Bathroom Design
Remodeling Guides
How to Settle on a Shower Bench
We help a Houzz user ask all the right questions for designing a stylish, practical and safe shower bench
A Houzz user in the process of building a walk-in shower asks, "Is there any guidance out there regarding placement of shower benches?" The answer isn't as simple as you may think.
The shower's footprint and how the bench will be used often provide the best answer. If you have a double shower, you may want your bench to seat two. If you have a tiny shower, sometimes a removable or floating bench works best. Wheelchair transfers and ease of cleaning are things to consider, too.
The shower's footprint and how the bench will be used often provide the best answer. If you have a double shower, you may want your bench to seat two. If you have a tiny shower, sometimes a removable or floating bench works best. Wheelchair transfers and ease of cleaning are things to consider, too.
When designing your bench, you should have a strong opinion on whether you want the bench to move around or stay stationary.
This built-in bench is one of my favorite designs and makes for easy cleaning. Because it extends out of the shower, there’s no gap between the bench and the glass. Those small gaps can be a pain to clean.
Brighten up your shower with a shiny new glass door
Tip: For even less cleaning, consider a solid surface material, such as granite or composite stone, for your bench.
This built-in bench is one of my favorite designs and makes for easy cleaning. Because it extends out of the shower, there’s no gap between the bench and the glass. Those small gaps can be a pain to clean.
Brighten up your shower with a shiny new glass door
Tip: For even less cleaning, consider a solid surface material, such as granite or composite stone, for your bench.
You'll want your bench to be near your shower controls — it makes rinsing off and shaving much easier.
To meet most industry guidelines, shower benches should measure 17 to 19 inches off the finished shower floor. Occupational therapists may give me a measurement customized for a client's body.
To meet most industry guidelines, shower benches should measure 17 to 19 inches off the finished shower floor. Occupational therapists may give me a measurement customized for a client's body.
Most steam showers require a bench for comfort. When space is tight, a folding shower seat can work wonders.
These folding seats require solid blocking behind the wall. Make sure the framers of the project align wall studs with placement of the bench.
These folding seats require solid blocking behind the wall. Make sure the framers of the project align wall studs with placement of the bench.
In a smaller shower, you might consider the bench as part of the tub deck. Remember that benches need to drain — just like a shower floor — so make sure the slab of stone does not go in as one piece. The piece inside the shower should tilt toward the floor.
Marble looks beautiful in showers, but it's too soft to use by itself in a shower bench's construction. The same is true of wood. These benches need the help of a metal bracket or custom metal tubing.
This great looking shower features both a fixed bench in front of the window and a movable bench just outside the shower. If you want to open up the shower floor space, consider a floating bench like this.
Have some fun with the bench! This is by far my favorite bench to date. I have yet to find a client who will let me build this, but I'm still looking!
Any bench can be made safer. Grab bars, free space and bench positions are clearly laid out in ADA planning guides. These spaces need planning from the beginning so that interior walls do not get in the way of transferring from a wheelchair to the bench.
Work with a design-build firm to create a handicap-accessible home
Any shower built larger than 36 by 36 inches should have multiple grab bars.
Work with a design-build firm to create a handicap-accessible home
Any shower built larger than 36 by 36 inches should have multiple grab bars.
Most showers have sloped floors in many directions. This can cause a freestanding bench to rock when you’re sitting on it. Plan for your new shower to have a one-way slope, or find a bench with adjustable legs so you can eliminate the rocking. You can also buy a three-legged bench or have one made, since these won’t rock.
Tip: Finding a bench the perfect size for your shower can be a challenge. If working with a cabinet maker on a bathroom vanity, consider asking him or her to include a custom teak bench in your order.