James B. ParkerYour shower bench is more than a seat – it’s a statement piece impacting both safety and style.
But choosing the right shower bench material can be overwhelming.
This guide simplifies your decision, showcasing the 8 best shower bench materials, helping you find the perfect blend of safety, style, and functionality for your dream shower.
Best Shower Bench Materials
To help you out, here’s a list of the most popular shower bench materials and what you need to know about them.
1. Tile
Using tiles for shower benches has become increasingly popular lately, as they are easy to fit into the bathroom décor and can be continued from the shower walls.
Tiles can also be an affordable option if you’re working with a tight budget.
However, while they are durable, some of the downsides are that they can be difficult to clean, hard and cold to sit on, and costly to replace.
2. Marble
Marble is one of the most beautiful stones to design your shower bench.
If you must use marble, ensure it is properly sealed, as it is a porous stone that absorbs liquid quickly.
The more the stone absorbs liquid, the higher the chance of the sealant wearing off.
This makes it a high-maintenance option but unlike tiles, it is easy to clean.
The downsides are that it can be cold to sit on when you shower and might not be the best option for those with a tight budget.
3. Granite
Like marble, granite is also one of the most beautiful and expensive stones.
It is also porous and will need a tight sealant.
If you’d love an elegant look in your bathroom, granite could be a great option for your shower bench.
Though it is expensive, looking at the greater picture, it has a long lifespan, and you don’t have to worry about it wearing out after a while.
4. Quartz
Quartz is another type of stone but unlike marble and granite, it is artificially made.
It was made to be non-porous, so you could opt for it if you prefer stones but can’t maintain other natural stones’ porosity.
The sealant won’t wear out since it is not as porous as the other stone materials, so you can worry less about resealing it after a while.
Although quartz is also expensive, it is easy to clean and worth it in the long run.
5. Solid Surface
Solid surface shower bench material is great for enhancing a bathroom remodel, which is especially important for people who have the elderly in their homes.
Spending on remodeling by baby boomers is expected to increase by 33% in 2025 to incorporate more safety measures.
This shows how important material like a solid surface is for your bathroom, as it not only has a long lifespan but also serves as a safe option.
Other benefits include design flexibility, low maintenance, and ease of installation.
Solid surface is quite similar to marble except that the former is made with non-porous resins, pigments, and fillers and is also more expensive.
6. Teak
Teak is a great, popular, and inexpensive material used for shower benches.
It falls under the wood category but is also the hardest, most durable, and strongest of all woods, making it last longer compared to other wooden materials.
Sitting on teak shower benches is much more comfortable than on stone or tile ones, as they are not cold or hard.
Unlike other woods, teak holds up well to moisture, which makes it great for bathroom use where it is likely to get wet all the time.
It also gives that special, luxurious, and spa look to your bathroom and is much cheaper than other previously mentioned options.
The downsides are that it needs more maintenance, and it is one of the most expensive woods.
7. Bamboo
Bamboo is quite affordable and will be a great option if you’re considering getting a wooden material but would prefer a cheaper option to teak.
However, it might not have a lifespan of teak, and it does not hold up well to moisture, thereby leading to a likely appearance of mold and mildew.
Most people tend to choose bamboo over teak due to the price difference, but it might last longer than expected if you can maintain it properly.
8. Plastic
Using plastic for your shower bench is not only affordable but also a great safety option for the elderly or people who are disabled and will need help with strength and balance.
Substituting other options with plastic benches helps reduce the risk of falls.
Preferably, get an adjustable plastic chair, especially if it’s a shared bathroom so that everyone can adjust it to suit them, including disabled persons.
Conclusion
Your choice of a shower bench can determine how you enjoy it in the long run without fear of slipping or material decay.
As you decide on the material, you should also consider your budget and priorities in using the bench.
For example, consider if you have enough space for the bench if you have a small bathroom space.
Another factor is if you have an elderly or disabled person living with you.
