Custom shower benches may be constructed of wood framing and sheathing or masonry,
but must be waterproofed using the Schluter-KERDI membrane. This can be very time consuming work.
The Schluter-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel can be used to quickly and easily create
custom shower elements, including benches, that are ready for tile with minimal preparation.
In this application we will demonstrate the use of cut sections of 2 inch thick
KERDI-BOARD to assemble a bench in conjunction with thin-set mortar.
The thin-set mortar allows adjustment of the panels to help ensure flat, level, plumb, and
square surfaces for subsequent tile setting. Apply unmodified thin-set mortar to the supports
such that the KERDI-BOARD is bonded to adjacent floor and wall substrates. Solidly embed the
supports in the mortar. Repeat this process
to install the apron and seat. Since KERDI-BOARD is waterproof, the only
remaining preparation is to seal seams and corners with Schluter-KERDI waterproofing accessories.
Install Schluter-KERDI-KERECK preformed inside and outside corners using unmodified thin-set
mortar. The mortar is mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch.
A 1/4 inch x 3/16 inch V-notched trowel or the Schluter-KERDI-TROWEL, which features
a 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch square-notched design, is used to apply the mortar.
Apply a thin layer of mortar to the substrate 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 in waterproofing the shower bench
is to use Schluter-KERDI-BAND waterproofing strips to seal the KERDI-BOARD joints and to
seal the bench to the walls and shower base. Measure and cut sections of KERDI-BAND such that a
2 inch overlap is achieved at all junctions. Note that a 2 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 2 inch overlap
is achieved at all transitions. Schluter-KERDI-BOARD offers endless
possibilities for creating custom shower elements including benches.