I see no reason a built-in shower bench would be any more prone to leaking than a tile shower. Perhaps your builder has no experience with this project, and is therefore hesitant to take it on. Here is a two-part video on adding in a shower bench: Part 1 Part 2

Builder has just informed you that He / She does not have the knowledge to properly construct a shower.

Tile & stone are simply cosmetics. You should be able to use a properly built shower without them being installed.

A linear drain would require more maintenance than a point drain and cost several hundreds more.

If you choose to proceed with this builder be sure to take in progress photos of the shower build. It's the best CYA move. Good luck.

@Creative Tile Eastern CT, Our builder is well-regarded as one of the highest quality, small custom builders in our area and has been in business for many years. I think he is just super cautious about things he doesn't personally know much about. In this case, it's the tile installer that has to make sure everything is done right to prevent leaks. As a generalist, I don't expect our builder to know every technical detail of the trades. We have been very happy with him to this point (beginning of framing). Thank you for your comment, but I think it was unnecessarily harsh. You are a tile man, so of course you know how to do it right! Hopefully the tile man our builder uses will as well. 🙂

Because we are using large-format tile, we think a linear drain is more appropriate and will provide a better aesthetic result, but I do realize the cost is higher. Not a problem, as this is our forever house for our retirement.

Not intended to be harsh.

"Our builder thinks a built-in shower bench (tile front, quartz slab on top) is not a good idea due to the potential for leaking."

By the same logic it would not be a good idea to build an addition on your home as it would increase the potential of a roof leak.

Builder may have had some bad subcontractor experiences in the past or currently.

Roofing or shower build, properly constructed there is no increased risk.

NOTE: Your heading is "Do Shower Benches Leak?"

Properly constructed NO.

We have had two benches in shower. Neither have leaked and we really like both.

Why would it leak if it is properly constructed and waterproofed?

I have a built in bench that is part of my recent remodel. It is one of the best parts of the remodel. I had to use a shower seat after an operation and there is no comparison with a built in bench. The seat takes up room - is difficult to clean around and where do you put it if you aren't using it - and if you aren't using it regularly, why have it at all?

I have a hand held shower head installed near the bench and it makes it so easy to be able to access it when I am sitting on the bench.

If a tile setter doesn't know how to properly construct a built in bench, I would question his ability to properly construct any part of the shower. And I don't understand why your builder would be uncomfortable with the skill set of any crafts people who are hiring. That is supposed to be what you are paying him for in part - to have acess to a skilled pool of labor who he has worked with over the years and so he knows and can vouch for the workmanship. When I hired my GC I toured two of the places he was currently doing and asked him a lot of questions about showers specifically.

@Helen, That may be part of the problem. Something has happened with the tile outfit he has been using in the past, and he is going with someone new. He seems to think highly of this person, perhaps based on reputation, but I am going to quiz him a bit about this. Tradespeople have been stretched thin with the building boom here, and there aren't necessarily enough to go around in a timely fashion with all the builds going on now unless one is willing to wait and wait. We have waited so long to get to this point that we're hoping not to have long delays going forward. We picked out our tile a year ago!

I am not a pro but I would question the ability of a tile setter to build any part of the shower if he cannot build a bench. As the pros have pointed out, it's not a different skill set.

I understand the labor shortage as I am still finishing up bits and pieces of my gut remodel and it is taking forever to get the cabinet maker on schedule. I tiled my balcony recently and the guy who did my showers wasn't available because he didn't want to commute to my building :-). The guy who my GC used instead was great. My tiles were ordered before the pandemic and just got installed last month but were worth the wait :-).

As a homeowner, if a contractor expresses insecurity with a task, I would not want to hire them for said task. In your case it's the waterproofing. Maybe your builder doesn't have a REAL tile professional who can waterproof a shower properly. You should dig down deeper on that and make sure that the tile pro they employ is a certified tile pro who is so good he/she goes to professional trainings to train others.

