Traditional bathtubs can become a challenge and a safety hazard for people with reduced mobility, especially seniors, who may start losing balance and reflexes. There’ll come a time when you or your parents must look for solutions to make the tub more accessible and secure. While installing a brand-new walk-in tub may be your first option, other choices like professional cut-out tub access solutions in the USA and Canada can better fit you.
Whether you don’t feel financially secure enough to hire bath remodelers or simply don’t wish to deal with the hassle of remodeling, a cut-out tub access allows you to get the benefits of a walk-in tub without expensive, disruptive, and lengthy remodeling.
Although these inserts may not be ideal for everyone, especially for wheelchair users, they are still one of the most accessible options to cut out the existing bathtub, lower the rail access, and prevent falls and accidents due to loss of balance. So, let’s see if cut-out tubs are the choice for you!
All you need to know about professional cut-out tub access solutions
- Type of insert
There are several options for cut-out bath inserts to shop for. However, the most common one is the standard tub cut-out. The standard insert is popular among seniors aging in place and retirement homes due to its price point and installation simplicity.
The Step Through Store’s kits include a standard white insert, a cardboard cutting template, a tube of silicone adhesive, a slip-resistant stick pad, and instructions for installing them—all for a fraction of the cost of hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor.
- Cut-out insert installation
You don’t need an expert to achieve professional cut-out tub access solutions. These kits are meant to be installed by yourself or any handy person; thus, installing a cut-out insert often takes 1 – 4 hours. Besides, you can install them on almost all bathtubs, from fiberglass to cast-iron.
Getting a cutout tub access is relatively easy. The first (and most important) step is to measure precisely the portion of the tub’s side wall to cut. We always stress the measurement since you need to know exactly how much you will cut to order the correct size. After that, all that is left is to place the insert and seal it using the silicone adhesive.
Though these professional cut-out tub access solutions are meant for DIY projects, if you aren’t familiar with these crafts, getting help from a handyman is preferable.
- The final touches
Depending on what you intend to do with the insert, you may need to buy other safety products to finish the project. For example, if you plan to convert your current tub, you must install a shower head and curtains. If you use it as a walk-in tub, you likely need a cover to seal the cut-out tub access. Hence, add these considerations to your budget.
Likewise, you can buy other accessories to complement your professional cut-out tub access solutions, such as grab bars or slip-resistant treatments for the tub floor. For instance, if you use it as a tub, consider that users will still need to dip into it to bathe, so grab bars or bath seats are necessary to ensure safety while using the tub.
Looking for a cut-out bath insert shop? Choose The Step Through Store
Bathroom accessibility solutions are our core. Thus, we offer everything you need to make your bathroom safer for seniors, toddlers, and people with disabilities. At The Step Through Store, you’ll find DIY conversion kits to remove the existing bathtub without needing contractors or expensive materials.