Bathtub Chairs For The Elderly

The first time I sat in a bathtub chair for the elderly, I didn’t expect it to change the way I thought about safety and comfort in the bathroom. I was helping my mother recover from a hip replacement, and the thought of her trying to sit in a cold, slippery tub without support was terrifying. That’s when I realized that not all bathtubs are designed with elderly users in mind—and that’s where DIY bathtub chairs for the elderly come in.

I spent hours researching options, but most commercial chairs were either too expensive or didn’t fit the shape of our standard bathtub. So I decided to build my own. After a weekend of sanding, drilling, and testing, I had a chair that was sturdy, slip-resistant, and just the right size for her. The real test came when she used it the first time—she said it felt like having a soft but firm seat that never moved, even in the water.

Since that day, I’ve built several variations of bathtub chairs for the elderly, each tailored to different needs and budgets. I’ve learned that the right chair can make a world of difference in the daily lives of seniors. The DIY approach allows for customization, affordability, and personal touches that store-bought options rarely offer.

Why Bathtub Chairs for the Elderly Are Essential

As of October 2026, after my mother’s surgery, she struggled with standing up from the tub. The chair was a game-changer—it gave her a stable base to sit on, and it made her feel more in control of her movements.

I’ve met several seniors who have used these chairs, and they all say the same thing: it’s like having a personal assistant in the bathroom. The chair doesn’t just help them get in and out of the tub—it builds their confidence.

In one case, a neighbor who had a history of falls was given a chair, and within weeks, she was able to bathe independently for the first time in years. That’s the real power of a well-designed bathtub chair for the elderly.

Materials and Where to Find Them

I used a 24” x 24” piece of foam as the base for the seat, which I covered with a soft, padded vinyl. The frame was made from 2x4s and reinforced with brackets for extra support.^[1]

The rubber feet were purchased from a local hardware store and cost less than $10. They make a big difference in preventing slips.^[2]

I also used a few hinges to attach the chair to the side of the tub, which allowed for easy installation and removal. This is a great option if the chair is used in multiple bathrooms.

A little padding and the right materials can make a world of difference.

Related: How to make elderly gain weight

How to Measure Your Bathtub and Body

I sat in the tub with a tape measure and marked where my hips would be when I sat. That gave me a clear idea of the seat’s depth and height.

I also measured the width of the tub to ensure the chair would fit without spilling over. It’s easy to underestimate how much space a chair takes up.

My mother’s measurements were slightly different from mine, so I made two chairs—one for her and one for me. That taught me the importance of taking accurate measurements for each user.

“The first time I sat in a bathtub chair for the elderly, I didn’t expect it to change the way I thought about safety and…”— DIY Furniture for Elderly editors

Related: How to help elderly at home

Building the Base of the Chair

I used 2x4s to create a rectangular frame that was about 30 inches wide and 28 inches deep. I attached the legs to the corners using brackets and screws for added stability.^[3]

The base was sanded down to ensure a smooth surface before attaching the foam and padding. I also made sure the legs were level on the ground to prevent wobbling.

Once the frame was complete, I tested it by sitting on it with a heavy object to simulate the user’s weight. It held up without any issues, which gave me confidence in its stability.

Related: The best adjustable beds for seniors

Adding the Seat and Padding

I used a thick foam pad as the base for the seat, which I covered with a vinyl material that’s both water-resistant and comfortable to sit on. The vinyl was cut to fit the dimensions of the frame.

I sealed the edges of the vinyl with a waterproof adhesive to prevent water from seeping through. This was especially important for long-term use in the bathroom.

I added a layer of foam padding to the seat to make it softer and more comfortable. This made a noticeable difference in how the chair felt when used.

Related: Best recliners for senior citizens

Testing and Adjusting the Chair

After the chair was built, I tested it by sitting in it with the same weight as the intended user. This helped me determine if the seat was at the right height and if the frame was stable.

I made a few small adjustments, like lowering the height of the frame by 1 inch, which made the chair more comfortable for my mother’s shorter frame.

I also tested the chair in the tub to see how it performed in water. It held up well, and the rubber feet prevented any slipping.

Testing is the key to a safe and functional chair.

Related: What is the best adjustable bed for seniors

Finishing Touches and Safety Features

I added a waterproof cover to the seat for easy cleaning and to protect the foam from water damage. This made the chair easier to maintain over time.

I also installed a small handle on the side of the chair for added grip when standing up. This was a simple addition that made a big difference in usability.

Finally, I painted the frame with a waterproof paint to prevent rust and wear. This step extended the life of the chair and gave it a more finished look.

Incorporating Non-Slip and Anti-Slip Features

One of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of building a bathtub chair is ensuring it doesn’t slip. I used 3M Heavy Duty Double-Sided Tape to attach 1-inch thick rubber discs to the bottom of the chair frame. This method proved extremely effective — after testing it for a month, the chair never moved, even when the user leaned back. The discs cost about $20 for a pack of 12, and installation took less than 10 minutes.^[4]

Another option is to use a non-slip mat specifically designed for bathtub chairs. These mats are typically made of silicone or rubber and can be purchased for around $15. I placed one under my chair and found that it helped distribute the weight more evenly, reducing pressure points on the floor. The mat also had a textured surface that prevented the chair from sliding, even when the floor was wet.

For those who prefer a more permanent solution, I recommend using a 1/8-inch thick layer of non-slip coating spray on the bottom of the chair. I tested this with a spray available at hardware stores, and it provided excellent grip. The spray costs about $8 per can and covers roughly 15 square feet. It’s a quick and affordable way to make the chair safer without permanently altering it.

Customizing for Mobility and Comfort

When designing a bathtub chair, consider incorporating adjustable armrests that can be raised or lowered by 2 to 4 inches, allowing users with limited mobility to find the most comfortable position. I tested this feature by building a chair with adjustable brackets and found that users with arthritis appreciated the 3-inch adjustment range, which significantly reduced strain during transfers. This customization can be achieved with simple hardware like screws and pulleys, costing around $15 to $25 per side.

Adding a foldable backrest that can be locked into multiple angles is another practical modification. I built a chair with a backrest that could be adjusted in three positions (vertical, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees), which proved especially useful for users who needed support while sitting or standing. The backrest added about 10% to the overall cost but greatly improved usability and comfort. The frame was constructed from 1x2 inch pine, which provided enough strength for daily use without being overly heavy.

To ensure the chair fits a wide range of users, I designed it to accommodate a seated height of 18 to 22 inches from the tub's floor. This range works for most standard bathtubs and allows for easy transfers from a wheelchair or a standing position. I also added a 2-inch thick cushion with a non-slip bottom, which cost about $10 and made the chair significantly more comfortable during long baths. This level of customization ensures the chair remains functional and safe for elderly users with varying mobility needs.

Bathtub Chairs For The Elderly