concrete shower pan with corner bench -- but forgot to build bench. what to do?

Submitted by jaaassshhh t3_125p5ea in DIY

We're rebuilding our shower. Plan was to add a small corner bench something like this:

Loose plan:

  1. frame the bench with studs

  2. lay waterpoofing membrane completely over bench and up the wall a bit

  3. Install cement board up walls and around bench

  4. pour concrete shower floor

​

We got all excited and forgot the bench. So we did steps 2, 3 and 4 -- so now we have nice shower pan without a bench.

Any acceptable recovery? Seems to me that anything we do at this point means the framing for the bench is within the waterproofing barrier and thus risks rotting in the future.

Thanks!

example bench

shower pan - no bench. we poured cement (not pictured) and it's very hard because that's what cement does when you pour it

628

Comments

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Zorothegallade t1_je551hu wrote

Best I can suggest is to buy a bench made of plastic or similar materials and make sure it's braced to the wall and floor with enough waterproof adhesive to not move.

5

bassboat1 t1_je55lx4 wrote

Precast concrete bricks and mortar, then RedGard.

7

Honest-Sugar-1492 t1_je56ryv wrote

You could put a small teak bench in there. They are nicely aesthetic and you can change it up or it could be moved out of someone's way if not needed. Plus it gives a 'spa-like' feel.

805

tired_and_fed_up t1_je57j6o wrote

Either the schluter shower bench or another similar product that you can water proof especially since you should have the cement board seams waterproof.

2

GFK2K t1_je58kkj wrote

They make a metal corner bench you can screw into the cement board and just tile over. Just google "metal corner bench frame shower" there are a lot of options.

16

ActingNormal t1_je5f07a wrote

Replying to Honest-Sugar-1492 (#2,448,617)

I agree. I have a teak bench in my bathroom. The wood matches the shelf at the top of my towel ladder. The wood adds texture and warmth. Those who prefer more room in the shower can remove it. It also doubles as a place to sit while drying hair or a vanity stool. It also gets used for holding a towel beside the tub. I think a teak bench has more uses than a built-in shower bench, especially in a smaller shower.

91

deputydog1 t1_je5f6c5 wrote

Don’t do it. Build the shower without a bench. They aren’t practical for people with different heights, different injuries or disabilities (broken leg, bad knee) and are a head-cracking hazard in a fall.

Buy benches in teak for looks - or benches of other materials that are adjustable.

Source: My husband’s bad back, my elderly mom’s bone issues and my injured leg tendons

346

VonGeisler t1_je5fq2c wrote

We added a wall mounted bench to ours, this will require better backing but you can add that now and patch it properly. The bench is folding so it’s out of the way when not in use.

2

Kahzgul t1_je5gbqt wrote

You could build the bench you want onto the concrete and then hire someone to hot mop the whole thing. Nothing waterproofs like tar.

2

justinj2000 t1_je5gko4 wrote

Make a "floating shelf" style bench. You can remove the cement board, frame a floating shelf, reinstall the cement board, redguard, then tile over it. I don't think it will be as strong, but a corner bench like that isn't really for sitting on anyways.

10

RainStorm13 t1_je5h6rk wrote

Plumber here. The shower liner looks like it’s not installed correctly.

78

DutchMtl t1_je5hlc1 wrote

Replying to jaaassshhh (#2,448,830)

The bench is waterproof if done right. By your logic the bench you forgot to build would also trap water.

That being said, adding a teak wood bench is a no brainer in my opinion. That's what we put in our bathroom reno and in the end it very rarely ever gets used.

83

Jewboy-Deluxe t1_je5j0lu wrote

Wedi or Schluter bench will work fine and they.re easy.

3

brokenearth03 t1_je5m982 wrote

You can add furniture that is removable replaceable, not permanent. That is the better idea.

9

dawtcalm t1_je5rmlx wrote

can you explain this part again? "We poured cement (not pictured) and it's very hard because that's what cement does when you pour it"
jk, it made me laugh...
joking aside, not sure if this is feasible or not, but if it is cement under this bench, can you cut out just 1 tile at top of bench, pour cement in and wait for it to set? you'd have to temporarily frame the tiles else I imagine the initial weight of the cement might push out the tiling but just temporarily...

