DIY Network

Built-In Shower Bench Start some stylish shower seating. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-505

This new-and-improved shower is even big enough for a built-in bench. Amy Matthews shows how to frame it out.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Materials:

safety glasses
miter saw
2x4 lumber
framing nailer with nails
hammer
utility knife
level

Built-In Shower Bench

• Measure and sketch out the design for the built-in bench. The bench in this project consists of two "walls" topped with a piece of plywood. One wall sits flush with the wall of the shower cabinet, while the other defines the front of the bench.

• Cut 2x4 lumber to length with a miter saw to build the walls (figure A). Each wall is a rectangular box, with short 2x4s acting as support studs every 16 inches.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a miter saw or any power saw.

• Wearing safety glasses, use a framing nailer to assemble the frame (figure B). Start by nailing the end studs to the top and bottom plates, then insert and attach the middle studs.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a framing nailer or any other power nailer. These powerful tools can drive a nail through a piece of wood – or a hand or foot – instantly.

• Cut away the drywall in the bench area to expose the studs (figure C).

• Measure and cut pieces of 2x4 lumber to fit snugly between the studs. Use the framing nailer to attach these pieces at the same height as the top of the bench (figure D).

• Nail the bench frame to the nailing cleats (figure E). Make sure the frame pieces are level and plumb.

Now, the new bench is ready for plywood and cement board all the way around. With that done, the tiling can begin!