I'm voting for jackowskib's idea. That would seem to make the most sense and be most flexible too. That is unless an elderly person will be using the shower. That might present a hazard as the seat won't be stationary.

I agree a nice folding teak bench is the easiest way to clean and when no bench needed you have the whole shower.

Floating benches are horrible to clean. Teak benches are not really upright stable enough for someone who needs real assistance. A built in to the floor bench, if it is large enough, and has an adjustible spray bar, will be the most stable and useful thorughout life phases. It doubles as storage for products and a shaving shelf when you are young and able, and if it is large enough, can be reclined on with an air pillow for an attendant in later years.

I had a built-in two houses ago, floating last house, corner teak bench this house.

Teak bench is my favorite, followed closely by the floating one. I had no problems with cleaning issues with any of them.

I have a floating bench and I have no issues with cleaning. I spray my cleaner and then spray with my handheld. I don't think I'd like a free-standing bench because it wouldn't be as stable as something built-in? But I know it is a popular choice.

I currently have a built-in bench. If I had a do over, would have no bench and use a teak seat that could be moved around in the space. But I suppose for cleaning, a built-in would be easier.

Another vote for a teak stool. More flexible, easy to remove /clean the floor with a mop. No downside.

Agree with the above poster that a well-placed hand-held shower head matters tremendously too.

Cleaning my built in bench is easier than a floating one. You don't have to bend down or get on your knees to get under it. I love my built in bench. I do have mobility issues so it is a necessity for me. A floating bench or one that is attached to the wall and folds up is not stable enough nor is it comfortable. And moving a shower chair all the time is awkward for someone with mobility issues, and I could catch my foot on one of the legs and fall.

I had built-in benches in several shower before and this time I went with a Teak bench from DecoTeak. Very happy with the decision. Just like with most things in life, not all Teak benches are made the same, so pick a better quality one to ensure stability. This company has bigger ones, taller ones, some with taller handles for help with sitting/standing and adjustable feet. A lot more comfortable to sit on than cold hard tile, specially if you are on the smaller side.

As we age, if we need any special equipment in the shower, we can move the bench out of the way.

No one wants to sit on their shower floor so they can scrub up under a floating bench!

Thanks everyone for your input and advice! I really appreciate it!

I have a built in bench at my 2d home & a teak bench in the master of my primary home. I MUCH prefer the built in bench over the teak. Easier to clean, doesn’t get as gunked up with soap, shampoos, etc., & is more stable IMO. Really just a matter of personal preference, just like a lot of the topics on here.

We had a built in floating corner bench put in our large walk-in shower when we remodeled. Installation may have been bad, because it started to crack within a few years and fortunately we had enough extra tile to take it out and replace the affected wall tiles. It was also a major issue to clean underneath. We now use a teak corner bench instead, although we never really use it! I’d vote for no built in…

I have a cheaper version is Chispa's and it's fine. And like Chispa says, if you need serious or special equipment at some point, you can easily make room for it.

I love my built in bench - it is wide and comfortable and very stable. I even had a second hand held shower head installed by it so that I can sit and use it as necessary without having to snake the hand held over.

I am not sure why people opt for a flimsy teak bench - a built in bench is part of the construction of the shower and is there when you need it. Not understanding any down side to having a bench built in if you are remodeling and building the shower from scratch.

A free standing stool or seat is not very convenient - you have to clean around it or keep it stored somewhere - and for what reason?

And as posted, it really doesn't replace a built in if you actually need a seat for anything other than elevating your legs to shave :-)