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