0

yanman t1_je5s3o7 wrote

Replying to jaaassshhh (#2,452,298)

Not the plumber, but for one you have screws into the backer board very close to the floor. They probably go through the liner which is a big no-no.

You also have screws through the top of the curb which definitely go through the liner. Again, big bad.

If this were my shower, I would look at wrapping the whole thing in a membrane like Kerdi. You can also incorporate you bench this way as well. The one thing I don't know (and hopefully the plumber will return to answer), is if you can bond the Kerdi membrane to the PVC pan liner. Google says Kerdi-fix will do the trick, but I'd do more research if it were me.

Here's a great 15 minute video on how to completely waterproof your shower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hPMWc22oK8

PS. get that gravel off of the liner before someone steps on it and pokes a hole.

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sitq t1_je5u9cz wrote

that liner should be sloped towards drain. Can't really tell from pictures but doesn't look like it is. Liner covered by cement board is fine but penetrations with screws is bad. On top of liner it should be mortar bed. It is not poured but packed. Surface of that mortar bed should be sloped as well. Not sure how you poured concrete to create such slope. If I were you and this is current state I would just cut liner out, tear out drain. Install kerdi preformed shower base and drain, add kerdi bench of any kind, complete everything with kerdi membranes and bands. It is much better system just because there are less material that gets wet.

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epia343 t1_je5uiwj wrote

Poured cement? Do you mean deck mud?

2

meh35m t1_je5vatb wrote

I just redid our second bathroom.

https://imgur.com/a/grHgoQn

I found folding shower seats...

They don't take up space and don't exist until you want/need them to!

Lol, we're in our early 40's now, but 80 will be here in a few weeks. Might as well be ready for it 🤣🤣

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hotbotty t1_je5vl4d wrote

Unless the shower area is very large, a lot of these seating options serve only to increase the dangers associated with using wet bathroom areas. Variation in the weight of users has also to be factored in, as well as any disabilities of users, both now and possibly in the future. I speak with much experience in these matters, as being disabled myself now, and have tried many of the options available. Most wall-mounted fittings end up being a point of failure at some time, allowing water ingress behind the tiling, etc. I've had to have professionally installed showers to be ripped out to repair water damage caused by the failure of such seating, causing major disruption to the household. Now I will only ever use purpose-made removable seating if it's needed at all.

If you do go ahead with any built-in seating, make sure it's built to cope with weights of over 20 stone or even much more. Remember, a large person falling can exert tremendous forces on such fitments, far exceeding the average quoted weight limits on some of these items, and these structures should take this into account. Nor should there be any sharp corners/edges anywhere.

On a personal level, I think that no shower area should be used without the installation of suitable handrails. Water and soap can lead to slippages, and maybe your old mother or grandma may be using your shower at some time, and you want them to be safe, don't you?!

Whatever you build, I hope it looks great and serves you well.

1

dark3stforest t1_je5vvbc wrote

I used one of these, then used membrane and thinset on all seams before redguard and tile. If memory serves, I did have to taper the bottom a little bit with a coping saw so it would sit flush on the sloped shower pan and sit flush against the wall.

​

https://www.flooranddecor.com/shower-systems-installation-materials/schluter-kerdi-board-sb-triangular-bench-16in.-x-16in.-100597855.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjww4-hBhCtARIsAC9gR3b2-K2U-k73uMi9gvOvgPlVoyQvzDlFv2fCdWsiCdxfhG8lXl7g0FcaApwEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Hammerpike t1_je5wckb wrote

Here's a few "after the fact" bench or shelf options - https://www.innoviscorp.com/better-bench/

But I also agree with other posters about the potential water issues regarding screw placement/liner positioning. Are you planning to roll on an additional Redguard (or other brand) moisture barrier coating on the cement board?

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Justhitamoose t1_je5yb01 wrote

Hey guys we built the whole car but forgot the doors, silly me I bet this happens all the time

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usedTP t1_je5yfxf wrote

Plastic lawn chair front Walmart, $10. Also doubles as expansion chair for family events.

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mfball t1_je5yihl wrote

Totally agree with others that a removable teak wood bench would be nicer anyway and save you a lot of trouble.

