A consumer at the process of building a walk-in cupboard asks, “Is there some guidance out there regarding placement of shower benches?” The solution is not as straightforward as you may think.
The shower’s footprint and the way the bench will be used often supply the ideal response. If you’ve got a dual shower, you may want your bench to chair two. If you’ve got a tiny shower, occasionally a removable or floating bench works best. Wheelchair transports and ease of cleanup are things to think about, too.
Avon’s Woodshop
If you are intending to move a wooden bench around, be sure it’s small and light.
Most showers have sloped flooring in several directions. This can cause a freestanding bench to rock when you are sitting. Plan for your new bathtub to have a one-way slope, or locate a bench with flexible legs so it’s possible to eliminate the rocking chair. You might also purchase a three-legged bench or have one created, since these won’t rock.
Tip: locating a bench the perfect size for your shower can be challenging. If working with a cabinet maker on a bathroom vanity, consider asking him or her to include a customized teak bench on your order.
Moss Building and Design | Moss Home Services
When designing your bench, you need to have a strong opinion on if you desire the bench to move around or stay stationary.
This built-in bench is one of my favorite designs and makes for easy cleaning. Because it extends out of the shower, there is no gap between the bench and the glass. Those tiny gaps can be a pain to clean.
Tip: For much less cleanup, think about a solid surface material, like granite or composite stone, for your bench.
Vinyl & style
You are going to want your bench to be near your own shower controllers — it makes rinsing shaving and off considerably easier.
To fulfill most industry guidelines, shower benches should measure 17 to 19 inches off the finished shower flooring. Occupational therapists may provide me a dimension customized for a customer’s body.
Narofsky Architecture + ways2design
Most steam showers call for a bench for relaxation. When space is tight, a folding shower chair can work wonders.
These folding seats require strong blocking supporting the wall. Make sure the framers of the project align wall studs with placement of the bench.
BiglarKinyan Design Planning Inc..
In a smaller shower, you may think about the bench as a portion of the tub deck. Bear in mind that benches need to empty — just like a bathtub floor — so be certain that the slab of stone does not move in as one piece. The piece inside the shower must tilt toward the floor.
Just a little corner chair might offer additional leg room.
Zack|de Vito Architecture + Construction
Marble looks beautiful in showers, but it’s too soft to use by itself in a shower bench’s construction. The exact same is true of wood. These benches want the support of a metal bracket or custom metal tubing.
Webber + Studio, Architects
This great looking shower includes both a fixed bench before the window along with a movable bench just outside the shower. If you would like to open the shower up floor area, consider a drifting bench like this.
Christa Young – TY Design
Have fun with the bench! This is by far my favorite bench to date. I’ve yet to locate a customer who will let me build this, but I am still searching!
BY DESIGN Builders
Any bench can be made safer. Grab bars, free space and bench positions are laid out in ADA planning manuals. These spaces require planning from the beginning so that interior walls do not get in the way of transferring from a wheelchair into the bench.
Any bathtub built larger than 36 by 36 inches must have numerous grab bars.