It's because dimensional lumber is still based on 2 by "x" (2×4 2×6 etc) all the lumber mills still use imperial. Plywood drywall etc is still 4x8 feet or larger. Construction has not changed because the system still works. So studs joists etc still follow the original imperial plan.

Have corner bench, can confirm it is covered in bottles

Hammers can be overwhelming. Specially, you want a 14-18 oz finish hammer.

Assuming you live near a Home Depot, Ryobi power tools are good enough quality for a homeowner. A drill + impact driver set is a great value and will be invaluable.

Something like this makes hanging things a breeze.

https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-ELL1002-Mounting-Capability-Batteries/dp/B00PD49I8I

Side note. Natural slate comes with a lot of maintenance. Frequent sealing and it will flake and chip. It can also have very uneven edges leading to misaligned joints.

If this is your first time tiling- do a small bathroom w some inexpensive tile first. Practice on a less critical room.

Most commonly used tools in my house; Socket set, drill, bits, drywall anchors, hammer, rubber mallet, screwdrivers, 1m level, tape measure, allan keys (bathroom fixtures), stud finder, vice grips, tongue and groove pliers, needle nose pliers, crazy glue, floor jack, breaker bar.

But ya, definitely suggest buy-as-you-need.

If you end up getting into a battery-powered ecosystem, try to pick one and stick with it. Not sure what they sell in Canada, but Ryobi is a great value in the states.

Drill, hammer, Phillips head screw driver, flathead screwdriver, snake, impact driver, dolly, wd40 silicone lubricant, basin wrench, regular wrench.

Edit: measuring tape, laser level, stud finder, extension cords

I would get unreliable readings about where studs started and stopped. Even with tape horizontal and marking the positions it'd still be a "general area" of a stud. Ended up with a few extra holes because of it.

Wedi or Schluter bench will work fine and they.re easy.

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How does one miss a step.

https://underdeck.com/ works well, I believe you can just email them to order the system if you don't have a local distributor but I'm not certain

What ended up happening when you used the cheaper stud finders? Did you miss the studs and end up with extra holes in your walls?

Drill bits chucked in drivers drill shitty holes. Too much runout. You need a drill, particularly for things like pilot holes for wall anchors, etc.

The bench is waterproof if done right. By your logic the bench you forgot to build would also trap water.

That being said, adding a teak wood bench is a no brainer in my opinion. That's what we put in our bathroom reno and in the end it very rarely ever gets used.

Hi, I’m curious how much I should spend on a stud finder. I see them on sale online for anywhere between $1000 and $14. There’s also an iPhone app, which I might try for fun. I don’t do a lot ofDIY but I’m in my 30s and buying more nice furniture and things and it would be nice to hang stuff properly. But I don’t want to shell out for a fancy device if a simple $20 will do the trick.

Plumber here. The shower liner looks like it’s not installed correctly.

Keep it small to start, can always build on your tools over time. You need a hammer, screw driver set (can be small primarily #2 Robertson (square shape, which is also red), #2 philips ( 4 sided diamond)). Those are the 2 most commonly used shapes and sizes here in Canada. Stud finder will be helpful so go for it, but I also suggest using break away butterfly clips for when you need to use a screw but there is no stud. There a but more expensive but are more idiot prof and better quality. Here's a link so you know what I mean. You don't need them for everything but if there holding weight I recommend.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/toggler-1-4-in-snaptoggle-anchors-10pcs/1000695135

Get yourself an adjustable wrench which will help withe toilets, and facets. Other then that, het what you need as you need it. Congratulations and good luck!

I built a covered screened porch a few years ago and it’s THE place to hang out at my modest little domicile. We spend a lot of time watching thunderstorms ( unless the winds come up too much!).

Don't get a drill. Get an impact driver. They can both do the same things, but an impact driver's main job is putting in screws, which is 95% of what homeowners actually do.

Just cover it with a wide piece of trim, then stain or paint as you like

You can put a level app on most smart phones. If you’re just using it to hang pictures, that should be sufficient. A drill and hammer would be beneficial as well as pliers for basic repairs. Any other tools you need can be bought as you need them.

Make a "floating shelf" style bench. You can remove the cement board, frame a floating shelf, reinstall the cement board, redguard, then tile over it. I don't think it will be as strong, but a corner bench like that isn't really for sitting on anyways.

That is a good permanent option, too.