How to Make a Shower Bench Seat

A shower bench seat is a great addition to any bathroom. Sit back and relax under the hot spray after a long day at work, or use your shower bench seat to keep bath items within reach.

These instructions presume the shower stall is already in place. Here are some of the things you will need to complete this project.

Step 1: Measuring and Making Plans

First, measure the shower stall and decide where you want your shower bench seat. In most cases the best place for installation is the corner of the shower stall, making the seat triangle-shaped. Next, use a bucket or an old chair to determine a comfortable height for the shower bench seat. Based on your measurements, draw up a plan and buy your materials.

Step 2: Framing

According to your plan, mark on the shower stall the position of the shower bench seat. Build the frame, keeping in mind that there needs to be a slope of about 1/2 inch per 12 feet to allow for water drainage. Anchor the frame to the back of the shower stall and then apply silicone everywhere wood meets tile to prevent leakage. Do this in the subsequent steps as well.

Step 3: Attach the Side and Sub-Seat

Measure and cut 2 pieces from the 3/4 inch thick plywood. One piece is the sub-seat and the other is the side. Attach both pieces to the frame using galvanized screws. Once again, seal everything with silicone.

Step 4: Waterproofing

Lay the PVC liner over the sub-seat and down the side of the shower bench seat. Fasten it securely. Use silicone on the edges to keep water from seeping in underneath the liner.

Step 5: Adding the Backer Boards

Cut your backer boards to size and then attach them in the same manner as the plywood pieces in Step 3.

Step 6: Tiling and Grouting

With your trowel, coat the backer boards with a thin layer of mortar. Next, lay down the ceramic tile you chose. Let the tile set for at least 48 hours. Once the tile is set, mix up some grout and smooth it into the seams using a sponge. After about 30 minutes wipe the tiles with a clean sponge until they are clear. Wait 24 hours to seal the grout.

If you wish to use marble or granite for the shower bench seat instead, you do not need a backer board on top of the sub-seat. Just spread out a thin layer of mortar over the plywood sub-seat, put the marble or granite into place, and then set a heavy object on top.

Additional Tips

Wait 3 to 4 days for the mortar to dry before you run any water in the shower. It is advisable to contact a plumbing professional before you do any drilling.  You could accidentally puncture a pipe or cause other damage if you do not.