How much weight can a bath/shower hold?

[user1958493]

If we use a bath/shower as mainly a standing shower, how much weight can it hold? (As in how heavy can the person be to not crack it)

A quick Google suggests 1000lb for a shower on decently solid flooring. Less for a bath as it is heavier due to the weight of the water. Why do you want to know?

Thank you. Just moved house and renovating. My partner is 25 stone and wondering if that is too heavy for constant use of a normal bath/shower.

We had a separate shower unit in our old house.

If you need a bath/shower, have you thought about a steel bath?

I have one, and you do not have worrying creaking sounds when standi g in it like you do with an acrylic bath.

IMO it is wise to put bearers under the feet of a bath or shower to spread the load. Especially if you are unlucky enough to have chipboard floors.

You can work out where the joists run by looking at the pattern of nails. If you lie a piece of joist on its side, spanning at least three joists, you can fix it dowm where the bath feet will stand on them, and the bearers will transmit the load direct to the joists without stressing the floor. Hot water cylinders the same.

Some shower trays have feet, others just carry the weight through the sides. You can lay a slab of 22mm ply on the floor so that the sides of the tray rest on it. Paint or varnish the edges (at least) first, because water can penetrate ply through the edges, and weaken it.

Again, if you are unlucky enough to have chipboard floors, I recommend putting slabs of ply under the feet of the bed. Actual wooden floorboards seldom give way unless weakened by woodworm.

p.s.

you can also buy reinforced baths, such as Carronite or Trojan. They have a layer of GRP on the unseen surface to strengthen and stiffen them, it also retains heat better.

They are very heavy and I strongly advise against letting one plumber try to lift and carry one on their own

You need to check per appliance.

FIL 6'5 big build and overweight.
Needs to check buying this stuff.
Apart from max weight, actually being able to fit in is a consideration.

We had load of work, bought bath not much thought. DH can't fit in!

Showers as well. How high can shower go up. Can he turn in there. Will plastic bottom manage him.

20 stone men fil DH.

Also check things like bicycles, ladders, bed frames...

20 I know is maybe, maybe not.

25 need to just keep in mind.

Sorry that was not specific.

Bath/shower be careful.

Standing at one end a lot will mean need sturdy. Which realistically means heavy enough to take repeated weight one end.

Fil has metal enameled baths. Look into options. Needs to be proper heavy duty.

In/out.
Depending on age and agility.
Will want to keep at least 10 years, v possibly way more.

Some big men are a bit encumbered. Balance etc.
Don't want him hanging onto the shower fitting in the wall for eg, will get pulled out pretty quick.
My DH I would think his agility plus small space (to him) plus slippery surfaces would be iffy.

I would take some time deciding.

Put him in room and get to turn, realistically how much space to feel comfy not cramped.

Etc.

Worth taking time for sure imo. Good luck!

If you both usually shower, no need for bath for young kids, house is going to be long time. Worth considering massive shower and ditch bath imo.

Thank you so much for these helpful, detailed replies.

The bathroom is reasonably small and won't fit a separate shower. And we have 2 very young children so definitely need a bath.

I will start looking into it all.

@PigletInABlanketJohn is that a name change, are you usually @pigletjohn? If so, you have helped me before under a different name

I think of you think about it. Many couples shower together, and could easily hit 25 stone joint.

@Bluntness100 yes That's a good point. But more worried about the constant use of it and the wear and tear that weight would cause.

yes it's me

I've taken to using chrome or stainless disability handrails as towel rails. They don't look odd with towels on them, and will withstand the weight of a person who slips in the bath and grabs hold.

In my own bathroom I started with ordinary chrome towel rails before realising that the grab rails are so similar (but thicker). Also have one in the downstairs WC.

no idea when or if they will actually be needed, but I once pulled a radiator off a studwork wall when I fell over.

@PigletInABlanketJohn is that your pet pig!? That is so cute!

Thank you again, for all your advice

no, it's me when I was a youngster

I've put on a bit of weight since then.

Not so cute now, eh?

@PigletInABlanketJohn You've still got that cheeky grin. 🐷

actually, that's my wife

she's been sleeping on the sofa since I had a bit of a fling with Rebecca Loos.

Apparently "I want your babies" doesn't mean what I thought.

@PigletInABlanketJohn 🤣🤣 still cute!