FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Built in Shower Bench?

kcmarie | Posted in General Discussion on May 12, 2005 11:02am

Hello Everyone,

Quick question…my husband and I would like to have a rectangular bench in our master shower.  The shower is a decent size (40″ x 66″) and we’d like the bench to sit at one end and go the whole width of the shower (the dimensions of the bench would probably be 40″ x 15″ or 16″).

I was originally planning on framing in the bench completely (from the seat itself to the floor) and tiling around the whole thing.  My plumber suggested that doing it that way tends to have more leaks?  He thought that a slab type bench (open underneath) would be preferable.  

Any opinions on that?  We really don’t care either way.  We just want a bench that will be reliable, that will not leak, that will not make the shower a pain to clean, and isn’t ungodly expensive…

Suggestions?  Anyone have one or the other and wish they had done something different?

I saw something online called the “better bench”.  It looks like it would work but since our span is so large (40″) it would need a center support.  I’m not sure how good that would look and how it would tie into the floor.  Would I have to tile the support too to give it a finished look? 

If we did something like the better bench, we’d probably put a piece of marble or limestone on top of it.  But then I have no idea how much a piece of stone like that would even cost?  How thick would it have to be?

Any help would be appreciated?

Thanks!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. gdavis62 | May 13, 2005 01:43am | #1

    A bench that width might be best framed and finished in tile as a large step.

    Make it a comfortable height, maybe 17 inches, and with a depth of about 22 inches.  Slope the top 1/4" per foot (about 3/8" overall from back to front) for drainage.

    A step like this is as easy to clean as the rest of the shower.  A supported slab seat, no matter how well constructed, has an underside and its geometry makes you get down on the floor to clean under. 

    I would rather have the step-type seat than one with a haven for mold underneath.

  2. mbdyer | May 13, 2005 01:49am | #2

    Assuming a tiled shower, your plumber may be prudent if overly cautious.  A bench framed from floor to seat does expose more joint lines to water but an experienced installer can overcome this.  If DIY and not too sure a slab style may be prudent.  If you're looking for a single slab stone, check with a local dealer for support requirements but it can be done with 2x4, ply and tile.    Build a 2x crib frame, add struts if in doubt.  Anchor into the three walls with adhesive and the longest lags logical into wall studs, at least one in each side with four across the back.  Large tapcons may work.  Skin top and bottom of the suspended frame with half inch ply, a bead of adhesive on each framing member, being generous, and screws every four inches or so.  This creates a torsion box which is very strong for its apparent lack of meat.  The resulting shelf can then be tiled as normal, don't neglect the underside!  A fat bead of silicone along where framing meets wall is prudent before tiling.  When caulking the final finish joints do it in two steps using the best caulk available:  the first bead smooth out with a putty knife and damp rag forming a thin bead pushed deep into the joint line.  The next day apply the usual filleted bead (finger smoothed forming a curving surface).  And oh yeah, slope the bench a quater inch so as to run the water off the bench onto the shower floor!

  3. User avater
    DDay | May 13, 2005 05:16am | #3

    For the stone, go to some of the local granite/stone fab places.  For the size you are looking for, you'll be able to get a remnant piece from someone else's job.  The leftovers like that are usually 50% off, in my area that would be about $30/sq ft, then you'll pay for the finished edge detail, could be $10 linear ft or more depending on the complexity of the edge you want.

    For the bench, if you are really interested in the look of the better bench type and that won't support your width, you could get something custom made from an aluminum fab shop.

     

    Also, FHB had a tile shower with bench article in 2003 (I think), check the back issue.  If you don't have it, order it or see if a local library has it for take out.



    Edited 5/12/2005 10:44 pm ET by DDay

  4. WayneL5 | May 13, 2005 05:22am | #4

    I have never showered in a shower with a built in bench, but it seems to me that it would be rather chilly to sit on.  How about a nice plastic stool?  Lot's less money, easy to clean, and warmer on the, uh, body.

    1. JohnT8 | May 13, 2005 11:15pm | #11

      I have never showered in a shower with a built in bench, but it seems to me that it would be rather chilly to sit on. 

      When you first turn the shower on to get the temp right, just direct to flow to the bench.  A bit of hot water warms it right up.

