Relaxation and Accessibility: Upgrading to a Shower with Bench Seat

When you think of bathroom remodels, a shower bench might not be the first or most exciting idea that jumps to mind. But for many homeowners, installing a bench or seat in the shower is a practical and effective way to make everyday bathing safer and more comfortable.

Having a shower seat is a major step toward making your bathroom more accessible. I'm a proponent of incorporating accessibility enhancements into most home renovations, especially bathroom remodels.

Even if you don't need them or don't think you will need them, things like secure hand-holds, zero-entry thresholds, wider doors, non-slip flooring, and other accessibility features are relatively inexpensive to add when you are already remodeling.

These additions can be incredibly useful if you need them down the line, including if an unexpected injury or mobility issue arises. If you don't want to install them now, it's worth asking your remodeler to put in blocking behind the walls to make a shower bench or grab bar easier to install at a later point. Think about it like cheap insurance; it costs very little now but can save a lot of money and hassle in the future.

Beyond the accessibility issue, a shower bench can also be a nice upgrade in itself. Even for people without mobility restrictions, a shower seat can provide a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a luxurious, spa-like experience.

In this post, I'll explain all that you need to know about remodeling your existing shower to include a shower bench or seat. I'll review the benefits of in-shower seating, describe the types of shower benches and seats, and cover some of the materials used for these shower upgrades.

What's the Difference Between a Shower Seat and a Shower Bench?

There are no formal definitions that distinguish a shower seat from a shower bench. In fact, some people use the term shower seat to refer to anything that lets you sit down in the shower, including a bench.

Although it's not always clear cut, we tend to describe wider seating areas as shower benches and narrower ones as shower seats. In the end, both serve the function of providing a stable and secure place to sit inside the walls of the shower.

Benefits of a Shower Bench or Shower Seat?

Comfort, safety, and accessibility are the primary benefits of showers with bench seats.

Showers aren't always something you have to rush through. Instead, it can be nice to have the opportunity to sit down and soak in the warmth of the shower. If you like to take your time while washing your hair or shaving, a shower bench can be a major plus. If you like to use your shower for steam aromatherapy, it's handy to have a place to sit down.

For people with limited mobility, a sturdy shower bench can reduce the risk of falls in the shower. And shower seating can be essential for people with disabilities that prevent them from standing. For maximum accessibility, shower benches can be designed at a specific height to enable a smooth transfer from a wheelchair to the bench and back.

These safety and accessibility benefits aren't limited to when the water is running. A seat can be helpful when drying off or putting on clothes after taking a shower.

Types of Shower Benches and Seats

When installing a shower bench, you have different styles to choose from. You can pick the ideal option based on your needs and personal preferences.

• Solid bench: This type of shower bench has the most robust look and feel. It is built-in and set flush with the wall and the floor, providing a durable and dependable seat. It is generally made of the same material as the wall for a more seamless visual appearance.

• Folding seat: This type of seat is mounted to the wall, but it can fold up and down vertically. When you fold up the seat, you create more space in the shower, making it a good option if you have a smaller shower or if there are people who use the shower that don't need a seat.

• Floating bench: This unique style of shower bench is mounted to the wall without any support from the floor. Extra care must be taken to make sure that it is securely attached to the wall, but a floating bench can add visual intrigue and make the shower feel more open.

• L-Shaped: This type of shower bench is mounted to the back wall and to the side wall opposite the shower door. It also has one leg that goes down to the floor, giving it an L-shape. Like a floating bench, the space is open underneath, making for a roomier feel.

Types of Materials for Shower Benches

Shower benches can be made with a variety of different materials depending on the design of the shower itself.

For fully built-in shower benches, it's common to make the bench out of the same material as the shower walls. In most cases, we use tile, but the design may be adaptable for other materials like acrylic, composite, marble, or stone.

For wall-mounted benches, treated wood is a common choice. A teak bench is one of the most popular choices. Other materials can also be used, but it's important that they be either naturally non-porous or treated to resist moisture absorption.

Can You Have a Bench Seat in a Walk-in Shower?

You can absolutely have a walk-in shower with bench seat. In fact, shower benches are usually best in walk-in showers for both space and accessibility reasons.

In a walk-in shower, you tend to have more room to work with, giving you more flexibility with the type of shower bench or seat you want and how you want to position it.

In addition, a shower-tub combo poses accessibility problems as stepping into the shower can be difficult for people with limited mobility. As a result, it's usually advisable to install a no-threshold walk-in shower with a bench or seat to make the shower more accessible.

Is a Shower Bench Better Than a Portable Shower Seat?

Whether a shower bench is preferable to a portable shower seat depends on your specific situation. Portable shower seats are usually made with non-porous plastic and metal. They are designed to be relatively lightweight so they can be moved in and out of the shower as needed.

Having a portable shower seat is a low-cost way of creating a place to sit while bathing. It may be a better choice if you only need shower seating for a temporary period or if many people share a shower, most of whom don't want or need a seat.

That said, a built-in or wall-mounted bench feels sturdier and more dependable while offering far more options in terms of style and aesthetics.

In addition, having a built-in shower bench is far more convenient if seating is needed on a consistent basis. Moving the portable seat in and out of the shower can be annoying, plus you need a place to store it while it's not in use.

Designing Your Perfect Shower Remodel

If you're planning a bathroom remodel and want to explore your options for a shower bench or seat, our experienced design team would be happy to work with you to find the best choice for your shower. We can consider factors like your space, accessibility needs, and stylistic preferences to determine the ideal type of shower bench.

Hogan Design & Construction has been serving the greater Chicago and southern Wisconsin area for more than 25 years. We specialize in customized remodels, and we collaborate closely with all of our clients to turn their remodeling vision into a reality.

We invite you to review our portfolio, learn about our process, and contact us directly to schedule an appointment to learn more about your project.