How to Build a Shower Seat

Adding a shower bench is easy.

Standing isn't the only way to take a shower. Many showers today come with a small bench which is great for relaxing and soaking up the steam. While some shower benches may need a professional's touch when it comes to installation, simple benches can be built at home using a few simple tools. If you would like to add a shower bench to your shower, consider putting one in yourself to save some money.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-bagged brick mortar
• Bricks and concrete blocks
• Mason's trowel
• Level
• Hammer
• 2 buckets

Instructions

1. Determine the height and the width you want your bench to be, and buy enough concrete blocks to fill that space. The best place to build a shower bench is in the corner of your shower in the shape of a triangle.

2. Mix your mortar. Spread 1 inch of the mortar on the floor of the shower in the area where the bench is going to be placed.

3. Place your first brick in the mortar. Quickly align and level it, as the mortar will dry quickly.

4. Fill in behind and around the first block with smaller concrete blocks to create a triangle shape.

5. Fill in the spaces with mortar, and level it out. As the mortar dries, the blocks will begin to stick together. Cover the front of the blocks with mortar as well.

6. Place another large block on top of the first. Once it's in place, repeat the process of filling in the spaces and covering with mortar.

7. Cover the top with mortar. The mortar on top should form a slope from the bench toward the shower drain.

8. Use a straight edge to smooth out the top and the sides of the mortar. Scrape off any excess mortar which may be on the bench. Let set for 1 to 2 hours. Tile the bench using any tile you would like.

Tips & Warnings

• The best bench height will be about 16 to 18 inches high. Usually, two standard-size concrete blocks will be the right height.

• The mortar will dry quickly. If you don't get your blocks in the right place and level, you will have to break them apart and start over.

References

• Masonry Shower Seats (Benches) for Ceramic Tile Showers