All advice / Design and finishes
Why add a seat to the shower
A shower seat is a practical addition that suits more people than you might think. It is not only for people with limited mobility. A built-in bench makes shaving legs easier, gives children a place to sit, and turns a daily shower into a more relaxed experience.
Planning a seat during the renovation is far cheaper than adding one later. A built-in bench costs $300 to $800 when installed during the tiling phase. Retrofitting one into a finished shower is costly and may compromise the sealing.
Built-in bench seats
A built-in bench is a tiled ledge that forms part of the shower wall. It is fully waterproofed and tiled to match the rest of the shower. The standard size is 400 to 500 millimetres deep, 450 to 500 millimetres high, and at least 600 millimetres wide.
Built-in benches look seamless and do not take up floor space the way a freestanding stool does. They are the most popular choice in mid-range to premium bathroom renovations. Our niche and recess guide covers how built-in elements are waterproofed.
Fold-down and wall-mounted seats
A fold-down seat mounts to the wall and folds flat when not in use. It is a good option when the shower is too narrow for a built-in bench. Stainless steel and teak are the most common materials.
These seats need solid mounting — a stud or timber blocking behind the tiles, not just plasterboard. If the seat is planned during the renovation, the builder installs the blocking while the walls are open. Our aging-in-place guide explains blocking in detail.
Freestanding shower stools
A freestanding stool or chair can be added to any shower at any time. No building work is needed. Teak, bamboo, and medical-grade plastic are common materials.
The trade-off is that stools take up floor space, can move when wet, and do not match the look of a tiled shower as well as a built-in bench does. They are best as a short-term solution or in a rental property.
Sizing and placement
The shower must be large enough to fit a seat and still have room to stand and move. A shower with a built-in bench should be at least 1,200 by 900 millimetres. The bench is usually placed on the wall opposite the shower head.
Height matters for comfort. A seat height of 450 to 500 millimetres suits most adults. For someone in a wheelchair who transfers to the seat, 450 millimetres matches the chair height.
Universal design and future-proofing
A shower seat is one of the simplest universal design features. It makes the shower safer and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, without looking like a medical fixture.
Ali Hassan said: "The bathroom renovation team was awesome! They listened to what we wanted, gave us great ideas, and did fantastic work." The seat design is discussed during the free on-site measure. Call 0411 752 334 to book yours.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the shower need to be for a built-in bench?
At least 1,200 by 900 millimetres. The bench takes up 400 to 500 millimetres of depth, and the remaining space must be wide enough to stand and move comfortably.
How much does a built-in shower bench cost?
About $300 to $800 when installed during the tiling phase of a renovation. This includes the frame, sealing and tiling. Adding one after the renovation is finished costs significantly more.
Is a shower seat only for elderly or disabled people?
No. A shower seat is useful for shaving legs, bathing children, resting after exercise, and simply relaxing. It is a universal design feature that benefits anyone at any age.
Can I add a shower seat after the renovation is finished?
A fold-down seat can be added if there is timber blocking behind the tiles. A freestanding stool needs no building work. A built-in tiled bench cannot be added without opening the walls and redoing the sealing and tiling.
What material is best for a shower seat?
For a built-in bench, the same tiles as the shower walls. For a fold-down seat, stainless steel or teak. For a freestanding stool, teak is the most popular because it resists moisture and looks warm.