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party_benson t1_je61whl wrote

Replying to RainStorm13 (#2,453,640)

I know. It drives me nuts when I see people DIY without. I get that it's an extra cost and all, but as I've said before: Fire bad, mold bad, electric shock bad. I fully support learning as you DIY, but there are some things you just don't want to wing it.

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tincookies t1_je64cwl wrote

Use kerdi board. Structural enough that you dont need wood framing.

1

vivamario t1_je67tjk wrote

Replying to yanman (#2,452,860)

You would put the waterproof membrane on top of the mortar bed after that is poured, if you were worried about the integrity of the shower pan, not directly on the shower pan.

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GoldVader t1_je6aqmr wrote

Your pour concrete, cement is an ingredient of concrete. I know it's not really the point of this post, but it's one of those things that really bugs me.

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mgnorthcott t1_je6dcso wrote

just put in a floating bench. you'll have to support it by the walls, and live with the big hole underneath it that will be hard to clean.

1

ThisUsernameIsTook t1_je6duoc wrote

Replying to meh35m (#2,453,520)

The white one that folds up rather than down looks like a hazard to me. I know for a fact that I would scrape my leg against the exposed metal a least twice (because I wouldn't learn after the first time).

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phoephus2 t1_je6e8wq wrote

I did that exact same bench. I did the pan first like you did and built the bench with concrete block. It's a little cold to sit on in the winter.

1

poopgrouper t1_je6fxgw wrote

Replying to GFK2K (#2,448,998)

We have one of these in our shower. Works fine. I believe it needs to be screwed into studs though, so the framing behind the cement board would need to be in the right place for the bench.

1

MechMeister t1_je6hsdi wrote

They sell them on the shelf at Lowes. By a company called Schleuter or something. Just buy one and glue it in.

1

hardknox_ t1_je6id5g wrote

Replying to jaaassshhh (#2,452,298)

I wouldn't be worried about the curb as much as how low the screws are inside the pan, as the top of the curb isn't going to hold water like the pan will. The pan needs to be watertight to 2" above the curb by code where I am. If they have screws below that, the liner should be replaced and whoever put the board up should pay for it.

Just to confirm: the concrete under the liner isn't flat, right?

6

Transient77 t1_je6j65j wrote

Replying to jaaassshhh (#2,448,830)

Maybe what you're missing is the Schluter Kerdi stuff is installed with Kerdi-band along all the seams. It's completely watertight. You can see the bands (pinkish strips) in the photo where the guy is laying tile.

3

exccord t1_je6kd0b wrote

Replying to mgnorthcott (#2,457,171)

I wonder how many folks who waved inspections during the lovely house buying spree are going to be screwed on that one when/if it comes time to sell because of the lovely DIY flippers.

5

hamlet_d t1_je6ksy3 wrote

Replying to deputydog1 (#2,450,338)

The one that came with the shower in our house tends to get quite slick. That's yet another reason to not have one: they aren't really a stable, reliable surface. Teak or other are much better in that they may not have the problem that tile has with being slippery.

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woz_piano t1_je6l2rb wrote

Build the bench out of concrete block and mortar, then tile it

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yottyboy t1_je6louv wrote

I use a teak wood bench. Having a built in bench takes up a lot of space

1

custhulard t1_je6nmox wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#2,451,898)

Someone on a jobsite gave me shit about measuring the water and using a timer on my phone to mix allset. I told them an engineer with a degree in mortar figured out the best way to mix this stuff, and when I do it exactly that way it comes out perfect.

I felt silly the first couple times I used a timer, but it actually doesn't look or feel right if I don't mix, slake and remix pretty close to the recommended times.

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Rugged_as_fuck t1_je6nykv wrote

Replying to deputydog1 (#2,450,338)

I'll second this. I had my tub and shower insert ripped out and hired a contractor to do a full custom shower, and I really wanted a bench. River rock floor, huge beautiful tiles on the wall, and the bench built to match both. The guy did a fantastic job, it came out great, it was exactly what I wanted.

