Who gets the most out of a bench
- Anyone whose balance is not what it used to be, or who tires when standing
- Anyone recovering from surgery or an injury
- People who shave their legs or wash their feet in the shower
- A caregiver helping someone bathe
If you plan to stay in the house as you get older, a bench is one of the first things we suggest. It costs far less to build during the remodel than to add later.
Built-in, fold-down or floating
| Type | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in tiled bench | Larger showers | Takes floor space for good. Must be waterproofed and sloped to drain |
| Fold-down teak seat | Standard 60-inch tub openings and small showers | Folds flat against the wall. Needs solid blocking behind it |
| Floating slab or corner bench | A lighter look, easy floor cleaning | Smaller seat. Needs proper support in the wall |
Getting the details right
- Height. About 17–19 inches, close to chair height.
- Reach. Put the controls and a handheld shower where you can reach them while seated.
- Slope. The top should tilt slightly toward the drain so water does not sit on it.
- Waterproofing. A built-in bench is part of the shower pan system. The membrane has to cover it completely, because a bench is a common place for a poorly built shower to leak.
- A grab bar beside it. Sitting down and standing up are the moments you want something solid to hold.
When to skip it
If the shower is narrow and a built-in bench would leave you cramped, do not force it. Use a fold-down seat, or have us put blocking in the wall now so a seat can be added later without opening the tile.
What it costs with us
We price the bench as part of the shower, not as an extra charge sprung on you later. A bench is an option in our middle walk-in shower package and built in at the top package, within the $9,800 to $24,000 range. Every accessible bathroom package, starting at $9,500, includes a fold-down bench. Your written price shows exactly which one you are getting.
Key facts
- Worth it?
- Yes, in most showers with enough room
- Bench height
- About 17–19 inches
- Small showers
- Use a fold-down teak seat
- Walk-in shower remodel
- $9,800–$24,000
Related questions
Where we do this work
Services: Walk-In Shower Remodel · Accessible & Aging-in-Place Bath
Bathroom remodeling in Scottsdale, Sun City, Chandler, and across the Valley.