I've finally started the final bathroom and have the walls down to the studs, and the old tub out.

When I frame the 18" deep x 18" high x 5' long bench along the back wall, I planned to cover it with 3/4" plywood and then install the Schluter Kerdi 32" x 5' kit in front of the bench with floor to ceiling glass to enclose the steam/shower.

Should I use Ditra on the two bench surfaces, or is the Kerdi sufficient?

Thanks one and all for all your inspiring projects and advice.

Pictures will follow when complete, promise!

The plywood will give you the strength you need, but you can't install Kerdi directly to the plywood ... the plywood expands and contracts too much in relation to what would be allowed by the Kerdi membrane. Ditra would work .... but I'd rather see you install cement board (into a layer of mortar and screwed) over the plywood and Kerdi over top that.

Thanks Harry!

BTW, should I also use CBU on the wall where the shower control comes through, or is there a way to ensure a seal in order to allow drywall for the entire room?

Again, Kerdi will be used for the entire steam/shower enclosure.

You can take silicon and spread it over the raw edge of the drywall. Usually the cover plates are pretty effective in covering opens in the drywall ... but anything you can do to protect from vapour is always a good way of thinking.

Thanks Harry, you are indeed #1!!

Here's the pictures as promised.

Thank you everyone, you made it easier!

Ralph.

Looks great.Love the design.

nice work