Do you mean like a ledge behind the tub? Yes, this is often done and is recommended in the ADA guidelines, too (or at least it used to be--haven't checked lately). I lived in a place where they'd done a tiled ledge/seat at the back of the tub and I loved it.

I just finished doing this in tile. The only potentially goofy thing is that the inner liner of a shower curtain won't draw completely the length of the alcove and stay tucked in the rim of the tub, because of the bench. I may cut a "notch" in the liner so the outer curtain and inner curtain pull completely over the alcove including the bench area. The outer curtain stays outside the tub so it can be a consistent length, the bench won't interfere with that.

Are you talking something like this?

[Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by Van Nuys Kitchen & Bath Designers One Week Bath, Inc.

I have seen lots of examples with either undermount or overmount tubs, but fewer for alcove tubs. I think the difference is finishing the front of the bench so it doesn't look "tacked on". There are some good examples in this old thread

Here is a link that might be useful: thread with tub benches

[Modern Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2105) by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Paul Davis Architects

[Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by San Diego Design-Build Firms Pacific Management LLC

almost, just imagine the pony wall as a bench:

[Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by Lakeville Architects & Designers Robert Thomas Homes

Tile-in tub, but maybe will give you ideas:

[Eclectic Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2104) by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Design Vidal

[Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Denver Photographers David Lauer Photography

[Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Tel Aviv Architects & Designers NURIT GEFFEN-BATIM STUDIO

skny - if you right click on the photo a box pops up to embed the photo. I usually click on the large image text then click "copy" and paste directly into the GW message box. your pictures will appear in the preview and submitted message.

thank you jreuter. this was exactly what I was looking for. Since the tub is going to be used for a tub/shower combo, I felt I was limited to alcove as the look seems to be cleaner. I found this pic on houzz that was promising. Sorry for just the link. Am not quite used to the site yet. Is there another way to upload a pic directly from the site (vs having to save on my computer and then upload). I will check the faqs as well.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/carolina-st-modern-bathroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~102041-St-modern-bathroom-san-francisco

Here's your pic, skny0104:

[Modern Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2105) by San Francisco Architects & Designers John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

awesome! Thanks for the tip!

OK, now I'll be an image pasting fool :)

I wanted the bench at the end of the tub/shower for shaving legs, or maybe I just want to sit around with conditioner in my hair.

I think something like this could work (though again, not sure if its alcove or other type of tub)

[Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Dena Brody, ASID, RID

This is nice too (but doesn't look like alcove, looks like drop in and the deck/front looks like it would be $$$)

[Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by San Francisco General Contractors Cardea Building Co.

Also love the modern look of these tubs

[Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Portland Kitchen & Bath Designers Kirstin Havnaer, Hearthstone Interior Design, LLC

[Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Toronto Interior Design Group : Yanic Simard