Yes, you can install a shower niche in an existing shower. Depending on your specific needs and available space, there are a few ways you can go about doing this.
If there is a stud wall behind the shower, you can create a niche by creating a frame out of wood and attaching it to the studs. Afterwards, you can fill the frame with waterproof cement board and tile.
You might also need to use backer board or membrane to ensure the framing and tiles remain waterproof.
If there isn’t an existing stud wall, you can use a ready-made precast shower niche. This comes with a waterproof inner and outer layer, and it is designed to fit onto existing walls and can then be tiled to match.
Whichever approach you use, you may need to discuss your plans with a professional plumber to make sure your shower niche is properly sealed and connected to your existing plumbing.
How much does it cost to add a niche to a shower?
Adding a niche to a shower is a great way to store personal grooming items such as shampoo and bar soap, as well as providing an attractive decorative feature to the shower. The cost of adding a niche to a shower can vary depending on a number of factors such as the niche’s size and complexity.
The cost of the niche materials chosen, labor costs, and the installation process will all contribute to the overall cost.
In general, for a standard pre-fabricated niche, the average cost is around $400 to $600. For a custom niche, the cost can be higher due to the customized fabrication process and any additional components such as tiling, grout, and sealant, which can add an additional $200 to $400.
If you’re looking to save money and are comfortable with doing the work yourself, you can purchase pre-made niche kits that you can install on your own. These will cost less than an installed niche, and depending on the complexity of the niche you choose, you could save up to $300.
Regardless of the type of niche you choose, you should always be sure to have an experienced professional verify your installation to ensure you meet all building code requirements.
Are shower niches a good idea?
Shower niches are an excellent idea for a modern bathroom. They provide a practical solution for storing your favorite shower essentials, like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and scrub brushes, without taking up valuable space in your shower or around your vanity.
Additionally, shower niches are great for hiding bottles and other clutter that can make your shower look messy. With the right design, you can even use a shower niche to create a convenient seating area.
Thanks to their versatility, shower niches are also an ideal choice for wet rooms and steam baths. Ultimately, they are one of the best ways to maximize the use of space and make your shower more functional.
How thick does a wall need to be for a shower niche?
The thickness of the wall needed for a shower niche depends on the type of niche being installed and the type of wall material. For example, if the niche is being installed in a tile wall, the thickness of the wall should be at least 3/4″.
However, for thicker tile walls, a thicker wall may be needed. Generally, the depth of a shower niche requires the wall to be at least 6″ thick to provide ample space for niche installation and to prevent cracking of the tiles.
A wall with a thicker depth will also provide additional support for the niche and can reduce the potential for cracking of the tile wall. It is highly recommended to consult with a professional contractor before determining the thickness of the wall needed for a shower niche.
What do you do if you don’t have a shower niche?
If you don’t have a shower niche, there are a few different options that you can consider. One would be to install a recessed shelf in your shower. This would allow you to store all of your showering necessities.
Alternatively, you could opt for a wall-mounted shower caddy. This option is perfect for all of those who have limited space and have nowhere else to store their items. Finally, putting up a shower curtain on the wall and using shower hooks is also something to consider if you don’t have a shower niche.
This is an inexpensive and easy way to store bottles and smaller items around the shower.
Where is the place to put a niche in a shower?
When planning to install a niche in the shower, it is easiest to install it when the walls are still exposed. Before beginning any installation, it is important to check local building codes to ensure the niche meets all requirements.
When determining where to place the niche, it is important to consider any existing plumbing or electrical lines as these must be avoided. It’s best to place the niche away from any showerhead or jetted body sprayers.
This can minimize the chances of water damage to any stored items.
Generally, it’s best to place the niche around the height of a person’s shoulders. This allows comfortable access to any stored items. If a niche with multiple shelves is installed, it is usually recommended to place the lowest shelf about 6” below the uppermost shelf.
When installing a niche it’s important to use the appropriate waterproofing materials, such as cement board or Kerdi board. This will help ensure long-term protection from the steam and moisture of a shower.
It’s also important to seal all seams and secure the niche properly, including any screws and seams, with a waterproof sealant.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the niche is level and secure. This can generally be acheived through measuring and marking the wall, test fitting the niche, and applying adhesive to the wall.
Once installed, you can add any accessories, such as a shelf, to the niche to make it functional.
Can you put a niche in shower panels?
It is possible to put a niche in shower panels, depending on the type and material of the panel. If the panel is made of PVC, it is possible to cut and custom cut pieces of the panel to put in any form of niche.
If the panel is made of glass, it is possible to have a custom cut niche fitted in the panel to fit the space. In order to get a custom niche, the shower panel supplier can be consulted for the dimensions, material, and cost associated with having the niche made.
Depending on the size of the niche, certain details such as bottom openings and grouts might be needed to be fitted in order to have the perfect fit. It is also important to ensure that the material is the same along the edges of the panel so that water can be kept away from the niche and its contents.
Should a shower niche be a different tile?
Yes, it is recommended to choose a different tile for a shower niche than other tile areas in the shower or bathroom. A shower niche provides an aesthetically pleasing opportunity to add a pop of color, style or texture to any shower or bath area, making it a great place to experiment with different tile designs.
