A bench directly under a shower head isn't how a shower should be constructed.. Where would you stand to get wet from the shower? Benches belong on the wall opposite, leaving you room to actually shower. I can't understand how and why you would even consider this. Post a layout.

If you notice most people who are recommending the Kerdi system are not fully signed up nor do they showcase any photos of their work. The Kerdi system would not be my first choice. I would stay away from the Kerdi Board since that product is utter crap in my opinion.

I would first decide the tile. Find a great grout and most likely do the entire job with Laticrete's products or Ardex's. I might use a little Kerdi Fix in the project but that would be it.

Your tile choice will dictate the thin-set choice. From there it's easy.

I can try - attaching a layout might be beyond me. But the showerhead is a wall mounted non-rainfall high pressure head, so it aims diagonally at the back of the shower. The receptor will be the back 2/3 of the shower, so where you stand is under the direction of spray.

Building codes require 80'' of floor to ceiling height at the fixture for a reason. You stand diretly under the fixture to shower, not 2' back from it. I see no possible way to do what you want in a functional and code compliant manner.

I'm sorry, I don't think I'm explaining well - I'm envisioning something like this:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/willow-glen-residence-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~339651

But where the black floor area is a cast iron pan instead. And the shower would be encased at the foot and the side by a half-wall.

The problem with pre-formed pans is usually the tile flange doesn't extend far enough past the curb. The next problem is getting the wall (and in your case bench) waterproofing integrated with the shower pan. Not saying it can't be done, but special attention has to be paid to that juncture. Al all kerdi system (or any other manufacturer) is easier to accomplish this task.

Why does the shower head have to be on the same wall as the valve ? You can also put the valve on the pony wall as to be able to reach into the shower to warm the water before entering.

Thanks everyone - I think the gist of everything is that putting the bench there would not meet code, and on the receptor/pony wall seam, extra care would have to be taken. A follow up question, though, Isn't then any join between receptor and a wall (be it full or otherwise), an area of concern? My tile is porcelain/ceramic (I'm not sure which, only that it's not stone - beyond that does it matter?) Subway, brick pattern halfway up full wall and herringbone above. So I should look to laticrete?

Thanks for all the guidance and the heads up on the code issues, my bathroom is being permitted and inspected (ho association).

The wall covering is irrelevant to the waterproofing, no matter which waterproofing system you are using. We could have a professional disagreement over the finer points of this tile with that thinset over a particular waterproofing, but for the most part the two are separable. Laticrete makes excellent products. If you elect to use all Laticrete products you can get upwards of a 50 year warranty, depending on the level of product selected.

Anne CK, would you share your final shower layout? What did you and your contractor decide to do in the end? I am planning a shower with a receptor and considering a bench, so your decision is of interest to me. Any pictures are, of course, always welcome, too!

Sorry to say that due to the permit process, I haven't even started yet! I will follow up, and did take everyone's advice into account - I am not worrying about a seat, I will use a moveable teak seat - due to where my shower is in the bathroom, I don't have clear, open access, so my layout wasn't ideal.

So you are now looking at the full length receptors, like I am, then. I can't use the Kohler Salient that so many have used because of the oval raised pattern on it. It is a silly design as it makes placement of a large bench very difficult. So I saw the Kohler Bellwether in real life and it looks promising. It has a slope from left to right or right to left, depending on the side you choose for your drain. I like that the front of the pan is finished, unlike the Katherine or Purist, which have to be tiled in the front. It is a little taller in height at 4.5 inches, though. That is not good for me, but I would consider some creative installation techniques, if approved by the guys at this forum.

I prefer to stick with cast iron or something equally heavy duty. A very heavy family member may be using it. I originally was going to use the Swanstone ADA roll-in shower base with a trench drain at the entry, but I just am not sure about that set-up.

Which receptor are you looking at now that you are going for a full length one?