The strength and beauty of the wood makes it a great choice for modern bathroom décor. Teak shower seats offer a posh yet practical addition for relaxing amid the steam and spray. The rich golden tones and organic texture of teak complement both traditional and contemporary spaces, while its weatherproof durability withstands the humid environment. Read on to discover how teak shower benches can enhance your daily rituals with comfort and class.
The Natural Beauty of Teak Wood
Teak possesses a striking visual appeal unlike any other material. Its tight grain patterns exhibit a range of warm honey and caramel hues, accented with intriguing darker streaks and blonde highlights that reflect light beautifully. The natural oils in the wood give it a smooth, almost silky finish that begs to be touched. Teak weathers naturally to a stately silvery-grey patina over time, aging with grace and distinction.
When incorporated into shower design, teak wood adds organic texture and interest while still suiting sleek, modern aesthetics. The rich appearance stands out against crisp white tiles or glass surrounds. Teak brings a cozy yet sophisticated look, perfect for spa-like spaces. Its tactile qualities appeal to universal desires for comfort and relaxation.
The Practicality and Durability of Teak
Beauty aside, teak offers many functional benefits that make it ideal for shower seating. Its dense structure and high oil content create a water-resistant wood that does not easily crack, rot, or warp. Teak naturally repels mildew and mold, eliminating unpleasant soap scum buildup. The slightly uneven texture has an innate slip resistance, enhanced when wet. And it holds up well to decades of regular use, retaining its integrity over years of exposure to steam, moisture, and cleaning products.
Quality teak requires minimal maintenance beyond simple soap and water cleansing. It does not need frequent refinishing or sealing to maintain its condition. The sturdy frame and comfortable contours of a teak bench remain serviceable for generations. Teak’s durability and resilience justify the initial investment – you’re purchasing a lifetime shower seat.
Stylish Designs to Complement Any Decor
From rustic to refined, Scandinavian to tropical, teak shower benches adapt to any bathroom aesthetic. They come in a range of styles to mix and match your vision.
Minimalist Teak Shower Stools
Clean-lined teak stools bring an airy simplicity to modern or contemporary bathrooms. Their spare silhouette complements the minimalism of a floating vanity or wall-mounted fixtures. Sleek round or square seats fit neatly into tight spaces, tucking beside glass doors or in a corner. They forgo any embellishment to let the gorgeous grain and hue of the teak wood stand out.
Spa-Style Teak Shower Benches
For a relaxing spa vibe, choose a contoured teak bench with smooth, rounded edges and a comfortably angled backrest. Built-in designs aligned with fieldstone or marble tile evoke luxury resorts. Add conveniences like integrated soap shelves and grab bars for a fully equipped oasis. Top it off with a rainfall showerhead and calming color scheme.
Rustic Teak Shower Benches
In a farmhouse bathroom, a rustic nature-inspired bench looks right at home. Teak stools with visible joinery and hand-rubbed finishes complement vintage accents and patinas. Mix multi-toned teak boards for an artisanal look. Leave the wood unsealed to age naturally. Galvanized hardware and woven texture accents enhance the earthy hand-crafted vibe.
Contemporary Teak Shower Seats
Make a modern statement by incorporating teak into a cantilevered concrete bench or pairing it with matte black metal frameworks. opaque glass. A wall-mounted modular teak bench adds architectural interest. Opt for sleek lines and hairpin legs in brass or chrome. Let the organic texture of the teak contrast with the man-made materials.
Choosing the Right Size Teak Shower Seat
When selecting your teak shower seat, consider the dimensions carefully. Measure your shower area to ensure you choose a size proportionate to the space. Standard shower stools are 12 to 16 inches deep and 16 to 20 inches wide. Shower benches typically run 20 to 24 inches deep and 36 to 60 inches or more in length.
The seat height falls between 16 to 18 inches. Low enough to allow easy on and off access for those with mobility challenges. But high enough to comfortably elevate adults off wet shower floors. For a primary seat, allow 20-24 inches of clearance from the spray. If adding a second seat across from it, plan at least 30 inches between.
For a larger shower, you may opt for a double-wide bench to accommodate two people. Make sure to size accordingly so users have enough room to sit comfortably without crowding. You can also look for corner teak benches to maximize odd spaces. Just be sure to allow enough circulation area.
Ideal Placement for Your Teak Shower Seat
Finding the optimal spot for your teak shower seat takes a little planning. Here are some tips for placement:
- Locate opposite the showerhead for safety and spray clearance.
- Position near the rear wall for support and ease of access.
- Avoid placing directly under the main spray.
- Allow at least 21 inches clearance in front for easy entry/exit.
- Angle diagonally in a corner to maximize space.
- Install grab bars as needed for assistance standing up.
- Check that seating meets ADA requirements if needed.
Measure the location first to verify your chosen teak bench or stool will fit properly within your floorplan. This ensures you get an ergonomic and accessible arrangement. Mark the bench position lightly in pencil before permanent installation.
High Grade Teak Stands the Test of Time
Sourcing quality solid teak is key to durability. Seek out sustainably harvested teak from reputable suppliers like Indonesia. Grade A teak has the highest density and weather resistance. Lesser quality teak may be prone to cracking or deterioration. Inferior teak is also more likely to be from poor tree plantations that are environmentally irresponsible.
Well-crafted teak benches feature marine-grade stainless steel hardware and cross-supports to withstand humidity. Check that joints use traditional tongue-and-groove joinery and dowels for strength. Smoothly sanded surfaces prevent splintering.
Unfinished teak will gradually weather to a silvery patina, versus teak treated with oils or varnish that maintains its golden color. Either option is fine, just a matter of personal preference. The main thing is starting with quality grade A teak built to last decades.
Teak Shower Benches Enhance Spa-Like Luxury
For a truly indulgent shower experience, complement your teak seating with other opulent details. Here are some ideas to surround yourself in luxury:
- Line walls and floors with coordinating teak panels.
- Incorporate teak shelving or benches in the dressing area.
- Choose an oversized rainfall showerhead for a deluge.
- Add adjustable body spray jets for massaging relief.
- Glowing pendant lights or sconces set a relaxing ambiance.
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers stream spa playlists.
- Radiant heated floors for post-shower comfort.
- Plush cotton robes and towels pamper the skin.
With multiple showerheads, comfortable teak seating, and a peaceful aura, your bathroom oasis offers a luxurious escape to start and end each day.
Caring for Your Teak Shower Seat
Basic maintenance keeps your teak shower seat looking its best. Follow these care tips:
- Rinse soap residue after each use to prevent buildup.
- Clean monthly with a soft bristle brush and mild soap and water.
- Use a teak cleaner or brightener to remove stains.
- Apply teak sealer if desired to preserve a rich golden color.
- Oil with teak conditioning oil to nourish the wood.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive brushes.
- Allow unsealed teak to weather naturally to silvery grey.
With simple care, your teak shower seat remains in great condition while only improving with age. Follow manufacturer instructions for your specific teak finish and sealing regimen.
Introducing a teak shower seat instantly enhances any bathroom’s comfort and aesthetics. Teak’s enduring natural splendor and everyday utility make an investment that pays dividends in luxury for years to come. Its graceful patina and responsible harvest from tree plantations reflect conscientious environmental values. Sit back in ergonomic relaxation amidst the steam, confident in the everlasting strength and beauty of rich, warm teak wood.