Recently we had pretty serious exterior structural beam replacement project that needed to be taken care of. Hubby created temporary support and it took us 18 months to find a contractor who expressed confidence. To all the others, the project scared them and they didn't want to bid on it. Well I certainly don't want a non-confident contractor doing work on my house.

If your builder is expressing insecurity about waterproofing, you should be concerned. If his tile pro can't waterproof a bench, he/she cant waterproof a shower without a bench. It's a whole system, bench included.

"Builder has just informed you that He / She does not have the knowledge to properly construct a shower."

Spot on and even if he is not doing the construction of said shower he needs to have 100% FAITH in his tiler that he knows what he is doing and that does not sound like the case here.

I agree that it can be a weak link and is one more thing to need repair somewhere down the road.

My daughter has one in their house that has developed a leak that leaks into the garage underneath. It has been one heck of a seach to find just how it is leaking, but it is right there.

Water will find its way downhill by any small defect anywhere.

As I mentioned below, I am going to talk to the builder about this new tiler he is planning to use. He is super cautious by nature and overbuilds everything, triple checks everything, since he only builds one custom home at a time. We suspect he is just being his usual overly cautious self, but we are definitely going to figure this out, even if it means hiring a different tile man for the master shower alone...or for the entire job.

Thanks for all the feedback.

The question of whether your builder knows what he’s doing or not comes down to the type of waterproofing that needs to be done. Many municipalities only require a rubber liner on the bottom 6 or 8 inches for proper waterproofing. Most professionals that do remodeling at a high-level use a full top to bottom waterproofing system like Kerdi or Wedi. A shower bench built with these waterproofing systems will not leak. But both go way above codes and so therefore are not in the realm of many builders experience.

The Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Qualified Tile Installer (ceramictilefoundation.org)

The people that make Kerdi, Schluter, offer free training including hotel and food as long as an installer gets to their facility where they offer these classes. So if the builder doesn’t have anyone that is trained, find a tile store that sells Schluter products in your town snd ask for a recommendation on a tile installer that is trained. Kerdi also has Kerdiline which is their linear drain. We use a lot of them and are always happy.

Definitely need more waterproofing! My tile gets wet at shoulder level. The whole shower and bench needs to be waterproof. We used Schluter system. It’s not cheap.

@Memphis Forrest, I'm not looking for cheap. This is our dream house, and the master shower will be used daily. I'm looking for good. I have sent our builder a slew of info about Schluter. He doesn't respond to emails on Saturdays, usually, but I'm sure I'll be hearing from him soon.

Trained by Schluter, but aside that, I don't like 2x4's framed in for a bench with plywood on top. I ALWAYS use concrete blocks for benches...but still cover them with Kerdi and they need the proper slope towards the drain for me to guarantee them. Not much more work, but they last forever....and that's how I warrantee them.......

This is where things become misleading on Houzz.

Do not cheat yourself by searching for someone who uses a specific system. That is placing the cart before the horse. As is telling your GC which system to use. Why would you bypass highly qualified installers that use one of the many other systems / methods available in the market today. Laticrete, Mapei, Wedi, Schluter, Custom., Hardi Triton, Ardex, USG, Noble PSC, Prova, Profilitec and so many more. I'm not recommending one over another. Do you know the difference between liquid applied and sheet membrane? Are perm ratings important to you?

A system that uses a liner is called a water-in water-out system. It can certainly be used used when a bench is involved as the liner would continue above it. Not the normal 3" above the finished curb. (6" to 8" is not a spec)) Also there will be waterproofing behind the cement board to the ceiling overlapping the liner below. You may find someone who floats walls instead of using boards. Of course I could go into the extensive choices in wallboard for showers but I'll spare you:)

Simply concentrate on finding a qualified installer. Let them provide the system that they prefer. Best

@Creative Tile Eastern CT, I agree. Even though I like what I read about Schluter and sent our builder some information on it, I am perfectly willing to go with another system, any system that his installer may have expertise with, so long as it is one that will keep our shower waterproofed. I am not going to dictate but suggest!