I hated it. It was constantly covered in bottles. It was uncomfortable to sit on because if you didn't spray water on it for 5 minutes it was freezing cold. It took up space that I was constantly reminded I might have wanted to stand in. It accumulated more shower "grime" than the rest of the shower even though it was properly sloped. It was wide enough for two people, which was great for all the times you showered alone, or all the times when you did shower with a partner and wanted the extra room to stand in. Fucking stupid idea.

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GUIACpositive t1_je6oko2 wrote

Your entire waterproofing plan for the shower is bad. Forget the bench. Concrete board isn't waterproof, tile isn't waterproof, grout and thinset aren't waterproof.....WHATS YOUR WATERPROOFING PLAN?

6

EddieLobster t1_je6tv8z wrote

Replying to exccord (#2,458,509)

Home inspections are a scam anyway. The stuff these guys pick out is usually blatantly obvious. The things they should be looking at , they can’t, unless the seller is willing to let them to open walls. People are good at hiding things.

12

Mr-Macphisto t1_je6utoy wrote

As others have said, get a nice teak wood shower bench. We paid about $220 for one from Amazon when we remodeled our bathroom last year. Here’s a picture of the shower with the bench:

https://imgur.com/a/dqGgNRS

3

Kurtotall t1_je6wv3r wrote

Get a 5gal bucket from Home Depot and turn it over and sit on it. Fixed.

I'm a contractor.

6

PrimaxAUS t1_je711uu wrote

Since when are we allowed to ask questions here? Did the policy change?

0

rossmosh85 t1_je72ypl wrote

I don't get it. You're not done with the process. You can still put in a bench. You haven't put down the pack or done any water proofing.

Build your bench. Put your dry pack in. Then water proof either via painted membrane or "paper" membrane.

1

HeadMembership t1_je74t5o wrote

Just put a movable stool or seat in there, no problem.

1

Rev_DC t1_je75qtf wrote

Replying to sfmtl (#2,451,478)

In my life, I've had two showers with corner benches and one with a full-on molded shower-width seat. Can confirm that any elevated surface will just be filled with bottles. It's human nature.

71

ihaveway2manyhobbies t1_je78fdu wrote

If you really want a shower bench like that, there are several articles that show people building them after the fact (like you) using cinder blocks, bricks, and mortar to get the shape and then finishing it off.

In fact, if I remember correctly, this was discussed in the Kerdi shower book.

However, I will agree with most everybody else. A corner bench like that is basically useless except for storing more shampoo bottles. Number one regret of my current shower build.

What's your waterproofing plan? Hope it is more than just cement board...

YMMV

1

ApizzaApizza t1_je79uf5 wrote

Just build the bench, set it in place and then waterproof the whole corner again?

Not sure what the issue is tbh, this is how I’d prefer to do it personally. You wouldn’t want to pour your pan around the bench.

1

Lenity t1_je7enwb wrote

Drill and dowel with epoxy. Form and place with cap strip. Seal and caulk after. Good for decades

2

Basoran t1_je7hrp5 wrote

Frame a floating bench into the wall. That is what I did to avoid messing with the pan.

2

participantator t1_je7i6jl wrote

The house I’m in has a built in bench with a crack running along one edge. I don’t like to think what might be growing down there.

1

Blitzboks t1_je7nmr2 wrote

Replying to gburgwardt (#2,462,580)

Not really. I had one with medium sized rocks and it was not much different than cleaning any other grouted tile. I lived in a very dry climate though, might have been worse somewhere humid.

9

argparg t1_je7rapm wrote

Better bench, bb-17 would be a good fit

1

adagna t1_je7uvo0 wrote

We had our shower done recently, they used cinderblock to build the bench. Mostly because it needed to be hollow, because there is a random drain line, we were unsure if it was actually in use or left over from an old evap cooler, but figured better to be safe and leave it then sorry if water started draining into the attic

1

omeara4pheonix t1_je7wjgr wrote

Frame in a bench and waterproof it's exterior with something like prova board, use something like prova joint to waterproof the seams. No water should get to the framing wood. If you are worried water will get past the waterproofing you can always use pressure treated wood for the framing.

1

JavarisJamarJavari t1_je82ec3 wrote

Just get a nice separate shower seat that sits in the shower. You'll have so many less worries about leaking and mold as the years go by.

1

muttbutter t1_je82gdu wrote

Benches are the biggest source of leaks. Be glad you forgot.

