Free bench plans are easily available online and in stores. Most of these plans deal with garden, potting, patio, storage or utility benches. The main aim of such plans is to re-acquaint yourself the user with the different types of benches that are available and also give information on where they are available as well as how they can be used in different ways for different people. These plans include different wood-working plans as well.
Free garden bench plans are designed to guide the potential buyer to choose the right material for their garden benches. These plans usually have a layout in them that guides the user in framing a mental picture of where they want to place their benches in the gardens, so that they get the look they want for their gardens. These plans seek to createcomfort and space, while keeping in mind the size of the garden and the benches.
Free garden bench plans also deal with helping the buyer choose the right variety of cedar wood or other materials as well as stone or granite. This is done while keeping in mind the budget of the buyer. Incase the budget is high then certain other accessories that can be used in the gardens like fountains and other show pieces are also suggested. They also help the buyer in arranging or assembling the pieces of the benches together.
Garden Bench
Free Garden Bench Plans
Building a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower
The most important feature in a ceramic tile shower stall is the shower pan. The shower pan channels water to the drain and prevents the shower from leaking. Consequently it is critical that the shower pan be installed correctly and that it is waterproof and durable.
Shower Seat
The shower pan is actually a mortar bed consisting of a flexible shower pan liner sandwiched between two layers of mortar. The shower stall walls are framed with 2 x 4 studding and faced with some type of backerboard underlayment designed for receiving ceramic tile.
The installation of a shower pan starts with the spreading of a layer of mortar. The mortar needs to be sloped properly to enable water to run off towards the drain. The flexible plastic shower panmembrane liner is then installed on top of the sloped mortar bed.
The shower pan membrane liner should be cut to size and hand molded into the shower base.
Note: The shower pan should be cut to size such that several extra inches of shower pan material can be run up the shower stall side walls to enable the shower pan to be secured with nails to the studs. Also, the shower pan should be installed prior to the installation of backerboard on the shower walls.
After the shower pan membrane is secured, the second layer of mortar should be installed in the base of the shower, again maintaining the slope of the mortar towards the drain.
Once the mortar bed shower pan has set up, you can install the backerboard to the walls and begin to install the ceramictiles.
Start the installation of tiles in the center of the shower pan area and work your way outwards.
Next, install ceramic tiles on the walls. Use a plumb line to run straight lines down the length of the walls. Position the plumb line at the ceiling and centered on a wall. Snap the line, so that you have a vertical line running the length of the wall.
Next, Install your tiles outwards from the line toward the edges of the wall. Repeat this process for all the walls.
For tile cutting, a wet saw works best, as you can obtain very accurate cuts and minimize ceramic tile waste.
After the ceramic tile has had 24-48 hours to set up, can then be applied grout to the tile.
Finally a sealer should be used on the grout to minimize moisture seeping through thegrout lines.
For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from http://www.HomeAdditionPlus.com The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.
Tiling a Shower Stall Starts with a Shower Pan
It may seem like shower seat choices are endless. So how do you make your selection from the jungle of options? Which type of seat will fit your budget, style, and provide the features and functions you desire? Follow these 5 steps to .5 make the right choice for your shower remodeling project:
Step 1-Determine the size of your shower base-The size of your base is a key factor in choosing a seat. Smaller showers of 10 square feet or less will generally only have enough space for a fold down or fold and store seat. For mid-sized showers (10 to 25 square feet) in the triangular shaped corner seat works well because it is compact and functional. For larger rectangular shaped showers larger than 25 square feet the bench seat can provide the most generous area for relaxing,shaving and showering.
Step 2-Identify the type of base/seat combination that works best With your budget in mind evaluate these options:
Shower Seat
-(A) Fiberglass and acrylic seats built into the bases-Fiberglass is very cost effective but sizes are limited and if the Foundation cracks or fails the entire enclosure must be removed. Seats are also built into acrylic bases. These bases are generally higher quality than fiberglass but are more costly as well.
-(B) Wood framed base built on site-A wood framed seat structure can be built inside a concrete base poured on site and then the structure can be covered with either a masonry board (most frequently in the case of tiled showers) or covered over with a PVC waterproofing membranes. The advantage of this system is the abilityto build it in many shapes and sizes. The disadvantage can be the labor time involved and also the risk of leakage if this installation is not done properly (transition points between the bench and the walls can be tricky).