Did not see Avanti's post as I was typing. He is highly qualified and has a preferred method that he stands behind.

My above comment was directed at previous comments specifying systems.

Thank you, my friend. There are many ways to skin a cat. Schluter is but one. Numerous other systems are quite good....but I recommend you pick one and stay with it.....

Listen carefully to the Pro advice above (Creative, Avanti, etc). A bench is not a difficult feature to build properly by a qualified tile installer. Yes, the real pros are busy and the temptation to "try" some less qualified installer is great. GC's are struggling to find qualified help. Don't be the "trial". And the real Pros will have their preferred system, as stated by others. Some manufacturers are better at marketing to the consumer (or installers) and get brand awareness. Doesn't make them bad, but doesn't make them better than other systems a real experienced Pro uses.

LOOKING FOR A QUALIFIED TILE INSTALLER?

14 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK TO FIND A GOOD MATCH FOR YOUR PROJECT.

1. Do they have liability insurance and if they have employees, are they covered with Worker’s Compensation Insurance?

· Make sure you can verify appropriate insurance coverage.

2. Are they licensed (if required in your area)?

· Verify. Some states do not require tile contractor’s to be licensed.

3. How many years have they been working exclusively as tile installers?

· It takes many years to become proficient as a dedicated, qualified tile professional. Five years or more would be an expected minimum.

4. How was the installer trained? Do they participate in on-going professional industry training from organizations and or manufactures, and specifically what?

· Installers who have completed an apprenticeship under a Qualified Tile Installer and participate in industry training are generally more likely to follow standards and recommendations and stay current with products, materials, and industry updates.

5. Are they familiar with the TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards and do they follow these industry recommendations?

· The TCNA Handbook coupled with ANSI Standards are the industry recognized guidelines for the installation of tile for a wide range of applications. A qualified tile professional will be familiar with and know how to specify and use these reference tools.

6. If wet areas (showers/baths) are to be included in the work performed, what approved system/methods will they use to assure a long-lasting installation?

· Tile installations in wet areas require some very important preparation to avoid leaks and unwanted moisture problems. Hybrid or unapproved methods, and the use of materials inappropriate for this application can contribute to a very costly and unwanted result that too often requires complete removal and replacement by a qualified professional. A quality installation should last decades or longer.

7. What manufacturer’s products do they use and do they comply with manufacturer’s instructions?

· There are many manufacturers of quality tile setting materials. Most perform well with use of approved methods and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Qualified tile installers will be well-versed on the materials and systems they prefer and should be able to answer your questions about the process and materials and their associated warranties.

8. Do they have a company website or social media page with photos of their work?

· Professionals will have a public presence that is available to consumers so you can review their work and customer reviews. Lack of a traceable, legitimate, and committed business should be a deterrent to hiring.

9. Can you speak with recent customers and see photos of those projects?

· Qualified, experienced tile contractors will have a loyal client base that is happy to recommend them and share their experience.

10. Do they have experience working with the type of tile you plan to use?

· There are different methods, materials and considerations when installing various tile products… ceramic, porcelain, large format tile, handmade tile, natural stone, glass. Verify their experience and training with the tile product you have chosen.

11. Talk to them about positives and challenges of past projects

· Get to know the tile professional as part of your project team. Do they take pride in their work? If your General Contractor is hiring the tile installer, it may make sense to request meeting with the GC and tile installer in advance of the installation.

12. What has been their greatest challenge as a tile installer?

· Listen carefully to understand the installer’s limitations and ability to meet your expectations.

13. Do they or their team belong to a professional organization like NTCA (National Tile Contractor’s Association)?

· Industry involvement is one indication of a tile installation company’s commitment to their craft. It gives them access to education, technical information, and other resources to assist them in professionally serving you.

14. Are they, or do they have Certified Tile Installer’s (Certified Tile Education Foundation, CTI) on their team?

· The certification of tile installers is an important step forward for the consumer. The industry has established a process to certify tile installers. Certification identifies an installer as being a dedicated and knowledgeable professional whose competence in installing tile has been verified to meet specific tile industry standards.

