning, and resistance to mold and mildew make them ideal for healthcare facilities where hygiene and safety are crucial.
• High-traffic public restrooms: Phenolic shower seats can withstand frequent use and are less prone to damage compared to other materials, making them a suitable choice for high-traffic environments.
• Gyms and fitness centers: Phenolic’s durability and water resistance make this type of shower seat suitable for sweaty and wet environments, providing safe and comfortable shower seating for patrons.
• Schools and universities: Phenolic shower seats are a popular material choice for dormitory bathrooms or athletic facilities.
• Assisted living facilities: Phenolic shower seats offer a safe and comfortable showering solution for residents with varying needs.
• Hotels and resorts: Phenolic shower seats can be used in accessible rooms or high-end bathrooms, providing a luxurious and durable seating option.

Overall, the versatility and practical benefits of phenolic shower seats make them a popular choice for various settings where durability, water resistance, hygiene, and user safety are important considerations.

Are there any downsides to phenolic shower seats?

• Limited aesthetics: While some phenolic shower seats come in various styles and colors, the overall aesthetic options are generally more limited compared to other materials like wood or even some high-end plastic options.
• Potential comfort limitations: Although some models offer padding or backrests for additional comfort, the base material itself is not inherently soft or plush, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially for users who need to sit for extended periods of time in the shower.

How do I install a phenolic shower seat?

As with all shower seats, regardless of material or style, it is highly recommended to hire a professional shower seat installer to ensure your shower seat is properly and securely mounted to the shower wall. 

How do I clean a phenolic shower seat?

Cleaning a phenolic shower seat is a simple process that requires minimal effort and materials. Simply rinse and clean phenolic shower seats with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the shower seat’s surface.

Are phenolic shower seats expensive?

Phenolic shower seats are actually one of the more cost efficient shower seat materials! This material is available in many different styles of shower seats and the price will vary based on which style you choose. Phenolic shower seats on GrabBars.com range in price from $168 – $296.

What is the weight capacity of a phenolic shower seat?

The weight capacity of a phenolic shower seat can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer; however, in general, phenolic shower seats are known for their high weight capacity, typically ranging from 400 to 500 pounds and sometimes even exceeding that. All phenolic shower seats on GrabBars.com can withstand up to 400 pounds of weight capacity.

Why should I choose a phenolic shower seat?

If you are in need of a dense, sturdy, durable shower seat that will provide users with safety and security for many, many years, then a phenolic shower seat is a great choice. This type of shower seat is low maintenance, highly resistant to socrates, chips, cracks, warping, mold & mildew, and has a very high weight-bearing capacity. Phenolic is a safe, durable, cost efficient and long-lasting shower seat material that has proven continued performance for more than a decade when installed and maintained properly.

What are some alternatives to phenolic shower seats?

Depending on your priorities and budget, you might consider alternative shower seat materials like:

• Solid plastic: Affordable but less durable and water-resistant than phenolic.
• Teak wood: Warm and aesthetically pleasing, but requires regular maintenance to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Take a look at all of our phenolic shower seats here: Phenolic Shower Seats

If you have any additional questions about shower seats, give us a call at 704-800-4629, live chat with us on GrabBars.com or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you out.