(C) “Prefabricated” expanded polystyrene-This material is made of one solid unit and can be manufactured into bench or corner seats. These units are available is a wide variety of standard and custom sizes. It is waterproof, easy to work with (it is attached to the base with modified thin-set), and can be finished off with tile or a solid surface material.
-(D) Fold down Brazilian walnut or teak Fold down units are an excellent option if you have a small shower (they use the least amount of room). Teak has a high level of water resistance and Brazilianwalnut is actually 10 X better water resistance than teak.
Step 3-Consider the height and depth of your seat-The height and depth of seats can vary depending on the specific system and/or by manufacturer. Generally the height of most seats varies between a minimum of 14 “high to approximately 20″ high (for those with limited mobility the 20 “high units will be better). The minimum depth of a shower seat is usually 12 “and many units are 14″ to 16 “deep as well.
Step 4-Evaluate the waterproofing capabilities of each system-If you’re looking for a high level of water resistance in your seat there are some systems you should put on the top of your list and others you probably want to keep off the list. The winning systems for water resistance would include acrylicbase/seat combos and expanded polystyrene systems or will. The materials to stay away from would be the custom made wood framed structure (this is one that can be especially problematic if you or your contractor does not install them correctly) or the fiberglass base/seat combos (these bases have the highest failure rate).
Step 5-Top it off The top of your seat is what is noticed the most often and will be critical to the longevity of your shower. Here are some options to consider:
-Tile seat (over either a framed structure or expanded or will polystyrene)-If you choose to tile seat make sure the structure below is well constructed and pitched slightly towards the shower drain. For best results use either a sanded grout or for the highest level of waterchoose a urethane grout resistance between the tiles.
-Solid surface, corian, granite, marble or cultured marble-These seats will usually be placed on top of the framed or expanded polystyrene systems. The nice thing about these products is they have no joints to be concerned about water penetration. The cultured marble will generally be the most cost effective-the genuine marble would be the most expensive.
-Teak or Brazilian teak/walnut-The Brazilian walnut seats match nicely with the earth tone color schemes being used in many showers today. While both materials are water resistant Brazilian walnut is amazingly dense and 10 times more water resistant than teak.
-Acrylic or fiberglass-With acrylic or fiberglass, the seat will be built into the base-colorselections will be limited.
Step 5 1/2-If the choices are too complex, call a professional. Like many bathroom remodeling product selections-the options are many and the choices can be daunting. If you’re unsure of what seat to use and where to use it call a professional bathroom remodeling contractor. Look for bathroom remodeling contractor to qualified through rating services like Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau and/or tap into your social networks.
Now that you’re equipped with these 5 1/2 steps you’re ready to choose the right shower seat to complete your bathroom project.
How to Choose a Corner, Bench Or Fold Down Shower Seat
Many people who have difficulty standing to take a shower for one reason or another and still want to be able to do so in the privacy of their own bathrooms often find the use of a shower seat enables them to do so. This is a device that allows someone to sit while taking a shower. They are constructed of a water resistant & WinSafe XP material. There are many different variations of these that will fit in just about any size of bathtub or shower stall.
The most common of all shower seat designs is the shower chair model. It is lightweight and sturdy and made of a material called resin. It looks a lot like a straight back chair and can be purchased with or without arms depending on an individual’s preference. The feet of The chair are specially designed to minimize anyslipping or sliding when placed in the tub or shower stall. Its material is very easily cleaned and because it is so light it is easily moved in and out of the shower or tub when other household members wish to bathe.
A retractable seat is another type of shower seat. It is generally a hinged seat that is attached to the wall of the shower stall or the bath tub enclosure. Most models are made of hardwoods that have been water resistant treated. This seat swings down and is locked into place when needed for use. After showering, the user places the seat back into the upright position against the wall. This is a more permanent type of fixture in a shower stall or bath tub but will not require removal when someone else needs to use the shower.
Shower Seat
Shower Seat-Helping When Standing in a Slick Environment is Difficult
What is the difference? A Shower Seat is generally a stationery seat like a plastic stool or teak shower chair. Confused? A Shower Chair is best described as a mobile chair, a Shower Chair on wheels.
When we find our mobility reduced from illness, aging or an accident we come across all manner of “issues” that confront and confound our normal daily living activities. Not withstanding all other issues, our daily bathing routine is possibly the most difficult to manage in a dignified manner.
