Better-Bench

Self-supporting alloyed aluminum tray system designed for creating tiled shower shelving in wet or dry locations without additional waterproofing or structural reinforcement.

Build Strong, Tile-Ready Shower Shelving Without Additional Framing.

The Better-Bench provides tile installers with a convenient way to create durable, built-in shelving for showers and other tiled spaces. Constructed from alloyed aluminum, the one-piece, self-supporting frame can be installed in both wet and dry locations and mounted over U.B.C.-approved substrate materials.

According to the supplied product information, the Better-Bench has an engineered load capacity of 100 pounds and requires no additional waterproofing or structural reinforcement. The system does not require fastening directly into studs, blocking or other framing members, providing greater flexibility when positioning the shelf within the installation.

Better-Bench can be installed before or after finish tile is applied to the vertical surface. Once the frame is secured using the supplied fasteners, the tray is filled with a mortar mixture of sand and cement and then finished with the desired tile, allowing the completed shelf to integrate with the surrounding installation.

Typical Applications

• Creating tiled shower shelving
• Built-in shower storage
• Wet-area tile installations
• Dry-area tile installations
• Installation before finish tile is applied
• Installation over existing finish tile
• Mounting over U.B.C.-approved substrate materials
• Professional bath and shower installations
• Residential and commercial tile installations

Advantages

• One-piece, self-supporting frame
• Engineered 100-pound load capacity according to the supplied product information
• Can be installed before or after finish tile is applied
• Mounts to most vertical surfaces
• Does not require fastening directly to studs, blocking or other framing members
• According to the supplied product information, requires no additional waterproofing
• According to the supplied product information, requires no additional structural reinforcement
• Suitable for wet or dry locations
• Alloyed aluminum construction
• Corrosion-resistant materials
• Supplied fasteners support straightforward installation
• Can be finished with tile to coordinate with the surrounding installation
• Manufactured in the USA

Specifications

• Product: Better-Bench
• Product Type: Tile-Ready Shelf and Bench Support System
• Construction: Alloyed Aluminum
• Frame Design: One-Piece, Self-Supporting
• Engineered Load Capacity: 100 Pounds
• Installation Location: Wet or Dry
• Installation Timing: Before or After Finish Tile
• Compatible Substrates: U.B.C.-Approved Substrate Materials
• Additional Waterproofing Required: No, According to Supplied Product Information
• Additional Structural Reinforcement Required: No, According to Supplied Product Information
• Stud or Blocking Attachment Required: No
• Finish: Mortar and Tile
• Country of Manufacture: USA

Installation Guidelines

• Better-Bench may be installed before or after finish tile is applied to the vertical surface.
• Position and mount the one-piece frame using the supplied fasteners.
• Place a mortar mixture of sand and cement into the secured tray.
• Finish the prepared tray with the desired tile.
• If a stud, blocking or another framing member is encountered during installation, discard the hollow-wall anchor and use the supplied screw with an appropriate pilot hole.

Construction Tip: No. 12 x 2-1/2-inch wood screws may also be required for some installations and are not supplied with the Better-Bench kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Better-Bench used for?

Better-Bench is designed to create built-in, tile-finished shelving or bench surfaces in showers and other wet or dry tiled installations.

Can Better-Bench be used inside a shower?

Yes. The system is designed for both wet and dry locations, making it suitable for shower installations.

How much weight can Better-Bench support?

According to the supplied product information, the system has an engineered load capacity of 100 pounds.

Does Better-Bench require additional waterproofing?

According to the supplied product information, no additional waterproofing is required.

Does Better-Bench require additional structural reinforcement?

No additional structural reinforcement is required according to the supplied product information.

Does Better-Bench have to be attached to wall studs?

No. The system is designed so it does not require fastening directly to studs, blocking or other framing members.

What happens if a mounting location lines up with a stud or blocking?

If a stud, blocking or another framing member is encountered, the supplied installation guidelines state to discard the hollow-wall anchor and use the supplied screw with an appropriate pilot hole.

Can Better-Bench be installed over existing tile?

Yes. The system can be installed either before the finish tile is applied or over an existing finished tile surface.

How is Better-Bench finished after installation?

After the frame is mounted, the tray is filled with a mortar mixture of sand and cement and then finished with the desired tile.

What is Better-Bench made from?

The system is constructed from alloyed aluminum using corrosion-resistant materials.

Are installation fasteners included?

Yes. Fasteners are supplied for installation. Depending on the installation conditions, No. 12 x 2-1/2-inch wood screws may also be required and are not supplied with the kit.

Where is Better-Bench manufactured?

The supplied product information identifies Better-Bench as manufactured in the USA.