Where should the shower bench go?

6 years ago

We are renovating our bathroom later this fall and we have settled on the new layout for the bathroom. All of the fixtures are moving a great deal from start to finish.

We have created a 5' x 5'8" area for the shower. It will be a steam shower and we would like it to have two separate shower heads with two different temperature controls. The problem is, with this layout, we arent really sure where the bench should go.

We cannot put it opposite of the shower heads because it blocks the door. We cannot put it perpendicular to the shower heads because then there really is not enough room for two people to comfortably stand next to each other.

My best thought has been to put the bench underneath the shower heads with the controls on the opposite side where the door is but then I feel like if you are sitting, it might be a bit uncomfortable to have the shower heads right above you?

My last idea was to just have a floating teak stool in there we could move around.

The shower niche is next to the sink so hidden from view of the bathroom.

Any ideas? Much appreciated!

Featured Answer

cpartist

6 years ago

Your shower is too small for a bench. Get a teak bench instead.

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Comments (8)

Toni Hamlett
6 years ago
First I think the shower controls should be on the opposite wall so that when you open the shower door you can just reach in to get it started. Currently you would need to be in 5he shower to turn on the water thus the water would be cold when you first get in. With this said the seat would be in the wall you currently have the controls on.
HU-527663426
6 years ago
We have a teak corner seat.

DS has a built in bench in her 5 x 5 steam shower. She told me they don’t use it because it’s cold.

Not a pro, but does having 2 temperature controls mean 2 separate water sources and no diverter? If so, make sure your area allows 2 water sources in a shower.

If you changed one of the showerheads to a hand-shower in an adjustable bar, that would make cleaning easier.
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Susan Sease
6 years ago
Definitely a teak bench, those big, built in benches are more of a pain than useful in my opinion.
HU-527663426
6 years ago
Think about where the steam will come out. DS has to be careful not to burn herself because the steam outlet was poorly placed.
Malcolm
Original Author
6 years ago
Okay it seems like a teak bench is our best option. Thanks everyone. HU, I have not thought about where the steam will come out, good catch. I will have to consider that.
HU-527663426
6 years ago
My shower does not have steam, but I watched DS’s steamer being built and learned a few things. She chose natural marble which has been difficult to maintain. Her ceiling is sloped side to side (so when you walk in the slope is very visible) instead of front to back which looks nicer IMO. They don’t use their bench and being 5x5 the bench really crowds the shower’s footprint. The steam outlet is too close to where you would naturally tend to stand under the showerhead. Their tiles are teeny tiny squares all over with a zillion grout lines to clean.

Be sure to hire a certified tile pro who has at least 5 years of steam shower construction experience and try to see their work and talk to a few past customers for references. Steam showers are great, but they require a real pro to create a vapor proof system which goes beyond waterproofing.
Malcolm thanked HU-527663426
kforeverlooking
6 years ago
I jumped when I saw this post, but my comment will not apply to everyone. If you need to sit down in a shower, a seat on the wall opposite the shower isn't a good idea. Either the spray doesn't reach or you'll need to have the water temperature very high because by the time it reaches you, it won't be warm. Speaking from experience.

Also, always have a shower hose to clean the shower!