Shower Seat
While we might suffer from some reduced mobility for a while and be able to cope using a standard shower seat and grab rails, in my experience it is best to acknowledge the difficulty we are having from an early stage and to prepare for a gradual worsening of our condition. It is far easier to manage the situation from a position of relative strength than to wait until we become critical.
Most of us live in a home or apartment; often we rent, without a handicap accessible bathroom. Great. But when we suffer from some mobility restrictions the bathroom we have been accustomed to, hinders our ability to bathe freely. Most bathrooms are not designed for the disabled.
The options are to either do a bathroom remodel or to overcome the barriers that the current bathroom has by finding a shower bench system that suits us and the room layout. A bathroom remodel is obviously the best long term option but this will cost somewhere up to ,000 and unfortunately cannot be undertaken quickly. Most bathroom remodels will take between 7-10 days and be reasonably disruptive to the household during this time. This in itself may not necessarily be a problem, especially if you have the funds available and you have a second bathroom that you can use satisfactorily while the bathroom remodel work is undertaken. Failing this it can be problematic.
Now assuming you chose the bathroom remodel you should end up with a nice handicap accessible bathroom and wheel in shower. Just make sure you check all the design parameters with the designer to ensure the new floor gradient is designed to drain correctly to the shower drain and not out into the passageway carpet. Don’t laugh; this issue is more common than you might think. Another design step is to ensure that if not the whole room, then as large an area of the handicap accessible bathroom as possibleis graded to slope to the drain. A slope of 1 “to the drain is sufficient. This will allow you plenty of room in your shower chair without water running off outside the drainage sloping area. You should also ensure that a non-slip flooring surface is installed. While granite and tile may look good these surfaces can be very slippery when wet and are best avoided.
If you do manage to do a bathroom remodel handicap accessible bathroom into design, or perhaps you purchased a home with in-built this already then you need to choose the best mobile shower chair for you. There is a wide selection of mobile shower chairs available on the market today. My best advice is to buy a quality product, one that will offer you years of service rather than one that is cheap today but may not bethe safest or best value for money over the longer term. I recommend that you select a mobile shower chair that offers you as a minimum the following features:
-Value for money, i.e. is built from durable, high strength materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. There are numerous shower chairs available constructed from steel with epoxy paint coatings. Anything constructed of steel and used in wet environments will break down and show signs of rusting over time. Rust is also a structural weakening problem on steel frames, so safety will be compromised.
-The shower chair must have safety features like all 4 castors locking, to allow safe transfers from the bed to chair. Castors should be 5″ (125mm) not smaller as smaller castors do not run as well and can make manoeuvring over thresholds etc difficult. Check that the shower chair runs smoothly without the castors wobbling.
-Caregivers and users should ‘like’ the shower chair. It must be easy to use for the carer and comfortable for the user, after all they are going to spend some time in that shower chair each day.
-By ‘liking’ the shower chair I refer to the overall impression, first impression of the shower chair by the carer and user. I personally find that too many shower chairs are hospital like in color and appearance. I would not want a black, grey, totally white or chrome chair. Some color brightens the day and removes that clinical look while still performing the same functions. An example of using color can be seen in the Showerbuddy shower chairs that contain splashes of orange color with the orange parts also generally being adjustable.
-A commode system must be incorporated and the shower chair must be able to roll over the toilet.
-The shower chair should be fully adjustable in seat height to suit the user, the footrests should fold away and be removable and be height adjustable. Armrests should be lockable when in the down position to allow the user to balance and anchor against if they need to – plus be able to be folded out of the way or removed totally if required during side transfers.
-If you chose a tilting shower chair (and I thoroughly recommend this) the tilt option should be infinitely variable from a minimum of zero degrees to 30 degrees. The tilt option is best controlled by locking struts rather than mechanical adjustment pins etc. Also, make sure that any tilt option is smooth in operation and includes a safety stop, in the event of a failure the user will only go back to the safety stop, not topple right back.
-Any shower chair with a tilt function must have a fully adjustable neck rest to support the user’s neck and head.
If you are unable to remodel your bathroom because of the cost, or because of time constraints and disruption, then you will need to consider how you can get into the shower stall (and over that threshold step) or how you can continue to get yourself over the bathtub, if you currently shower over the tub.
