QuickDrain USA has released a customizable shower bench made out of 100 percent recycled plastic designed to reduce installation time and material costs, according to the manufacturer.
“Serving as a necessary place to sit, a retreat to relaxation, or simply a place to store hygiene products, it easily captures one’s needs and personal style within the space,” Constance DiBacco, QuickDrain product manager for shower systems, says. “As tiled showers continue to gain popularity, we see it essential to offer sensible and sustainable enhancements.”
A shower bench made from recycled water bottles
The manufacturer claims that it is the greenest bench on the market since it is made from recycled plastic foam panels. Each 2-inch-thick panel is made of 100 percent recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is sourced from up to 400 recycled plastic bottles. The ADA-compliant bench comes in three configurations: rectangle, corner (triangular), and custom. Besides meeting ADA-height standards, it also exceeded the weight limit. There are no mechanical fasteners or anchors required for installation, and it can be installed indoors and outdoors.
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“Fewer materials and steps are always a benefit for trade and DIY installers alike,” DiBacco says. “Simple and sustainable materials keep a QuickDrain Shower Bench Installation quick and easy.”
A streamlined construction for fast installation
This streamlined installation process can shave days off of construction, according to DiBacco. She says that traditional framed benches require a minimum of one day's construction. Timing can depend on waiting for multiple trades to perform necessary steps to frame, cover, and waterproof before tile or stone finishes can be installed. Instead, remodelers can install the shower bench and shower pan at the same time.
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“Due to the flush and miter cuts, the components can be assembled, using a fast-setting thin-set to fix in place permanently,” DiBacco says. “The robust PET material allows thin-set to bond to its porous surface, allowing for exceptional structural properties exceeding the ADA weight guideline of 250 lb.”
No mud bed required
The bench comes prepped for installation. Once the panels are on site, pros can cut the benches down for custom fit. Suitable substrates for interior installation include concrete, cement backer board, exterior glue plywood, and OSB, though QuickDrain USA says to consult the manufacturer of the cement backer boards for installation advice.
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Depending on the bench's size, roughly $100 in lumber plus materials are required to be properly waterproof, according to DiBacco. The bench is suitable for sheet and liquid waterproofing, which eliminates the need for mud bed installations. DiBacco says to always begin on a clean and level subfloor to ensure every step to follow is correct.
The triangle bench measures 24” by 24″ by 20″; the small triangular bench measures 16″ by 16″ by 20″; and the rectangular bench measures 48″ by 16″ by 20″.
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