      Used to shower in a marble shower stall (big slabs, not tile).  You learned early on to direct that hot water towards the back prior to getting in there.  You back into cold marble and you'll know it ;)     But it was fine after it was hit with warm water.

      The radiant heating would be nice, but you'd have to have it cranked up higher than the radiant portions heating the house (but at the very least, it wouldn't be chilly, just not super warm).

      Sounds like she's opting for teak.  Probably some of the sauna type benches would work as well.

       

      jt8

      It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. --Chinese proverb  

      Edited 5/13/2005 4:20 pm ET by JohnT8

  5. User avater
    Mongo | May 13, 2005 05:27am | #5

    I've had a built-in bench in the past, but both my wife and I prefer what we have now.

    Current shower is about 6' square, we have a teak bench.

    My wife prefers the warmth of the wood vs the chill of stone bench, and the stone bench even had radiant heat embedded in it.

    She prefers the flexibility of being able to move the bench around. A seat under the rain head, or off to the side for scraping down the legs. She also uses it as a step stool to reach high when cleaning the shower.

    Personally, I always liked the built-in bench, but after having the teak bench, I prefer it over the built-in. I thought that soaps/shampoo would gunk up the wood, but it has not been a problem.

    Just another idea.

    1. dustinf | May 13, 2005 05:50am | #8

      "prefers the warmth of the wood vs the chill of stone bench"

      I've installed a few benches, some with granite tops, some with ceramic, and some with corian.  I have to admit, the thought of temperature never crossed my mind.  One of those things I never thought about past the installation.  I think from now on, I'm going to rip off your teak bench idea. 

      Now that I think about it, it's got a ton of advantages over a permanent bench. 

      1. User avater
        kcmarie | May 13, 2005 04:51pm | #9

        Thanks Everyone for your comments and suggestions.  I must say that I do really like the teak bench idea too.  It would definitely eliminate a lot of hassle with tiling around something built in.  And I never thought about the cold factor! 

        I'm definitely going to look into that and see what my husband thinks of the idea!

        Where would one buy a teak bench?  I'm assuming it would have to be custom made?  I don't suppose you have a picture of yours Mongo?

        Thanks again everyone!  You were a big help!

        -Kacy

        1. Scooter1 | May 13, 2005 07:34pm | #10

          I hadn't thought of a Teak bench--thats a great idea.Benches in showers come in three types: Framed, After-Market, and a Monument style.The framed types are OK, but can turn into a water logged mold trap if not done perfectly. You have to treat the framing like it is part of the floor pan system, e.g., run sheet membranes up and over the bench. This process is dificult because usually you have to nail the membrane onto the framing, which defeats the whole purpose of the membrane. Another way of doing it is to hot mop the whole thing (no nails required) at the same time you hot mop the floor, so there is one seamless membrane. Another way of doing it is to use a trowel on membrane but alas there is a connection problem with the main floor membrane, and you are likely to get some leaks at that juncture.The After Market types like the "Better Bench" and neat and I strongly recommend them to DIY'ers as the are indeed better and easy to install. No leaks.If you honestly want to build your own, consider using 9 inch concrete blocks, CMU, and fat mud to creat a big pile of concrete. It just sits on the pan and is next to the CBU on the walls. It is called a monument bench.Regards,
          Boris"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

        2. User avater
          Mongo | May 16, 2005 10:25pm | #12

          Kacy,

          They are available. Do a google for "teak shower bench" or "Teak shower stool".

          Realize that with the pitches involved in a shower floor, three legs are better than four. No wobbling.

          Some commercial benches/stools offer a fourth adjustable leg, but who wants to deal with that? It might be an option if you leave the bench in one spot, but not if you're going to move it around.

          Mine is home-made. Teak bench with teak legs. Used epoxy (West Systems) for the joints. I had a some teak left over from kitchen countertops and from making garden furniture, so I made one myself.

          For me it was the better way to go. Fits into the corner of the shower, but can be slid out. Two can sit on it comfortably, and it's stable enough for standing on should the need arise.

          No pictures on file, but maybe soon as I just ordered a Nikon D70, so I'm finally about to enter the world of digital insta-photography.

  6. User avater
    basswood | May 13, 2005 05:40am | #6

    You might consider a "solid surface" (Corian type) material for the bench seat in a color/pattern that compliments your tile. Less potential for problems, even so, a slight slope is a good idea. The vertical surface of the support could still be tiled.

