Shower benches may be constructed of wood framing and sheathing or masonry and
subsequently waterproofed using the Schluter-KERDI membrane. This can be very time consuming work.
Schluter-Systems offers quick and easy to install alternatives to benches
constructed of traditional building materials. Schluter-KERDI-BOARD-SB is a prefabricated shower
bench constructed of the Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel that is specifically
designed to integrate with the Schluter-Shower System. The shower bench is waterproof and
ready for tile, lightweight, stable and load bearing. It is easy to install, and available
in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this application, installation
of the KERDI-BOARD-SB is demonstrated. Please refer to the “KERDI-BOARD Custom Shower
Bench” video to see how the Schluter-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel can be used to create
custom benches to fit any shower configuration. The shower bench is installed
using unmodified thin-set mortar. A one quarter inch by three-eighths inch square
or U-notched trowel is used to apply the mortar. Apply a thin layer of mortar to the subfloor,
wall, and edge of the shower tray with the flat side of the trowel to produce solid
contact with the surface and then comb additional mortar using the notched side of the trowel.
Firmly embed the bench into thin-set mortar. To integrate the KERDI-BOARD-SB with the Schluter
shower system, KERDI-BAND waterproofing strips and KERDI-KERECK pre-formed corners are used
to seal the bench to the walls and tray. The KERDI waterproofing accessories are
bonded using unmodified thin-set mortar. The mortar is mixed to a fairly fluid consistency,
but still able to hold a notch. A one quarter inch by three sixteenths inch
V-notched trowel or the Schluter-KERDI-TROWEL, which features a one eighth inch by
one eighth inch square-notched design, is used to apply the mortar.
Install Schluter-KERDI-KERECK preformed inside and outside corners using unmodified thin-set mortar.
Apply a thin layer of the mortar with the flat side of the trowel to produce solid
contact with the surface and then comb additional mortar using the notched side of the trowel.
Embed the KERDI-KERECK into the thin-set mortar using the flat side
of the trowel or a dry wall finishing knife. Holding one side of the corner in place while
embedding the other side in the mortar helps keep corner installation simple and easy.
Repeat the process at the remaining corners. The next step is to use Schluter-KERDI-BAND
waterproofing strips to seal the bench to the walls and shower base.
Measure and cut sections of KERDI-BAND such that a two inch overlap is achieved at all junctions.
Note that a two inch overlap can be achieved at KERDI-KERECK without continuing KERDI-BAND
all the way to the corner of the shower. This will limit build-up of the membrane in
these areas and make setting small tiles easier. KERDI-BAND may be creased prior to installation
to help maintain tight corners and make subsequent tile setting as easy as possible.
Apply unmodified thin-set mortar to the area where the KERDI-BAND is to be installed.
Embed the KERDI-BAND into the thin-set mortar using the flat side of the
trowel or a dry wall finishing knife. Repeat this process at all remaining
joints ensuring that the minimum two inch overlap is achieved at all transitions.
The Schluter-KERDI-BOARD-SB prefabricated, waterproof shower bench offers a quick and
easy alternative to benches constructed of other building materials