How to Install Shower Seat in Ceramic Shower
Install a corner bench shower seat in a ceramic shower. This is the quickest type of bench to install and is less labor intensive than installing a full bench. This bench is then tiled to match your existing shower. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shower installation kit
- Duct tape
- Small level (shorter than the width of the bench)
- Drill and masonry bit (size recommended by your kit)
- Caulking construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails)
- Mortar and trowel for application
- Nonslip stickers for bench (and tub)
Instructions
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Buy a triangular steel bench frame for your shower. Anticipate the location of the bench and put duct tape under the corner location where the bench will attach. Make sure that the two walls that make up the corner are square to each other.
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Place it against the wall over this tape, and use a small level to make sure that it is reasonably level but slopes slightly downward to keep from trapping water in puddles against the wall. Do not allow the bench to slope so much that it is noticeable. Mark screw holes in the bench frame on the shower wall using a grease pencil. Remove the bench to reveal the marks.
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Drill out the holes at the marks with a diamond or carbide-tipped masonry drill bit. Be careful to go slowly and use a reasonably light touch to drill. Use a bit that is the same diameter as the screw (teeth included) on the tile. Use the size indicated in the instructions that came with them in the installation kit that will fit the screws that came with it. Remove the tape.
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Squirt in a some adhesive caulking product, like Liquid Nails, into the holes. Apply construction adhesive on the face of the bench that will be against the wall. Put the bench back up and screw it to the wall. Squirt more adhesive onto the benchtop in long beads before you lay mortar. Fill the bench with thick mortar and tamp it a little so that the mortar oozes through the holes in the front of the bench. Make the top of the surface smooth and flat.
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Apply mortar to the front face of the bench so that it is flat. Allow the mortar to cure before you install the tile and grout. Once the tile and grout are set, put nonslip stickers on the bench.
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Tips & Warnings
Some manufacturers require the use of lag bolts instead of screws or fasteners for their superior strength.
Make sure that the bench is screwed in solidly. You may have to install blocks in the wall between studs to screw in the bench according to manufacturer's instructions. This may require you to cut into the drywall on the reverse side of the wall near the ceramic shower and then patch (or do other drastic measures) to get the blocking in place. Some companies use fastener sleeves with construction adhesive if no wood blocking is available for the screws to drill into. Carefully test the bench before use. Follow all instructions and cautions/warnings that came with your corner bench. Install a nonslip surface on the seat and floor of the shower.