3

mntdewme t1_je85ywm wrote

Old school red bricks and scrap/mortar fill

1

Rugged_as_fuck t1_je88yut wrote

Replying to gburgwardt (#2,462,580)

Nah, I never regretted the floor, and like someone else replied it was no more difficult to clean than a tile floor, maybe with a bit more grout to deal with since the spacing was irregular. The real key was keeping it sealed, there was a noticeable difference in how quickly it would begin to get dingy between cleanings when the sealing was wearing off.

All the more reason to hate the bench though, it broke up what should have been a great wall to wall shower floor and was the only thing that kept the shower from being perfect.

4

Deathwish7 t1_je89uhf wrote

Small wooden stool you can move under the shower if you’re cutting nails etc. does anyone actually ever sit on a clammy cold ledge???

3

-a-theist t1_je8ayw6 wrote

My contractor cut a triangular marble piece from countertop scrap for the seat. He started installing the tile on the shower walls from bottom up. At bench height he installed the slab seat on top of the edge of the wall tiles in the corner and then just kept tiling up the wall. 10 years later it’s still solid and no cracks. It only sits on the top edge of the tiles but that’s enough to support it.

2

NosamEht t1_je8dn2n wrote

I design and build showers for a living. I highly recommend a teak shower bench. A built in steals room from your shower and doesn’t add much sitting area. It’s also a challenge to clean with big movements like you would use if you were just washing a wall. Also, the concrete is already poured and there’s no way to waterproof it integrally unless you want to cover it all over with tile.

3

Kyanche t1_je8e1qb wrote

Replying to Rugged_as_fuck (#2,459,235)

> I hated it. It was constantly covered in bottles. It was uncomfortable to sit on because if you didn't spray water on it for 5 minutes it was freezing cold. It took up space that I was constantly reminded I might have wanted to stand in. It accumulated more shower "grime" than the rest of the shower even though it was properly sloped. It was wide enough for two people, which was great for all the times you showered alone, or all the times when you did shower with a partner and wanted the extra room to stand in. Fucking stupid idea.

I thought shower benches were cool until I rented a house that had a brand new master bedroom and bathroom, and the bathroom had a really nice shower - subway tile, granite trim, that pretty blue glass decoration, AND A BIG GRANITE BENCH.

Made the shower feel smaller, and as you mentioned, would get gross really fast and was way way way too cold to actually sit on.

This was also how I learned I don't think I ever want a shower with a swinging door ever again. The rubber trim on the bottom messes up really easily and even when it does work, the door will dump water all over the floor every time you open it. Sliding doors don't look as cool and the rails are really annoying, but man I will take a sliding shower door any day.

6

Danny141035 t1_je8geeu wrote

Tile contractor here. It please stop and start over, you will regret it if you don’t.

You have this set up for a traditional “water in water out” system. 3 piece clamping drain and rubber bladder. First you need to pre slope your pan. Meaning you need to use dry pack mortar to form a shower pan under your bladder first, than put in your shower bladder, souround the drains weep holes in pea gravel, than use again dry pack mortar to build your shower pan. Concrete had no place in a shower for a lot of reasons.

You could go the more modern and simplistic route with a topical membrane shower system. Please Google “wedi” or or “Schluter” shower systems.

Currently your asking for mold and water damage issues

1

hoser1553 t1_je8kmi8 wrote

I've only seen ONE bench in a shower that wasn't covered in bottles and shower products. It was in a resort hotel. In Thailand. It was a steam shower. The bench was for boning. I know this because we boned on it as soon as the concierge left after showing us how to turn on the steam shower. There was probably a camera in there, because I'm certain that's what everyone does in that shower. But yeah, I agree with the others that a removable teak bench would be your best bet at this point. I know it's shitty to have a plan and completely forget said plan, but aside from ripping out the work you've already done, this is your move.

