Hello,
Well, I’m just about ready to start a full blown reno of my bath, and I have read many posts on this website, in addition to various articles on JLC online, John Bridges website, etc.
I am thoroughly convinced to use Kerdi in the entire shower with CBU (even though it may be overkill). I was just going to frame in a 2 x 4 bench in the shower, and I came across an article from John Bridges website which recommends building the shower bench out of mortar + cement blocks.
As a result – here is my question: Should I build my frame my shower bench and put CBU w/ Kerdi over the entire bench prior to tiling, or should I build it with cement blocks and mortar? I think the “right” answer would be cement blocks and mortar, however I am trying to do as much as I can by myself to control the costs of the project, and I would have to hire someone to do the bench if I can’t frame it.
Just an FYI – it’s a 6 x 4 shower w/ a steam system so there will be moisture on the bench. I was going to frame the bench w/ a 1/2″ drop over the 2′ span to try to minimize the damage of the moisture. Also – does it matter if I use a full granite slab on the top vs. tile? I would think that the granite slab would be better for moisture control even though it is porous vs. the tile.
Last thing I just thought of – I have seen in displays that some people will put a granite slab in their shower w/o building a frame around it. I think it’s supported by corbels, or something like that, but I would imagine this can’t be done with a 2″ deep bench and possibly the weight of 2 people on it.
Thanks again for your help! Look forward to your responses / insight.
Replies
That's going to be one slippery seat you're building.
Long ago a poster mentioned he had built a teak shower bench that could be removed for easy cleaning.
Mongo is still here occasionally, you might get some ideas from him.
Joe H
Here are a couple of alternatives for you:
http://www.teakworks4u.com/products-teak-bench.html
http://www.plumbingproducts.com/foldingseats.html
I'm not a big fan of concrete block on top of a wood subfloor.
You can do the granite slab seat over some form of structural horizontal support such as stainless box tubing.
Do not use ceramic tile for the seat. Way too prone to leaks and grout failures.
Don't forget to slope the ceiling in your steam shower.
carpenter in transition
I did the expanding metal bench, but I can't think of the name. They advertise in FH. Better Bench I think. Anyway, adjustable width (from 32" to around 60", I think). At some point you have to add a center support.
Anyway, you fill with mortar and tile it. So you can have any surface you want. We went with the floor tile, as it was just rough enough to avoid slipping.
And I have an extra center support for one. Bought it just in case we needed it, but the shower turned out to be so narrow we didn't. It can also be used as a corner shelf. Free it you want it and send me your address.
Here's an idea I saw at a mansion in a neighboring town. The budget for this house was $5 or $6 million, so I don't know how expensive something like this would be but here's the pic's. The look that they achieved is much nicer than blocks. I believe this shower also has steam.
Here is one out of Corian.
With Kerdi, it won't make any difference. Make sure you slope the bench.
Regards,
Scooter
"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
When the tile folks redid my MB Shower they put in a small bench. They used brick and mortar base then applied the tile over the entire bench. Of course the bench has a slight slope toward the front.
I wish my house was built as well as they built the bench. They did a great job on the tile work. They used cement board up to about 6 ft.
Just my 2 cents
Cement board is not waterproof. It will probably be fine but they should use a waterproof membrane like kerdi or noble, that is the best practice.
The shower is tiled. I thought cement board was the best backer to use for tiling. I would think much better than green board. This was 11 years ago and not a crack even though we live in an area that is very bad for foundations. The folks that built the house (Fox and Jacobs) were notorious for cutting corners and didn't prep the soil properly. Most houses in the neighborhood are prone to foundation problems which correlates into cracks in the sheetrock and causes tile jobs to fail.The folks that redid the shower did a great job. It would take a earthquake to break up the bench. Like I stated earlier, that will be the only thing left if a big storm where to come by.
granite slab would be better if a flamed surface... i happen to like the look also... i think a thicker slab let into the back and sides would hold up fine... but would depend on the grain.. a stainless crossbar (side to side) would be insurance across the front
i framed my last one and as far as i know still good.... used a man made product on the top.. and was full support...
let us know how ur kerdi goes...
p
another option is the better bench...
http://www.innoviscorp.com/better-bench.php
easy to install, and is strong...
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Edited 10/16/2006 1:35 am by oak