  7. gdavis62 | May 13, 2005 05:46am | #7

    Like Mongo said, I prefer the teak bench in our shower.  It is 3-legged, and thus can be moved anywhere on the pitched floor and stand without rocking.

    With a nice little teak bench, you get the best of both worlds.  You've your bench, you can sit where you want by moving it somewhere else, and if you want to have a party in the shower and need room, you can move it out.

  8. gdavis62 | May 16, 2005 11:15pm | #13

    Here is one like ours.

    View Image

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It is four-legged, but one leg, the one in the back along the curved edge, has a really nice telescoping adjustable foot, so it will sit rock solid on any floor.  The legs are powder-coated aluminum, and there is nothing in the product that can rust.

    We got it from Frontgate, but it is available elsewhere.  Just go Googling for "teak shower bench."  You'll have some nice choices.  This one is about $60.

    Here's another one from some other website.  It has four legs, too, but no adjustment.

    View Image



    Edited 5/16/2005 4:31 pm ET by Gene Davis

    1. User avater
      kcmarie | May 16, 2005 11:34pm | #14

      Thanks Guys!  I will do some digging but maybe we'll get creative and try and build one ourselves! 

      Thanks too for the pictures Gene!

      -Kacy!  :)

  9. BryanSayer | May 17, 2005 12:22am | #15

    I put in a "better bench" and I like it. You would need the center support, but it doesn't go to the floor. It is a triangle that mounts over a wall stud. I ordered one just in case we needed it, but we didn't as I had to shrink the shower to make everything else fit.

    The tiler complained about the better bench, but I'm sure she would have complained about a built in too. It seems to me that the chances of a leak are less with the better bench. And I suggest tiling it with the same tile as the floor, or at least something not too slick. You want a slight slope so water does not pool, and if you put in marble, I can picture you sliding all the way out (no wait, that isn't you, that's Miss June. OH, that is y....). Anyway, use tile, not a solid piece of stone.

    BTW, be sure to think about the placement of the shower heads in relation to the bench. You want at least a hand held. But if you expect to be hit with water while on the bench, make sure there is a shower head opposite, or overhead, of the bench. And you will want actual volume controls, not diverters.

  10. User avater
    JeffBuck | May 17, 2005 01:49am | #16

    "My plumber suggested that doing it that way tends to have more leaks? "

     

    Sure ... if U do it wrong.

    Step one .. find a better plumber. Or ... ask a tile guy how he'd do it.

     

    Me ... I've been forced to do the concrete block method Boris talked about a coupla times. But I prefer to frame the bench outta wood and cover it.

    The pan is the pan .. that's the only part that gotta hold water like a little swimming pool. I don't shoot for one big hunk of rubber folded into a million corners.

    Fold the set the pan rubber. Run it up a bit higher than usual ... still just a coupla inches ... all the way around. The "riser" of the seat is simply a short wall.

    Now ... cover the seat ... fold all those corners tight ... tack high.

    and drape the front edge down and overlapping the pan rubber that runs up the "riser".

    There ya go .. waterproof.

    I use diamond mesh bent to fit tight so it springs into place ... holding itself sprung against the corners/walls .... then parge the whole thing with thinset .. ala ... a mud bed floor.

    Then .. tile away.

    No fastners anywhere near standing water .... fastners used to tack the rubber in place are overlapped by the seat rubber .... and the highest tacks are wal above the seat and floor.

    No leaks  and ya got a nice custom shower/seat.

     

    Jeff

        

  11. UBuildIt | May 17, 2005 02:12am | #17

    Google says....

    Fun website http://www.johnbridge.com/shower_seats.htm

    wall mount teak http://www.plumbingproducts.com/foldingshowerseat.html

    adjustable with teak top http://store.devinemedical.us/shchbabewiba1.html It's not as pretty as the one from restoration hardware, but it's adjustable.

    http://crossrivertrading.bizland.com/NewMisc.htm all teak bench

    http://www.brookstone.com/sl/innovative-gifts/26131-Bed-and-Bath--Bath-Furniture--Teak-Shower-Stool.html comes with matching teak floor mat

     

    Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Big Doors Have Big Challenges

Engineered materials and vacuum-press laminations prevent warping and keep a tall, flush-panel door from being excessively heavy.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data