UPDATE: I heard back from our builder, and he said that he is familiar with Schluter systems and has been using it for years, as has his usual tile installer. He is going to talk to the new installer to see if he is familiar with that system or another. I am still trying to clarify why he is having to change installers. I suggested that if he isn't confident in the new installer, perhaps we should look for someone who could definitely handle our project. I feel confident that now that we're discussing this, we will end up with a competent installer for our project. Thank you all for your comments and feedback.

Not to confuse the issue, but you could also do a floating bench made from the same material as your countertops. You'd need to (a) have enough blocking behind the wall to support the weight and (b) have a steel support to hold the slab in place. But it avoids the tile issue. The only waterproofing would be on the tile wall, but that's no different than it would have been otherwise.

Redwood City Kitchen and Bath Remodel · More Info

Bench Floating in shower · More Info

Greenwich Street · More Info

Thanks @Sabrina Alfin Interiors. Our builder actually suggested this option. However, I am not thrilled with having to clean the floor and walls under it, especially as I get older. I think a traditional box bench will be lower maintenance from a cleaning perspective.

People respect…what you inspect.

Unless it is a huge shower, would not want a built in seat -- crowds the space.

@suezbell, There is plenty of room in the shower for a seat. This is our home for retirement, and we want the option of a seated shower as we get older. We'll have a handheld sprayer right next to the seat. Planning for aging in place, as I am 60, and my husband is 67.

@suezbell - You don't need an enormous shower for a built in bench. If anything, a built in bench takes up less space than a free standing seat or stool. When I remodeled, I got rid of the tub/shower combination so my shower follows the footprint of a standard tub. It is quite large eough as I am not holding orgies in there. :-)

OP's reason for wanting a built in shower bench are precisely the reasons I had one installed when I remodeled - along with grab bars and a hand held by the bench. The hand held accessible when seated really makes the bench super functional. My designer joked (half joked) that if it came to that, my caretaker would be able to hose e down while I was seated :-).

If you need a shower "seat" for medical reasons - you need something that is sturdy and has a back and those take up a good bit of room. As I posted, far more than a built in bench does. I did have need of a seat after an operation and when it was in my shower it took up all of the floor space. And then where do you put it when not in use and it is difficult to clean around. The bench is really compact and also doubles as a place that holds things which is also very handy when I am using it. I keep masks in there because it is easy to put a mask on and then wash it off in the shower.

The "standing" space left with the bench in my shower is still much larger than a standard stall shower.

@Helen, Thanks. We are also planning a grab bar next to the bench. We don't have a tub in our master, just this large shower. The second bathroom will have a standard tub/shower combination, if we should ever want a bath. Our plumbing designer also mentioned that the handheld would be helpful for cleaning the shower, which I thought was great -- we don't have one now.

I don't understand how people function without a handheld. Even before my remodel, I had one that replaced the regular shower head so I could use it either as an overhead shower or as a handheld. Besides cleaning the shower, I don't know how you clean your nether regions properly :-).

Just a suggestion as I actually have two grab bars - one is at the entrance to the shower so that I have something to grab on when entering and exiting since that is when one would be likely to be a bit off balance. That one is placed vertically.

I also have one that is horizontal which could be used to help me rise when I am seated as well as something to grab if I felt unsteady.

Planning ahead for your forever home is a really good idea. Great decision on that.

Emily, not sure if you’re past this decision or not. We have a bench in ours and have not had any problems (we built 6 years ago). Our tiler was very detailed with the shower liner, etc. We did learn however that the height we framed it at ended up being a bit too low after the Schluter, concrete, etc.

@Joy M, Thanks for your feedback. We are definitely going with a shower bench. Sounds like the new tile guy our builder will be using is experienced with another waterproofing system -- it's not Schluter, but it is legit (I can't recall the name now). We are going to meet with him ahead of tiling to ensure that we're happy with his plans for the shower, but we think it's all going to be just fine.