The main benefit of using a different tile for a shower niche is that it helps create a visually appealing focal point in the area, as the niche will stand out from the rest of the tiling. Additionally, using diverse tiling within the shower can help break up the visual monotony of a single tile used throughout the entire space.
Such as contrasting natural stone to the surrounding tiles, or using a tile with patterns, shapes, or colorful accents for a unique look. Ultimately, using a different tile for a shower niche is a great way to freshen up a bathroom’s look and customize the space to one’s own personal preference.
Do you have to waterproof a shower niche?
In some circumstances, it is necessary to waterproof a shower niche. It depends on the type of installation and the materials being used. When constructing a shower niche, it is important to carefully select the right type of waterproofing material and apply it correctly.
It is necessary to use a waterproofing membrane below or behind the shower niche to help protect the surrounding area from moisture damage. This should be applied to both the inner and outer walls of the niche, as well as the bottom of the niche.
This membrane may need to be applied before installing the niche into the shower wall. It is also important to seal any grouting seams with a silicone sealant to help form a watertight barrier. Any gaps between the niche and the wall should be caulked with a flexible waterproof sealant to further protect against water infiltration.
Properly waterproofing the shower niche can help provide long-term protection for the shower itself, as well as the surrounding area.
How do you support a tile above a niche?
In order to support a tile above a niche, you will need to construct a solid framework to provide the necessary support. This will involve the use of appropriate materials such as drywall, lath, mortar, and tile spacers.
Before you begin, you will need to make sure the surface you are tiling on is even, dry, and free of debris.
Begin by nailing four pieces of drywall to the walls of the niche in an L-shape pattern, ensuring they are level and securely mounted. Once this is done, apply a layer of mortar to the back walls and sides of the niche.
This will provide a layer of insulation that will hold up the tile once it’s placed on top.
Next, use construction paper to cover the entire niche and screw a lath onto the back wall. This will act as a support system for the tiles. Make sure everything is level and securely mounted.
Once the lath is secure, you can now add your tile. Be sure to use appropriate tile spacers to ensure even grout lines and fill in any gaps between the tiles and wall. Use more mortar as needed to fill in any cracks or gaps before setting the tiles in place.
Finally, leave the tile to dry for 24-48 hours and then apply grout to the space to provide a smooth and even finish. With all the steps taken, you should now have a secure tiled niche that looks great and provides the support your tile needs.
How do you install a niche in a shower wall?
Installing a niche into a shower wall requires some planning, specific tools and materials, and careful execution. First, it is important to measure the wall to ensure that the niche will fit. The niche should be placed at least 6 inches away from any water sources to prevent water from entering the niche and causing damage.
Next, mark a series of evenly spaced holes in the shower wall that will provide the space needed for a tile saw to cut the wall away and make room for the niche. It is important to measure the niche to determine if it is the right size and to make sure the cut on the wall will be the right size.
If the niche is too large, additional wall support may be needed.
Finally, use waterproof mortar to adhere the niche to the wall. This will help to secure the niche. Allow the mortar to dry completely. Once dry, the tile used to cover the niche can be installed. Sealing the edges with grout will help to ensure waterproofing.
Overall, installing a niche in a shower wall requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the niche is properly adhered and securely installed. Following these steps will ensure a successful installation and help to prevent water from entering the niche and causing damage.
How to build your own shower niche?
Building your own shower niche is an easy way to add some storage or decorative elements to your shower. The first step to building your own shower niche is to choose the right niche size. The width and depth of the niche needs to be at least 4 inches larger than the largest item you will store in the niche.
The height should match the height of the tile and grout lines of the rest of the shower. Once you have determined the size of the niche you will need a piece of tile backer board like HardieBacker or Durock and cut it to the size of the niche.
Use heavy duty construction adhesive to adhere the backer board to the shower wall and insert and fasten plastic corners around the edges. To waterproof the niche, caulk the corners with waterproof sealant.
Once the backer board is secure, add the tile over the backer board and seal it with an acrylic grout. Do a final caulking of the grout lines with waterproof sealant and you now have your own custom shower niche.
How many niches should a shower have?
This depends on the size and layout of your shower. Generally, as a rule of thumb, most bathrooms have at least two niches, with one on either side of the shower head. If the shower is larger, or square shaped, you may wish to create three to four niches, as this can provide more flexibility in the layout.
If you are working with a larger shower, you may even choose to divide the shower into four or five niches. This can help to keep things organized, and can provide extra space for shampoo and soap. Ultimately, when deciding how many niches to have in your shower, consider your individual needs and the layout of the shower to determine the best solution for your space.
When should I install shower niche?
Installing a shower niche should be done before the tile installation starts. This ensures that the niche will be in the correct position and make the tiling job much easier. This can be done at the same time as the framing of the shower or during the process of applying thinset to the walls.
It’s important to properly waterproof the niche before tiling. After the niche is in place, dry fit the tiles to ensure the best fit, and then caulk the edges of the niche to ensure watertightness. Then you can apply thinset to the walls and begin tiling, leaving space for the niche before you grout.