There are several systems to transfer you in a mobile bath chair from bed to bathroom, to then slide over the tub to have a shower. There is only one patented system available that is designed to transfer you into the shower stall. Again, my advice is to buy a quality, sturdy product because you are going to be applying all your weight and trust onto that bath chair and shower chair as it slides you over the tub or into the shower. You can refer to the web site below for some research into the types of bath chairs and shower chairs available.
For transfer systems I also recommend that you select a chair that offers you as a minimum the following features:
-All of the above features of a mobile shower chair.
-With transfer systems it is imperative that the structural design of the rolling chair base, the transfer tracks and tub base unit are of the highest specification. There are numerous systems available today that have been designed around cost, not safety of the user. The user must be safe during the transfer and some systems look and feel less than secure, having vertical leg supports without transverse or horizontal bars to stabilize the units during transfers. I don’t see these units as offering safety or security or a long term economic viability.
-The system should also have a tilt function to lift the user’s legs as they transfer / slide over the tub.
-A safe and sturdy base unit that fits into the tub, with a side stabiliser system to suit any width tub, yet easy to remove and store allowing the tub to be used by able bodied users.
-A fully height adjustable tub base unit.
-There are satisfactory non-tilting transfer systems available. The only issue being the carer has to lift the user’s legs over the tub as they slide over. Make sure that the user has a foot rest in the tub after they have been transferred. Not all systems include this feature and it can be very uncomfortable for the user without foot support in the tub.
I hope this assists those of you considering your bathroom options.
Which Shower Seat or Shower Chair Is Best?
People who are wheelchair dependent often have a hard time taking a shower. What seems to be a hygienic ritual turns out to be a task to those who are physically challenged. Some even reach a stage when they no longer want to cleanse themselves because of the discomfort and dangers associated with bathing.
When bathing gets tough for the disabled, using a wheelchair shower may help make bathing easier and a little more enjoyable for them.
Shower Seat
Wheelchair showers are versatile commode chairs that serves the following functions: as a shower seat; as a standby commode; and as a seat placed over the toilet seat so the user will not have to get up from the wheelchair to use the restroom. It is usually made of durable, stainless steel that is tarnish-proof and has soft, paddedvinyl covering that can be wiped and cleaned easily.
Why are shower wheelchairs necessary for those who have physical disabilities?
People with limited physical abilities want to remain self-reliant, especially when it comes to doing personal stuff, like body cleansing. However, because of its architecture, the bathroom is one of the most hazardous places at home for them. Wet surfaces, slippery floors, and electrical appliances are considered hazards for the disabled. Since they have a hard time moving, slipping, falling, or breaking a bone is possible.
Shower wheelchairs answer the need of the disabled to remain independent while performing body-cleansing rituals. Caregiver’s assistance will no longer be required since these specialized seats are stable and safe touse.
Some models have removable storages so the user can easily access the shower controls, shampoo, soap, and other bathroom essentials. They are also foldable, which makes them easy to carry around while traveling. They can also be assembled and disassembled within minutes without the need for tools.
Drive Shower Commode Wheelchair is bath safety and hygiene equipment that features a comfortable padded seat, 24 “rear wheels for easy and independent propelling, storages, and swing away footrests detachable. It can carry an individual with up to 300 lbs. weight. It fits right into the toilet seat so the user will not have to get up to wash his (or her) private parts. It also has a removable commode pail so it can also serve as a bedside commode for incontinentusers.
User’s size, strength, height, and grip of grab handles, and accessibility of shower essentials should be considered when buying wheelchair shower. Knowing what you are searching for can save you from the hassle of buying another item because it simply won’t fit. (Returning the item is not an option because of hygiene purposes.) In addition, noting about these things also ensures the safety of the user.
For physically challenged individuals who skip going to the bathroom because of fear of falling or of bodily limitations, wheelchair shower is an ideal gift to enable them to enjoy the bathing ritual again. It gives the person a sense of normalcy and independence. More importantly, it provides comfort to the user-something that is indeed worthy of your penny.
Wheelchair Shower – Versatile Bathroom Seat For the Disabled
If I may move outside the locus of the shower for a moment, I would like to look for the perfect material to manufacture a shower seat, a bath mat or an accessory. These are typically used in the warm, soapy and wet environment of any shower, residential or commercial. So we ask, ‘ What are the specifications we should look for in a shower seat material? ‘
We already have a description of some of the technical needs, so let us explore further into the specifics. Assuming it will be used in a residential setting, the material must be not only be functional but esthetically pleasing. As there will be bare skin in contact with surfaces, it must not splinter and it must be warm and comfortable. The proposed material should not be a maintenance headache. Possibly the mostoverlooked necessity, it must be strong to be safe. So now we can take a look and make valid comparisons, in no particular order:
The necessary criteria are that it should be Rot Resistant, Esthetically Pleasing, No Splinters, Warm, Comfortable, Low Maintenance and be strong.
