If you plan to renovate an old shower or build a new one, the world is truly your oyster.
Between the different shower styles, the materials that can go into them, and the various types of showerheads to choose from, the possibilities are nearly endless.
With all of that being said, there are a few accessories or items you may want to consider adding to your new or existing shower.
One of these is the slide bar, a handy addition that can increase your shower’s overall functionality.
The best shower slide bar comes with quite a few benefits. Let’s figure out exactly what a shower slide bar is and what it can do for you.
What Is a Shower Slide Bar?
In simplest terms, a shower slide bar, generally a vertical bar, is a unique metal bar that is mounted on the shower wall, usually in the front of the shower.
The point of this shower slide bar is so that you can clip a handheld showerhead onto it.
As the name implies, this accessory allows the user to slide the handheld shower bar up or down along the vertical bar; it allows for easy height adjustment.
There are some rare instances where you may find horizontal shower slide bars, but the most common is the vertical slide bar.
These can be extremely useful for people with mobility issues, such as seniors and people who need to adjust the showerhead’s height due to being very short or tall in stature.
What’s also nice is that the showerhead can be used while clipped onto the shower slide bar, or it can be unclipped for handheld use.
Moreover, when it comes to mobility issues, particularly for people who have trouble standing up and sitting down, some vertical and horizontal slide bars also double as grab bars to allow for extra stability and prevent a nasty fall in a slippery shower.
Choosing a Shower Slide Bar
Before you buy a shower slide bar, there are a few essential factors to consider.
Material
One of the most important things to keep in mind is what the slide bar is made of.
One of the most common materials is chrome. Chrome might be a bit pricey, but it also looks very nice, it’s long-lasting, and it won’t rust. Moreover, chrome gleams, and it just looks fantastic, although it can scratch easily.
Another option is stainless steel. This is a cheaper material than chrome, so you will save a bit of money.
Although stainless steel might not be quite as shiny or bright as chrome, it doesn’t scratch as easily, and it’s a bit tougher overall.
Something that you do need to avoid is anything made of plastic.
Showerhead Compatibility and if a Shower Head Is Included
The next thing concerns the showerhead. Usually, when you buy a shower slide bar, it will come with the handheld showerhead included.
After all, these two things do go hand in hand, and there wouldn’t be much point in having a slide bar without a showerhead.
Therefore, consider what kind of shower head you want before making your purchase, and whether or not it comes with the slide bar, or if you need to purchase a compatible one separately.
Length
Next, pay attention to the length of the shower slide bar. The more versatility and function you need out of it, the longer it should be, particularly when it comes to multiple people using it.
If you have a tall person that stands up in the shower and a short person that sits down, you’ll want a very long slide bar that can accommodate both.
Ease of Installation
It might be easier to hire a professional to do the installation for you, but installing it yourself is do-able.
Ensure the slide bar will fit in your shower and that it doesn’t take too much work or construction to install.
Conclusion
A good shower slide bar can be a handy addition to your shower, and if you pay attention to our short buyer’s guide, choosing the right one for you shouldn’t be much of a problem.
