DIY Shower Bench: Build a Sloping, Water-Resistant Bench in 20 Minutes

Updated at: 28/03/2025

Tired of precarious balancing acts while showering? Imagine a sturdy, comfortable shower bench that's yours for the making, ready to provide a relaxing spot to shave your legs, wash your hair, or simply enjoy a longer, more comfortable shower. Forget expensive, pre-fabricated options; this DIY project empowers you to build a practical and stylish shower bench in a remarkably short timeframe. A gently sloping design ensures water drains effortlessly, maintaining hygiene and preventing mold growth. We’ve designed this bench with water resistance in mind, using readily available materials that are easy to find at your local hardware store.

This simple, 20-minute build requires minimal tools and expertise, making it perfect for even the most novice DIY enthusiast. From choosing the right materials to assembling the final product, our step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the process, ensuring you have a beautifully functional shower bench installed in no time. Let's get started and transform your showering experience!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 2x4 lumber
  • Plywood (1/2 inch)
  • Studs (14 inches)
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
Safety Guidelines
  • Always ensure the bench is securely fastened to the shower wall to prevent tipping or accidental injury. Use appropriate wall anchors suitable for your shower's material.
  • Prioritize water resistance. Use waterproof sealant liberally on all joints and exposed wood surfaces to prevent rot and mold growth. Choose a water-resistant wood like cedar or redwood, or treat regular lumber with a marine-grade sealant.
  • Never rush the construction. A poorly built bench can be dangerous. Take your time to ensure all cuts are accurate and the fasteners are properly secured.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Construct the Bench Frame

    • Build a small wall (17.5 inches high) using two 32-inch long plates and four 14-inch studs. Space the plates 14 inches apart and nail everything together securely.
    Construct the bench frame: Build a small wall (17.5 inches high) using two 32-inch long plates and four 14-inch studs. Space the plates 14 inches apart and nail everything together securely.
    Construct the Bench Frame

  2. Create Bearing Point A

    • Nail a 32-inch long 2x4 vertically under the top plate of your wall frame. This will serve as a crucial support point.
    Create bearing point A: Nail a 32-inch long 2x4 vertically under the top plate of your wall frame. This will serve as a crucial support point.
    Create Bearing Point A

  3. Install Side Support

    • Nail another 2x4 to the side shower wall, ensuring it's plumb. This will support the front of the bench and act as a nailer for drywall.
    Install the side support: Nail another 2x4 to the side shower wall, ensuring it's plumb. This will support the front of the bench and act as a nailer for drywall.
    Install Side Support

  4. Attach Front Wall

    • Mark the front of the bench on the floor, then nail the wall frame to the side support and floor joists.
    Attach the front wall: Mark the front of the bench on the floor, then nail the wall frame to the side support and floor joists.
    Attach Front Wall

  5. Create Bearing Point B

    • Mark a point on the back wall using a level, ensuring it's a quarter-inch higher than bearing point A to create a slope for water drainage. Nail a 2x4 level to this point on the back wall.
    Create bearing point B: Mark a point on the back wall using a level, ensuring it's a quarter-inch higher than bearing point A to create a slope for water drainage. Nail a 2x4 level to this point on the back wall.
    Create Bearing Point B

  6. Connect Bearing Points

    • Measure the distance between bearing points A and B. Nail four 2x4 blocks on top to create a stable connection.
    Connect bearing points: Measure the distance between bearing points A and B. Nail four 2x4 blocks on top to create a stable connection.
    Connect Bearing Points

  7. Add Back Nailer

    • Measure and cut another 2x4 piece to go under bearing point B, serving as a nailer for the plywood. Nail it plumb to the back wall.
    Add back nailer: Measure and cut another 2x4 piece to go under bearing point B, serving as a nailer for the plywood. Nail it plumb to the back wall.
    Add Back Nailer

  8. Sheathe the Frame

    • Screw two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood to cover the bench frame, completing the shower bench.
    Sheathe the frame: Screw two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood to cover the bench frame, completing the shower bench.
    Sheathe the Frame

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Tips

  • Ensure the bench is sloped to prevent water accumulation.
  • Use a level to ensure all parts of the frame are plumb and straight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Slope

Reason: A flat or minimally sloped bench allows water to pool, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Solution: Increase the slope by adding additional shims or adjusting the leg placement to ensure proper drainage.

2. Inadequate Water Resistance

Reason: Using non-water-resistant materials or failing to seal the wood properly results in water damage and rot.
Solution: Use treated lumber and apply multiple coats of a high-quality waterproof sealant.

FAQs

What materials do I need to build this shower bench?
You'll primarily need pressure-treated lumber (for water resistance), exterior-grade screws, and a waterproof sealant. Exact dimensions will depend on your shower size, but the guide will provide specific measurements.
Can I use regular wood instead of pressure-treated lumber?
We strongly advise against it. Regular wood will rot and mold in the consistently damp shower environment. Pressure-treated lumber is essential for the longevity and safety of your DIY shower bench.