Shower Seat
If it is made from Iron/steel it has some of the correct characteristics except it is not necessarily not esthetically pleasing, comfortable and warm, not it rust so it is not low maintenance.
If it is made from Aluminum It also has some of the desirable characteristics but it is not esthetically pleasing, not warm, comfortable and is medium strong.
If it is made from Plastic it has some of the correct characteristics but it too is not esthetically pleasing, not warm and is medium strong,though some plastics will sag under warmth.
Of course one could always go with a Ceramic seat but though it is durable it is cold and not comfortable.
So we can examine more organic materials such as Cedar/redwood. They are esthetically pleasing but definitely in a show/bath space are subject to splinters and possible rot as well as subject to stains and of medium strength.
The next organic choice is Teak. It is rot resistant, esthetically pleasing, does not splinter, is warm, comfortable, low maintenance and strong.
As we can see from the above comparison, teak is by far the best choice for use in the wet environment of a shower and bathroom.
How did teak get in the mix for furniture and accessories in the shower? Teak has been used for boat building inIndia since back to the Third Millennium BC (1). Harappan times saw the beginning of boat building in India and as a hereditary profession, father would pass the skills on to son (s) using what would today be deemed crude measuring of hand, fingers and feet to determine everything from the superstructure of the boat to the final finishes. Of course teak was the preferred wood for construction of ships, being highly suitable due to the inherent nature, stability and strength of the slow growing wood.
Boats are constantly in a wet environment, subject to the whims of storm and the heat of calm, the battering of waves and the dragging onto the rocks and beach. I know the material they were built from had to be suitable for the proposed use (2.3)
1. Rot Resistant,
Workable by 2.hand,
3. Low maintenance,
4. Strong (2.3) and it had to float.
These are all excellent reasons to use teak for shower seats, bath mats and bathing accessories. The additional benefits of teak furniture are
Esthetically pleasing, 5.
6. Does not form splinters,
7. Is warm to the eye as well as to the skin,
8. Comfortable and comes in a multitude of shapes only limited by the imagination of the designer and the joinery of the wood.
So much for the engineering approach. In my next article we will delve into more reasons your best choice would be a quality built teak shower seat, teak teak shower bath mat, organizer and teak accessories.
Teak Shower Seats-Why Choose Teak?
A shower is incomplete without a shower tray. It is a simple tray in the shower area with a drain. It is of high utility, letting the water flow into the drain. These are available in various shapes and sizes too. Besides being small and large in size, these come in shapes like square, rectangular, quadrant shower tray tray and pentagonal tower. While choosing one for your bathroom, you have to take into account how much space you can assign for the tray, and how spacious is your bathroom.
Shower trays as in stylish D-shape, U-shape and even Bowed. These trays are available in 3 main types, namely stone resin, acrylic and acrylic-capped. Acrylic type is most popular due to its easy availability and affordable range. Creating a look of style and elegance these maintainyour wet area neat and hygienic. Cleaning this space of your bathroom is not a back breaking experience.
Shower Seat
Using normal household detergents and other soft cleaning agents is one of the simplest ways to maintain this space fee of germs and other bacteria’s. Keep away from strong cleaning agents and scrubs as these could easily leave scratches on the surface.
It is common to have a seating in the shower area. Comforts being the priority of the modern bathroom designs, shower seats have taken their share of popularity too. Free-standing shower benches that can be shifted in and out of the shower area, folding benches, built-in benches, etc are the different types of options you have as a consumer when you set out to buy one. Usually tiled, these are made of durable and sturdy metal or heavy duty plastic. Water proof in constructions is easy to clean and maintain. Shower seats offer comfort and are most convenient for handicapped and the aging people.
If you’re on a shower tray and shower seat hunt, it is worth trying dependable online bathroom stores, since these give you wide options with huge range of products. You can easily zero down your choice keeping your expenditure with-in your allotted budget. Adding comfort with elegance to your bathroom is worth every penny.
Shower Tray and Shower Seats-Demand of a Modern Bathroom