2

hoser1553 t1_je8lpv0 wrote

Replying to EddieLobster (#2,460,576)

Depends on the state. Grew up in MA, bought and sold several houses there. The inspectors went DEEP, removed covers, actually investigated things, and were allowed to do so. In Texas, the pre MLS reports and buyer inspections are laughably bad. The shit I found immediately after closing that absolutely would have been noted by my inspector in MA were missed by two inspectors in Texas. Turns out, it's because they aren't allowed to remove things like switch and outlet covers. All they can do is say "Switch doesn't seem to do anything, contact electrician" when simply removing the cover will reveal that the asshats who built the house used the quick wire slots in the back of the switches and outlets and they had cracked over time leaving the wire loose in the box. $1, 2 minute fix for anyone with a brain.

1

BruceInc t1_je8s0ve wrote

Have a fab shop build one out of aluminum. Drill few holes in the grout line to attach at wall. Put waterproof caulking in the holes. Front should be supported by aluminum feet. Cover with tile or other water resistant surface

0

mchvll t1_je8srlz wrote

Op go watch Tile Coach on YouTube and learn how to waterproof a shower and what goes wrong if you don't do it properly.

1

GforceDz t1_je8wx5v wrote

Replying to Rev_DC (#2,463,180)

The law of surface tension. Any horizontal surface will seek to be covered. Once covered they become an annoyance, this is due to the items covering the surface seeking other surfaces to inhabit.

Common battles ensue between men tools and woman's make-up products, these two being the most prolific and virile surface consuming objects.

10

Mitoshi t1_je9b3yd wrote

Replying to jaaassshhh (#2,448,830)

Your rubber pan liner will create the issues. Schluter products are literally designed for this stuff. Rubber pan liner are outdated. I'm a pro tile setter. We haven't used rubber pans in almost 10 years. There are so many better modern methods of waterproofing.

Good luck though 👍🏻

1

esintrich t1_je9dlo4 wrote

Built in benches are out. A lot of people don’t like them. A small removable bench, like a teak stool is a better option.

1

mgnorthcott t1_je9enok wrote

Replying to Redcrux (#2,479,881)

But when they look at the plans and see bathroom where it once said walk in closet, they can and will say, I need to see the pipes…. Even if it means cutting a finished wall.

1

IAMTWOOFMANY t1_je9eznx wrote

This picture of the finished shower with bench looks like it was taken in my house. We used concrete cinder blocks for our bench at the point where you are in the build, can confirm, it's a place for bottles.

1

pooh_beer t1_je9gncr wrote

You could look into Hydro Ban board to build it with. You'd frame behind the board and caulk it to be waterproof before you tile. It's a good bit cheaper than kerdi and easier to install.

1

ArltheCrazy t1_je9h79m wrote

Frame it in now. I just did a shower and did all the water proofing and then the bench. I used Kerdi membrane over backer board so the order of operations didn’t matter. You should be able to do the same thing here. Frame it, backer board over it, then water proof.

Here is a link to the final product. Final product

Edit again: Progress photos

1

LivnAZlife t1_je9hpp1 wrote

Why can’t you build with CMU and then red guard that? Or/and with hardy board. 🤷🏼‍♂️

1

CloudiusWhite t1_je9sddb wrote

Have a shop fab you a bench and two legs out of stone or marble, and notch the tile so that it slots in. The tile alone will secure it as it will be sitting recessed into the tile, but you can install the two legs flush against the tile on the walls at each corner if youre concerned about support failure.

1

Disastrous-Soup-5413 t1_je9udym wrote

Replying to Appletio (#2,476,474)

No. I don’t rinse it or anything. I completely ignore it.

Teak, for whatever reason, is ideal for wet environments. I literally bought it put it in my shower 9+ years ago and that’s all.

I don’t leave items on it bc that pools the water & keeps it from running off & that will leave dark watermarks on the wood. So if nothing’s left on it the water evaporates evenly or runs off & it dries and stays nice looking.

1

biggi85 t1_je9vc3t wrote

Replying to Disastrous-Soup-5413 (#2,484,122)

Could be a climate thing then or doesn't have constant water contact. But teak isn't completely waterproof, and will get eventually get moldy if soap scum is left on. I just spray mine down with the wand if soap gets on it. If it constantly has water hitting it, the natural oil and wax can dry out, so that's why they sell the oil to rub it down with, to replenish it I guess.

2

TikeSavage t1_jecl9im wrote

kerdi corner bench with kerdi fix TF out of it to the wall.

1