Why Have a Bench or a Seat in the Shower?


Why would you want to install a shower bench or seat in your bathroom? Installing a shower bench is a personal preference. It serves many purposes and has proven to be useful when it comes to function, convenience, and safety. In this article, we will discuss the many uses of a shower bench or seat and why you need to have one. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and information.

Why have a bench or a seat in the shower? A shower bench or seat can expand the purpose of the shower regardless of the material that it is made from. They can be used to keep toiletries and shower essentials, provide a footrest for leg shaving, and also provide a comfortable place to seat for the elderly or those with balance disabilities.

What are the materials used for a shower bench? How big should a shower bench be? What is the purpose of a bench in a shower? We will answer these questions and more below. A shower bench or seat is a useful shower accessory that you might think of installing for your bathroom. To help you get started, we will discuss more about why you should have a shower bench or seat and the advantages that you can get from it.

Why have a bench or a seat in the shower
Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay

What is the Purpose of a Bench or Seat in a Shower?

A shower bench or seat can provide additional shower storage, accessibility, safety, design, relaxation, and convenience. Aside from adding an accent into your otherwise plan shower area, it is also functional. Let us take a closer look at these purposes below.

Design

Aside from being functional, shower benches and seats also provide an accent and can enhance the overall design of your bathroom. There are different styles and designs of bench and seat for your shower that you can choose from. The material that they are made from also provides a beautiful and stylish look for your shower. You can choose a built-in shower bench or floating ones for a unique look.

Storage

Having a shower bench or seat can provide an additional storage area for your toiletries, make-up items, and shower essentials. Aside from providing a comfortable sitting place while you are taking the shower, it keeps your toiletries at hand. You can easily reach for the things that you need. Some of the benches and seats are designed to be completely closed while others have additional storage shelves underneath. You can also customize a design that can maximize both space and storage in your shower area.

Relaxation

Most consider the shower as the place to stay and relax after a hard day of work. Installing a comfortable bench or seat can enhance your shower experience. You can sit comfortably on the bench and let the water wash away the stress from work. It also provides a spa-like experience.

Accessibility

This is considered as one of the main reasons why a lot of people decide to install a bench or seat in their shower. Those who suffer from chronic pain can make their shower more enjoyable when they sit on a chair or bench. Moreover, the shower bench can provide safety for the elderly. Those with injuries can also rely on the bench while they are at a recovery period. The shower bench and seat also make showering easy for those who are in wheelchairs. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, is it ok to be sitting down in the shower? We have shared tips and information about the shower benches, seats, chairs, and stools that are used for taking a shower while sitting.

Convenience

A shower bench or seat provides convenience and makes your life easier. Shaving your legs while standing is tiresome especially if your bathroom floor is slippery. You can use the bench as a footstool to make shaving easier. If you have kids, you can also use the bench to sit them down so that they stay in place while you bathe them.

What is the Purpose of a Shower Chair?

A shower chair can benefit those who are suffering from poor balance when showering. It also offers stability for those who have difficulty standing for long periods. Moreover, a shower chair with a back is helpful for those who are suffering from aches or balance. It makes showering easier because they can remain seated. Shower chairs are also ideal if your shower is small and you cannot install a bench. The chairs can be removed to provide more shower space.

How Big Should a Shower Be to Have a Bench?

According to the ADA, a walk-in shower that features a bench that is attached to one wall should have a minimum size of 36 inches by 36 inches. It provides ample space for showering even if you eschew the bench. Make sure that you follow the ADA guidelines when installing a bench in your shower. Are you planning to add a bench to your walk-in shower? Check out this article that we have written titled, how big should a shower be to have a bench? We have shared the different sizes of showers that you can consider.

Materials for a Shower Bench

Some of the materials used for making a shower bench include tile, granite and marble, quartz, and teak. Teak is recommended as compared to wood because it can hold up well to excessive moisture. Tile and quartz are also a good option as they require less maintenance as compared to teak. Moreover, granite and marble add design and style to your shower’s aesthetic. Take a closer look at these materials below.

Tile

If your shower walls are made of tile, you can also choose tile for the material of your shower bench. Tiles are affordable and can be used to customize the look of your bathroom bench. You can also choose from the different colors and styles available. However, tiles can easily crack and are also hard to clean.

✅ Video – How to Tile a Shower Bench

The Tile Shop shared the video below on YouTube. It demonstrates how to tile a shower and a shower bench installation. Check out the video for the proper technique for putting and tiling around the corner shower seat.

Granite and Marble

Granite and marble are porous stones which means that they can absorb quickly. If you use these materials on your shower bench, make sure that they are sealed very well. Because sealants wear off over time, they should be resealed regularly. While granite and marble can take the look of your shower to the next level, they are also expensive and considered high maintenance.

Teak

An affordable option that you can consider for your shower bench is teak. They are warmer to sit onto and are also less expensive as compared to granite and marble. The good thing about teak is that it can be able to hold up well to excessive moisture as compared to wood. Teak is a good material to use if you have a small bathroom and would like a multi-functional shower bench. On the other hand, watermarks and stains can develop over time. Teak can also tarnish and discolor.

Quartz

Quartz is a man-made stone and is also non-porous. It is a good option if you do not want to deal with sealers. Moreover, quartz has a solid surface so it is easy to clean. The downside is that it can be very expensive.

Is Bamboo Good for a Shower Bench?

Bamboo is considered a good material when it comes to shower seats. This is because it provides excellent resistance to water. Bamboo shower seats are also cheaper as compared to other materials. They provide a natural look to your bathroom.

Bench or No Bench in the Shower?

As long as you have enough space in your shower, a shower bench is a useful addition. Make sure that you choose the right size for the bench. Otherwise, it will not be used as much and will have less utility. Shower benches are designed with multi-purpose features. Aside from providing a comfortable and relaxing place to sit down while you are taking a shower, it can also be used as storage to keep toiletries. It provides a sauna and spa-like feel to your shower.

Where Should a Bench Be Placed in a Shower?

The shower bench should be placed according to its purpose. It is usually placed near the shower control to make shaving and rinsing easier. Where you place it usually depends on your preferences. For more information, you can check out this article that we have written titled, where should the bench be placed in a shower? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Built-In Shower Bench Pros and Cons

One of the pros of having a built-in shower bench is that it can help the elderly feel safe while they are showering. It also provides comfort and convenience to those who are suffering from chronic ailments which makes standing for tiresome. Aside from that, shower benches can be used as storage for toiletries like shaving creams, soaps, and shampoos. However, a shower bench also has some cons. It can eat up space in your shower area which hinders movement. It can also be expensive to install depending on the material that you choose and the labor included.

Conclusion

We hope that this article that we have shared answered your question about why have a bench or seat in the shower. They will not only provide comfort, relaxation, and convenience, but they can also prevent injuries from happening. A good shower bench can last for many years. Choose a material that will not only add to the aesthetic look of your bathroom but will also make it more functional. Thank you for reading!

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