Im assuming that the edges of the tile are exposed around the perimeter of the shower niche. Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout. Wipe off any excess sealant. Firstly As you can see by the screw holes around its perimeter, this niche is designed to be screwed into framing members that your contractor should have installed prior to installing the tile backer board (the board that the tiles are attached to). In addition, regular cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of the niche, as it prevents water damage and other problems that can result from accumulated dirt and debris. 2) Our contractor told us he plans to prep the hole for the niche, install the ceramic tiles, then as a last step, apply the niche on top and finish with a bead of silicon to waterproof it. Corner shelves are easier to tile. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. I like the Redblock corner shelf design; especially the fact that it doesnt interfere with the waterproofing membrane and its a bit more transitional design than the Schluter option. I am hoping that there is at least a framed box in the stud cavity behind the wall so theres a solid surface to apply this tile. Here are some ideas on how to make sure that you get the most out of your shower niche so it doesnt become a source of frustration. In other words, you should definitely ask a trusted local contractor before you decide to build a shower niche into an outside wall to avoid this potential shower niche install mistake. Additionally, it is important to choose materials that are resistant to water and wear, such as acrylic or fiberglass. I would recommend that the entire perimeter mounting flange of the niche be supported by backing, and that the niche be attached to the backing on all 4 sides. If you have a 2x6 stud wall there will be some room behind the niche. Needless to say, there is a complex series of factors to consider like stud wall thickness, local climate, waterproof integrity of your shower, and the quality and thickness of the wall insulation. Find My Store. The work doesnt seem to compromise the structural integrity of the wall (the work all remained on our side of the shared wall), and it seems appropriately fireproofed and waterproofed. Now I have to sort of find a box that can be inserted inside and have a bit if a lip all round or do as mentioned before, cover in ceramic. When a custom niche is built well, it can look very sturdy, solid and deceptively waterproof. No matter how well sealed, every foundation wall will be relatively moist. If there is no exposed framing that you can see to attach the niche on 3 sides, it will be impossible to install this niche correctly at this stage. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. Shower Niche Ideas | Sebring Design Build The long shower wall backs a walk in closet. After a shower wall is tiled, its too risky to attempt to repair or re-build a shower niche at this point. When it comes to tiling substrates, it is always better to take this approach because you do not want this assembly to flex or your grout lines will eventually crack. The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. As far as I can tell, your part of Florida experiences temps from the 40s (F) to the 90s (F) so there is enough of a temp variation to create a condensation problem behind the niche (if it was mounted in an outside wall with inadequate insulation behind it). In addition, it is important to follow proper shower niche installation procedures, including preparing the shower wall cavity, using high-quality materials, and ensuring that the niche is properly sealed and using a waterproofing membrane. Really good article. Is there a protector you can buy to install on the back of the niche? Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits, What Is a Rain Shower Head? If the mortar contains enough polymer adhesive, I guess it could stick reliably to the plastic surface, but as an installer I would never take this risk. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. This is the issue. Instead, I would check to see if there is any signs of water infiltration by cutting a hole in the drywall on the other side of the wall that the niche is mounted into. If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. Do Shower Filters Work? I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. What do you think about ez niche? Have I got this right? Both if we wanted to keep the niche? We also ran lighting by philips Hue strips in the niche. If your new horizontal niche will span more than a couple of wall studs, the safest way to build your shower niche into this wall is to construct a new wall adjacent to it, to contain the niche. Even in a mild climate like San Diego, you can get enough of a temperature differential for moisture to condense in the shower wall if you provide a surface upon which to condense. We wish we would have gone with an Onyx shower surround. Built-in shower niches are a stylish and stable way to handle bathroom storage issues and create a relaxing environment all at once! Upvotes: 1,655. Hello again. If Im understanding your situation correctly, there are a few problems with this installation, needless to say. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. I know its frustrating to see but I think youre stuck with it unfortunately. This may be problematic with porcelain but is rarely an issue with stone. This is what the shower shelf will look like with ceramic tile installed on the back wall and . By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a beautiful and worry-free shower niche for years to come. Nothing is safer that the parallel wall design I mentioned above. The problem with one niche is that when we examined it it wasn't properly built. I would suggest that you get rid of the niche if its already causing problems. See my waterproofing membrane post for more info. They claim 56 height is industry standard. Maybe I am not understanding your situation correctly, but if you wanted a finished niche and you want it to be completely waterproof, Im just wondering why you didnt purchase one thats designed to integrate with the waterproofing membrane. If the shower wall is brick, it is likely an outside wall. How To Increase Your Toilet Flush Performance And Power. In addition, the quality of the material and its ability to resist wear and tear over time should also be taken into account. The Top 4 Shower Niche Problems to Watch Out For. Or, can I go my original route (diy niche with permabase) and install a longer (depth) niche shelf so my wifes bigger shampoo bottles will fit BUT also have a 2 cavity behind the niche to apply foam or insulation? Thank you! Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. Run a 28 or 210 header, king stud jack stud, ledger and cripples. Any advice would be appreciated. This process should be performed by a professional contractor or plumber. Hi I have a new build ( 2 years old). Any ideas on how this might work best? Hi! last year. Installing a Shower Niche - Fine Homebuilding If youre interested in this shower niche shelf or all kinds of other shower shelves, you can check out my shower niche shelf post. Some alternatives to a shower niche include shower caddies, shower shelves, and shower baskets. After the boards perimeter is patched, taped and sealed, they will need to apply a new piece of waterproofing membrane to cover the patch. We recently bought our first home and most of the tiling appears to have not been done well. The general rule is to install the horizontal finished surfaces in the shower before the vertical. Is attempting to pull the tile and replace it the best idea? With a shower niche taking up most of the space in a 3 1/2 stud cavity, moisture condensation in the wall cavity is virtually guaranteed if the temperature drops a few degrees outside compared to inside. Carefully! This of course assumes that you will be adequately fortifying the structure in this wall. #1. Preventive measures: To prevent warping in your shower niche, it is important to use high-quality materials and take steps to reduce exposure to moisture and water. If installing a shower niche on in interior wall, what do you suggest putting behind it to prevent someone from puncturing it from the other side? Behind the niche you waterproof the exterior wall board with red gard, then a thin later of insulation. I think it would be a good idea to get some kind of written assurance from your tiling contractor that your shower was rebuilt by qualified installers following the industry best practices. Built with the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it almost disappears when empty. Acrylic is also super soft. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. Thanks Jay. The problem is that most trims have a flange or anchoring leg thats designed to be placed into the mortar beneath the edge tile. The size and style of your shower niche should be based on the size and design of your shower, as well as your storage needs. Instead, I recommend going for a shower niche that is almost invisible to the eye. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. Most horizontal niches are built into the back shower wall; usually the longest, and therefore, the most flexible wall in your shower surround. If the only barrier to water getting behind the tiles is a strip of caulking, then eventually, you could have problems. I suggest that you please re-read that section of my 5BSNIM post so you are aware of the risks, and the additional structure required for this type of installation. Its mounting flange would then be flush with the backer board surface with a slight gap around which would be sealed and waterproofing membrane installed. The Top 4 Shower Niche Problems to Watch Out For This would allow you to add a bit more insulation behind the niche, but either way you should use spray foam because it has a greater R-value per inch of thickness. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. If you cant do spray foam, a 2 thick insulating foam sheet can be placed behind it. Wish we would have known some of this 5 years ago when we had our bathrooms professionally remodeled. Learn 9 reasons you shouldn't build a tile shower, and better alternatives to cut your costs and eliminate worries about mold or leaking. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. That would make things a lot easier. As for the tile/ tub margin the best way is always to silicon this margin. Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. Lastly, I also have to warn you about the risks of installing a long horizontal niche. Preventive measures: To avoid leaking, it is important to take preventive measures during the shower niche installation process. Just rememberFRAME it like a window and waterproof! Our contractor installed a shower niche and tiled the wall and niche however my husband doesnt like the finished product as there is. Assuming this is correct, I would suggest that you install the shelf before the tile. Do you have any suggestions? The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. A good grout sealer will help reduce this problem (Sealers Choice Gold by Custom Building Products). Shower Niche Maximum storage, minimal space Features: 3 moveable shelves Removable shelves for easy cleaning Designed to prevent water pooling 32"L x 17"W x 4"D Options: White Biscuit Dune Details The smaller Shower Niche maximizes your space within the shower through three moveable shelves and four placement options for customized storage. The price of the Wedi shower system ranges between $800-$1300. 11.5 X 3 Shower Niche Glass Shelves | Wayfair Thank you for your comment! Just make sure that you use 1/2 foam board for the perimeter mounting flange since it needs to be mounted flush with your 1/2 shower tile backer board. Your acrylic idea is interesting and it may work, but it would be a bit risky to ask your tile installer to cut and install this material since he/she has probably never handled this kind of material. The shower wall tiles would then be installed. We are doing an accessible shower for my son but the bathroom will also be used by guests who come to visit. When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. In fact I thought it was so great that I decided to design one to meet my clients needs. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. Also, the door has a quartz lip where the quartz meets the tile and between the tile and quartz there is a hole and can see the water dripping off the bottom. Depth of a Shower Niche. Installing a ventilation fan or opening a window during and after showers can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. I have installed this niche a few times and it seems like a solid product. If its not possible, have you considered installing wall mounted shelves? Whether you are bathroom remodeling, building a new home, or simply upgrading your current shower, there are many reasons why it is a perfect solution. There are more cuts and outside edges on a shower niche. This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. Shower niche Bathroom at Lowes.com We are doing a shower remodel where the niche will have to go on an external wall, no choice. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? 246 Posts . Hi Steve, Great advice to everyone. The 5 Signs of a Bad Toilet: How Long Do They Last? A standard 8 wood header would do the job as long as its assembled and installed properly. Where to Place the Shower Niche? In-depth Guide for Homeowners It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. All brick wall. Just make sure there are no voids at all. If my above assumptions above are incorrect, Im sorry to say there may be no good solutions to this problem other than starting over and doing it correctly. A Shower Niche Is an Absolute Must-Have in Your New Bathroom Best materials for shower niches: The best material for your shower niche will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, the style and design of your bathroom, and your personal preferences. The SN-2412 rectangular shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. Shower Niches | Shower Organizer | Bathroom Organizer | Bathroom Do you see any problem doing this? More info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. . You can then insulate this wall and install your shower niche into it. Some alternatives to a shower niche include shower caddies, shower shelves, and shower baskets. A Complete Guide on Rain Shower Head Pros and Cons. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? This will help us get appropriate repairs. Their angled screws into marble caused the front edge of the hinge to pull away (walk back from the tile face). For Freestanding/Overhead Showers. Tile shower pan, tile shower base, tile ready shower pan. Additionally, cleaning the niche with a mildew-resistant cleaner can help to keep it free of mold and mildew. If you decide to install a pre-manufactured, or finished shower niche instead of a custom built one, you can avoid another shower niche install mistake by making sure that you never install a retrofit shower niche. It will be on an inside wall. How to Tile a Shower Niche Without Bullnose 101- A Comprehensive Guide I dont see any problem with this other than the fact that you must construct your own custom niche box to acheive the unique height and depth (rather than using a preformed niche). Installing a waterproof membrane behind the niche and using high-quality grout and sealants can help to prevent water damage and reduce the risk of warping. Maximizing Your Space: Where to Place a Shower Niche It's hard to look away, for better or for worse. Thanks Steve for taking the time to reply ! 6 Tile Shower Niche Questions Answered by Experts - Tile Club Let me know if you need more clarification or if youd like to give me more details for further assessment. 2) for the niche, he will set up later after he start installing the tile from the bottom, so he can know where the niche goes and make it looks better with the tile. We want to use a single-piece of marble for the shelf. Will Your Toilet Eventually Unclog Itself? Im a tile contractor. wedi. A walk-in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom, offering a stylish, spacious and low maintenance alternative to traditional shower enclosures. In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. Mix the grout with Grout Boost and use a small grout float to push the grout into the spaces around the tile. I looked at the niche in the link you provided. Do you tile directly on these? Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. what about a niche the full length of a 5 foot shower. The smooth surface of acrylic tiles makes them easy to clean, as they do not absorb moisture and are resistant to the buildup of soap scum and other types of dirt and debris an ideal material for a preformed niche. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected materials and replace them with new, mold-resistant materials. Tile Redi Redi Niche 16 in. W x 20 in. H x 4 in. D Shampoo - Soap In my opinion, all niches should bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane whether theyre finished stainless steel or prefab tiled. You need a membrane with a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry. The outcropping will be cantilevered from the studs so I will take extra care supporting it. I think you know what Im going to say.. You should not be installing your niche on a 3-1/2 outside stud wall not even in northern California. That would be a lot worse than pooling water. If youve not yet committed to a shower niche, check out my Complete Shower Niche Guide. If everything looks good behind the niche (no moisture or mold), then I would leave the niche alone until you do a full shower remodel. This will reduce the amount of water vapor entering the wall to the bare minimum. They also left some of the spacers in and grouted over them. Shower Not Working: 4 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them - Plumb One Hi Steve! 1-piece shower niche with recessed shelf Perfect for storing soaps, shampoos, razors, and other shower supplies Install either horizontally or vertically to best suit your shower Ready to tile: install tile directly on niche surface Customize shelf with the tile of your choice to fit the look and feel of your shower (tile not included)