Any info on the pros and cons of a teak fold up/down shower seat?

Madeline
by Madeline
I would to have tiled: my 34" X 60" (2 shower head) master bath shower (currently a fiberglass 2 seated insert) to include 2 fold down/up wall attached teak shower seat, as apposed to a built in seat/bench, due to space saving issues. Does anyone have any pros/cons on these teak seats? Upkeep? Proper installing? Blocking...what is that? Any trusting info would be greatly appreciated. Sales people give them great reviews.
  5 answers
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Dec 31, 2012
    Love teak seats - especially when they are hinged and drop down! I believe the only reason they are not more popular is because of their cost. Soo practical! Quite frankly, I think they are more stylish than built in benches! Teak has little upkeep ... oil will help keep in sealed and resist soap build up and water. What mfg are you considering?
  • Madeline Madeline on Dec 31, 2012
    Thanks @Designs by BSB for your quick response. I do not have a company in mind yet. Figuring out which "teak seat" will be another project. But, I am now seriously considering it. Thanks again. Another question in trying to utilize my shower space is this: Can a shower niche be placed on an outside wall in Virginia Beach, VA? Or is there a pre-made niche that has the proper insulating value to make this work. Building the shower wall out 4" will only "steal" more shower space. Thanks again and Happy New Year
  • great question. We have used the fold up / drop down teak seat in many smaller showers. They look great, easy to install with additional structure in the walls. You can build a niche on an outside wall very easily. We typically frame out a 16" wide x 18" tall niche (sometimes adding a shelf within) on outside or exterior shower walls which we then tile. They do have prefab niches but I find them less aesthetically attractive. Let us know if you have additional questions or concerns.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Jan 01, 2013
    if you are DIY with the tile, there are some tile niches that you can purchase to tile over! They are not that expensive and cut down on the intricate work of your framing and waterproofing. When considering placement on these, try to place them on the wall that is seen the least when you walk into the room. Dont discredit the option of having narrow niches on each side of the shower valve wall too! Two of my favorite mfg: http://www.teakworks4u.com http://www.mtiwhirlpools.com
  • Nancy Nancy on Jan 01, 2013
    I have a freestanding corner teak seat in my shower that was ordered from Improvements.com some years ago. I can't speak on the durability of raising/lowering/stability of attached seats but the one I have has been a good one. It requires little maintenance but does has to be "renewed" about once a year now with a new application of teak oil & sealant. It held up for about 3 yrs on the original finish. You could try one of these first to see if you like them; they are about $90 at Improvements to be best of my memory.