Shower Bench Dimensions (with Drawings)

Sometimes, nothing beats a long, hot shower after a hard day’s work–or a cold shower after being in the heat. Either way, whether for comfort, convenience, or both, having a shower bench can take your shower to the next level. When you can sit down in the shower, you can really take some time to relax.

Shower benches come in many styles, including both built-in and freestanding versions. While shower benches’ lengths can vary based on your shower space, they average roughly 13 to 15 inches deep. This ensures you can sit comfortably; plus, a shower bench should be between 17 and 19 inches from the floor.

If you plan to add a bench to your shower, consider all of your options. If installing a new shower, you might prefer adding a built-in seat along the back wall or in a corner. However, if you already have an existing shower, using a freestanding bench or installing a wall-mount version might be easier.

If you’re installing a new shower, a built-in bench is a nice custom addition. You can opt for a long bench that goes along the length of the back wall or a partial bench. These benches usually feature marble or tile that can contrast or match the rest of the shower surround.

A ready-to-tile shower bench can range in size based on common bench measurements. But typically, they are 24 or 30 inches wide and about 14 to 16 inches deep. The one shown here is 20 inches tall, which is about chair height.

Of course, If you have a large shower, you might even opt for a more extended, custom-fit bench. Or, if it’s a two-person shower, you might opt for a bench on each side. When you’re installing a new shower, you can get more creative with your seating.

You can also position a floating shower bench in the corner. Triangular seats like the GOOF PROOF SHOWER ready-to-tile corner seat on Amazon are a standard 30 inches wide. But you can trim the GOOF PROOF one down to 24 inches.

It is 3.13 inches thick, 15.63 inches along the wall, and can support 400 pounds. Corner benches are an excellent option for smaller showers.

An important thing to keep in mind about built-in benches is it’s not as easy to change your mind later. Once the bench is in, it’s in, and it’s not coming out without some demo.

If you want a more flexible option or already have an existing shower, consider a freestanding shower bench. There’s no installation involved and you can maneuver it around where you want it. You can also move it out of the shower if you want more space for any reason.

These freestanding benches are the usual 17 to 19 inches in height and 13 to 15 inches deep. Lengthwise, you can typically find them between 15 and 25 inches wide. Freestanding shower benches usually feature materials made for indoor and outdoor use to withstand water and moisture exposure.

This bamboo shower bench is 24 inches wide by 13 inches deep, and 18.1 inches tall. It also has a lower shelf, perfect for some extra shower storage.

If space is at an absolute premium, you can consider a folding stool as your shower bench. Some of these are actually quite sturdy. For example, the URFORESTIC 100% Natural Bamboo Folding Stool Shower Bench Seat on Amazon holds up to 500 pounds.

It measures 17″ inches long, 13.2 inches wide, and 17.6 inches tall. Or for a more compact version, consider going smaller, suitable for kids, or just propping up your foot to shave.

This small folding shower stool is approximately 11 inches square and about 12 ½ inches tall. It only supports up to 150 pounds.

For a more built-in bench look for an existing shower, you can do a wall-mount bench. The length ranges from about 15 to 24 inches, much like the other types of benches. Additionally, the depth is between about 11 and 15 inches.

These are also great space savers since they fold up when not in use. Some feature just a seat that flips down, like the example below. It is 20 inches by 13.25 inches.

You can mount it at a comfortable height, typically between 17 and 19 inches from the floor. Plus, it can support 400 pounds, but of course, proper installation is paramount.

When thinking about a shower bench, it’s helpful to understand a bit about typical shower dimensions. Usually, the ideal size of a standard shower is at least 3 feet by 5 feet. However, some showers can be even smaller, closer to 32 by 32 inches.

But, 32 by 32 inches would be an absolute minimum. Usually, you can find some of these standard sizes in simple pre-fab shower kits. You can also go larger, from about 30 inches by 60 inches to even bigger.

A simple small shower kit might only cost you about $400 or $500. But, you can spend closer to $1,200 for larger kits. However, once you add in installation costs, the price gets even higher, closer to $3,000 or more.

Related Questions

What are the best materials to use for a shower bench?

Obviously, shower benches need to feature waterproof materials that can stand up to lots of moisture. When you select a built-in bench, you’ll likely tile it with matching shower tiles or a tile that complements your design. Freestanding and wall-mount shower benches usually feature solid, outdoor-friendly wood like bamboo and teak. Teak is the absolute best when it comes to a wooden bench. Bamboo can be more prone to mildew if left in moisture too long. Therefore, it’s a good idea to dry off your bench in between showers and ensure proper ventilation in your bathroom. Of course, suitable ventilation is a good quality in a bathroom anyway.Some benches are also plastic and metal, especially medical benches. The best metals are aluminum or stainless steel, which are not prone to rust. When in doubt, think about what materials are in lots of outdoor furniture.

How much does it cost to have a shower bench installed?

If you plan to add a shower bench to your shower, the price varies. Adding a built-in bench during the shower installation will add about $300 to $500 to your bottom line. But you can buy a freestanding bench for between $70 and $120 or a wall-mount for $120 to $250.If you can install the wall-mount seat yourself, this can save you on installation costs. But if you are unsure of your skills, hire a pro. You don’t want to end up falling in the shower and breaking a leg or worse.Having a pro builder or handyman install a wall-mount bench would likely cost between $50 and $100. They would likely charge for something like that by the hour. But it would be well worth your peace of mind knowing the bench is safe and secure.