Two more Houzz photos. I would rather make a decision and not leave it up to the fabricator to choose. I am open to suggestions.

In Houzz photo #3 below, it looks like they wrapped the bench in stone and matched the top of the bench to the side that faces the plumbing wall. In Houzz photo #4, there is tile matching the wall tile on the side of the bench facing the plumbing wall.

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You have net chosen the stone or the tile. Do that first. Then decide the placement. Let the materials chosen drive the layout.

^^^^^, this exactly but the bench top and the curb should definitely be a solid surface or stone material and NOT tile.

If your preference is to have it look somewhat "seamless"; the pieces will need to be templated at the time and you can decide placement on slab. You will likely need more slab than you think to allow the veining pattern to continue.

If you choose a stone without veining, you won't need to worry about matching.

IMO the simpler the choices in a bathroom the longer you will love it . I agree to try to mimic a olid stone area will require very expensive choices in stone and I see no reason for stone since we do not see your bathroom. I like all 12 x24 porcelian tile plain gfor both bathroom floors and shower walls I dislike 100s of grout lines and so this keeps things simple The first pic you show is IMO a shower too small for a built in bench in fact I this a poratable teak seat always a better choice , If quartzite is what you want the IMO do the whole thing in it . This is just a bit of info about the cons of using quartzite that you might want to consider I think either the stone everywhere or the tile I mention I would not mix them in such a samll space

Disadvantages of Quartzite Slabs

Despite their numerous advantages, quartzite slabs also present some challenges, particularly in terms of cost and installation complexity. For homeowners considering quartzite for their shower remodel, it’s essential to weigh these disadvantages carefully to ensure they align with their project goals and budget.

1. High Cost: Quartzite is often more expensive than other common materials like ceramic tile or fiberglass. This higher price point can significantly increase the overall cost of a bathroom remodel. For those with a limited budget, quartzite might not be the most economical choice.
2. Installation Complexity: Installing quartzite requires specialized skills due to its density and hardness. This can lead to longer installation times and higher labor costs. Additionally, the weight of quartzite slabs demands sturdy support structures, which might necessitate additional bathroom reinforcement.
3. Maintenance Requirements: While quartzite is more resistant to stains than marble, it still requires regular sealing to maintain its aesthetic appeal and functionality. This ongoing maintenance can be a drawback for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance solution.

As you consider quartzite for your shower remodel, remember that while it offers durability and a striking appearance, these factors come with increased costs and care requirements.

I prefer to have a knee wall with a bench.

And even better - a floating bench. Nothing like sliding your foot back to stand up and hitting your heels on that tile or misjudging and stubbing your toe! Ask me how I know ;)

Thank you to everyone who responded. I will wait until I have chosen materials to decide what goes where. I tried posting a longer answer but it disappeared. @Patricia Colwell Consulting, I am changing from ceramic tile on the vanity to a stone countertop, regardless of whatever the current trend is.

I mmever mentioned tile on a counter in fact never mentioned the counter at all.

Seriously consider a teak bench. Sitting on cold stone sucks.

We have the knee wall as shown by Debbie, actually two with the door in between, but they are 48" which is a stately height I guess you would call it. Tub conversion.

I would not use decorative tile in the showerl. Use a mosaic tile on the shower floor in the gray of the veining, with the same color but in 12x24 for the bathroom floor.

If you provide a photo of your shower you will get more detailed suggestions specific to your shower.

The stone yard (that I have used previously) sells to fabricators, not to the client. I have been to the yard twice in the past few months, but did not reserve a slab because I had not hired a fabricator yet -- the slab needs to be reserved in a fabricator's name.

I have a "chicken&egg" problem. To get an accurate bid from fabricators / tile-setters, they need a detailed plan of where stone vs tile will be installed. I want to reserve the slab before I choose the tile.

Last week, I met with two tile-setter / fabricators. The second one offered that I can reserve a slab in her name, even if I decide to hire someone else. She said she would do whatever I want, but explained that the installation would be less costly if I wrap the curb and bench in stone; otherwise, she has to coordinate scheduling both of her installation teams (one for tile and one for stone).

I plan to meet with a 3rd fabricator next week. He has offered to meet me at the stone yard, if I hire him, to help me select a slab (e.g., to avoid large fissures in the stone).

In a previous remodel project, at the wet bar in my family room, three pieces of stone meet at an intersection; the fabricator ("employee" of the GC) advised matching the two cut pieces on the backsplash to each other, rather than matching either to the countertop (see photo attached).

Also, (in my previous remodel) the fabricator asked whether I wanted stone or porcelain tile on the vertical face of the built-in shower bench in the downstairs guest bathroom (previously, a powder room). I chose tile. The quartzite matches so closely to the Ann Sacks faux “vein-cut vernata” porcelain that it makes little difference, visually (see attached photo).

The attached photos were taken this week, ten years after the Mont Blanc (aka Perla Veneta) quartzite was installed. The stone was sealed after installation, and not since then; I have had no problems with staining.