Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "What is the weight capacity of these seats?"
A. When properly installed, these shower seats have been designed and manufactured to support loads exceeding the downward pull requirements for Federal specifications FHA, VA, HUD, hospital codes, and private
construction. The actual "in use" load bearing capacity of any shower seat, however, will be limited by the strength of its mounting surface and installation hardware. Due to the differences in installation surfaces (tile, wood, sheet
rock, etc), mounting hardware (bolts/screws/anchors) is not included.
Q. "What does FEQ mean?"
A. FEQ is the abbreviation for First European Quality (grade A) which requires the wood to be made from 100% heartwood, and not contain sapwood, knots or wormholes. Heartwood is from the center non-living part of the tree. It is darker and more dense than the outer layers which are called sapwood. Sapwood doesn't resist mold as well as heartwood.
Q. "Will the bathtub bench slide around or move on a wet bathtub floor?"
A. According to the manufacturer, the bottom of each leg features a germ-free rubber strip permanently bonded to it to keep the bench stable and slip-resistant. But, as with anything, be careful.
Q. "Do the wall mount shower seats and benches fold up or fold down?"
A. All of the ADA shower benches and seats fold up against the wall to which they are mounted. When the seat is lifted up the part of the support bar inside the grab box slides upward getting more snug as the bench is pushed up. Tension and friction between the bar and the grab box, and the way the seats are designed to lean in towards
the wall, are what keeps the seats held in place when in the folded up position.
Q. "What is appropriate wood or steel backing material?"
A. The manufacturer recommends that shower seats be installed using 2" minimum thickness "in wall" solid wood blocking material with #10 x 2" stainless steel, phillips-head, sheet metal screws, or using a
wall embedded, minimum 12 ga. (2.8mm) steel anchor plate with #10 x 24 stainless steel machine screws. Due to differences in installation surfaces like tile, wood, sheet rock, etc, mounting hardware (bolts/screws/anchors/backing material)
is not included.
Q. "Do I have to worry about mold or mildew with my teak shower bench?"
A. Teak is renowned worldwide for its resistance to mold, mildew and rot. It is also germ-resistant, and all our benches are sanded smooth for maximum comfort. Please note: as with all shower benches, these
ADA Compliant folding benches need to be cleaned to help prevent the build-up of dirt, soap scum and hard water deposits -which will sometimes allow the growth of molds.
Q. "How do I clean my new teak product?"
A. Cleaning teak is a fairly simple task. For lightly soiled teak use a mild solution of soap and water. For heavily soiled teak you will need to use a mild solution of bleach and water (1 ounce of bleach per 1 gallon of water) and apply to the surface of the product and wipe or scrub off and rinse. This simple process will remove the surface dirt and residue restoring the teak to its natural beauty. We also offer manufacturers recommended teak cleaning products here
Q. "How do I maintain my teak product?"
A. Teak products require almost no maintenance. Due to teak's natural resistant properties they will not mold or mildew and will maintain the wood's beauty whether finished or unfinished. Maintaining finished teak is similar to polishing your wood furniture. Every few months, simply apply teak oil to the surface of your product with a cloth. This process takes only a few minutes and will renew the finish on your teak product. If you prefer you can choose to let the teak age naturally. In time the teak oil will dissipate and the teak's natural oil content will continue to ward off mold and mildew. If not maintained with use of teak
oil the color of the teak will change as it ages to a grayish color.
Q. "How does the water drain off of these benches?"
A. Actually, the water drains right through the bench. These benches are built with 1/8-inch spaces between each slat so that water drains right through to the tub or shower floor.
Q. "Who uses these types of shower seats?"
A. These seats are great for anyone who would like a wonderful folding bath/shower seat. Being ADA Compliant, these benches are very helpful for those who like to sit while showering as well as anyone who
is handicapped, disabled, mobility challenged, elderly, patients in physical therapy, etc.
Q. "What does 'ADA Compliant' mean?"
A. Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a comprehensive civil rights act for people with disabilities. On July 26, 1990, President
George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law as wide-ranging legislation intended to make American society more accessible to people with disabilities and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA was built primarily
due to the desire of individuals with disabilities to work toward their goal of full participation in American society, and effects the ADA may have on businesses include restructuring or altering the layout of a building, modifying
equipment, and removing barriers.
Q. "I'm not disabled, simply getting older. Do I need ADA compliant items? "
A. Not specifically, but the qualities of an ADA compliant item are beneficial to everyone. ADA compliant products ensure that the item, if installed per manufacturer specifications, will hold a certain amount
of weight, be within certain dimensions, and perform in a certain manner to allow universal accessibility. Looking for stylish ways to update your home for more accessibility? View our page.
Q. "Can my teak be stained to a specific color?"
A. The manufacturer does not recommend staining teak, due to the high oil content. Stains will not take to teak uniformly. Staining teak will interfere with the teak's natural ability to resist bacteria.
Q. "What is the difference between the Burmese Teak and Plantation Teak?"
A. The manufacturer states plantation teak is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and comes from trees harvested from an actual plantation of younger Teak trees, and use only the heartwood of the tree. Plantation Teak has all the same qualities of old growth Burmese Teak but it is a little lighter in color. Heartwood teak provides an elegant piece with unique grain patterns and a beautiful rich color giving any area an immediate WOW factor. The high silica content in teak makes it an ideal wood to use when a slip resistant surface is needed. The natural oil makes the wood resistant to mold and mildew. Burmese teak is made of pure heartwood from mature Teak trees grown in the Indonesia/South East Asia region.
Q. "What does FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mean?"
A. This certification means the wood you plan to buy meets strict environmental and economic standards and the FSC promotes responsible forestry management.
