Whether niche in shower is a good idea depends on personal preference. Niches generally provide more storage space within the shower, which can be nice for those who like to keep shampoo and other baths products in the shower.
They can also help you further personalize your shower to make it more aesthetically pleasing. However, it is important to be aware that having a niche adds additional surfaces and crevices, which can be difficult to clean.
Also, if the niche is not properly waterproofed it can become an area for potential water damage if not sealed properly. Therefore, adding a niche in the shower can be great for storage and personalizing the shower, but be sure to address any potential issues with water seals and waterproofing.
Where is the place to put a niche in a shower?
The best place to put a niche in a shower is between the shower head and the control valves. This location allows users to easily reach the products stored inside and will free up space on shower walls, shelves, or benches.
You can also tuck a niche into the corner of the shower, or above the shower head, depending on the size and shape of the shower as well as the size of the niche. When controlling where to put the niche, consider the products you plan to store in it, how easy it is to reach, and how much space you have available.
You also want the niche to be level within the wall, so proper measurements between the shower head and control valve are key. Installation of the niche should be done by a professional, but if you are experienced in construction, you can do it yourself.
Is shower niche expensive?
No, shower niches don’t have to be expensive. Depending on what you’re looking for, some shower niches can be relatively inexpensive. For instance, basic shower niches are fairly affordable and can range anywhere from $30-$100, depending on the size and complexity of the niche.
Other options would be higher quality pre-made options or ready to tile shower niches, which could range from $200-$500 or more. You could also build your own shower niche, which would require the purchase of the necessary materials (tile, mortar, grout, etc.
) and could cost less overall than purchasing a pre-made solution. Ultimately, the cost of a shower niche is something that can be determined by what type of niche you’re looking for and the materials you have access to.
Should a shower niche be a different tile?
Yes, a shower niche should be a different tile. Incorporating a different tile in the niche creates a visual focus in the shower, draws the eye to the niche, and creates an aesthetically pleasing look.
It also helps to protect the niche itself, as different tiles are typically more water-resistant than the wall tiles. Additionally, it can help to break up the pattern of the wall tiles, helping to create further visual interest.
Choosing a contrasting tile, or one that has a different texture or design, can further emphasize the niche and make it a standout feature. However, no matter the type of tile you choose, be sure it is waterproof and designed for use in wet areas.
What is a good shower niche size?
When selecting a shower niche size, it is important to consider the size of your shower, the size and number of products you plan to store in the niche, and the overall design of the bathroom. In general, shower niches should be at least 8 inches wide and can range up to 18 inches wide depending on the size of your shower and the number of items you plan to store.
In terms of height, your shower niche should be fit even with the height of the tile surrounding it. If you plan to store large bottles of shampoo or body wash in the niche, you may want to go with a larger niche (12” – 18” wide) to ensure it fits comfortably.
Additionally, if your shower is quite spacious, a larger shower niche may add to the overall aesthetic of the bathroom. Ultimately, selecting a shower niche size should be based on what makes sense for your bathroom, considering the size and design.
Do shower niches get moldy?
Yes, shower niches can definitely get moldy, especially if they are not properly maintained. In order to prevent mold from growing in shower niches, it’s important to clean out the niche regularly with a diluted bleach solution, remove any built up soap scum, and make sure all corners are completely dry after each use.
Additionally, it can help to install some sort of ventilation system to help provide proper air circulation in the shower niche and to ensure that excess moisture is not allowed to accumulate. If mold starts to appear, a stronger bleach solution may be necessary to properly eradicate it.
If the mold issue is severe and persists even after maintenance and cleaning, it may be necessary to consult a professional to get the problem fixed.
Are shower niches waterproof?
Yes, shower niches are waterproof. Many factors can come into play when it comes to whether a shower niche will be waterproof or not. A properly installed niche should be appropriately sealed with caulk and waterproofing membrane, paying extra attention to any seams or joints.
This will ensure that the shower niche stays dry and watertight, preventing water from accumulating and causing any damage. Additionally, it’s important to do an excellent, thorough job with the grout, making sure that there’s no gaps or spaces even with the tightest fit.
When contact between tiles and water is inevitable, as with shower niches, it’s important to also use a waterproof grout to ensure fixture integrity and watertightness. Finally, some shower niche products manufactured by reputable companies are stated to have a waterproof element built-in, typically provided in a kit.
Therefore, with the appropriate measures, shower niches can definitely be waterproof.
How do you tile around a shower niche?
When tiling around a shower niche, there are certain steps to follow to ensure a job well done. It requires careful preparation and the right materials.
To begin, start by marking the shelf’s top, bottom, and sides with a pencil or chalk. Make sure that these lines are straight and extend slightly beyond the edge of the shelf. You will also want to measure out the locations of each tile on the niche walls.
Next, you need to create a grid using a level, a builder’s square, and a tape measure. This will ensure that the tiles are straight and level once they are in place.
Once your grid is created, mix up a small batch of adhesive that is appropriate for the type of tile you are working with. Spread the adhesive along the lines of the grid, making sure that the thickness is even.
Place the first tile in the grid and press firmly to set it in the adhesive. Continue working in sections until the entire niche has been tiled.
Be sure to allow the adhesive to dry completely before you grout the joints. When the grouting is complete, you can seal and caulk around the niche for a watertight seal.
With these steps, you should have no problem tiling around the shower niche. This ensures a professional result that will last for years to come.
Can you install shower niche after tile?
Yes, it is possible to install a shower niche after tiling. However, it is generally easier and recommended to install the niche prior to tiling, as it requires cutting the tiles which can be more difficult after they are already installed.
If you choose to install the niche after tiling, it is important to keep in mind that the niche should be waterproof to prevent any water damage to the surrounding walls. Additionally, you may need to use a stronger adhesive than traditional thinset mortar due to the extra weight of the niche.
You may also need to use grout to fill any gaps between the niche and the tiles in order to create a waterproof seal. In any case, it is important to consult a professional if you are not familiar with installation processes and have any additional questions.
Do you grout or caulk shower niche?
When it comes to tiling a shower niche, whether you should use grout or caulk depends largely on the type of tiles that are being used. If you are using natural stone tiles, then grout is often the most suitable option as the tiles need to be supported and the grout will prevent them from cracking and shifting over time.
Furthermore, grout provides an attractive seal around the perimeter of each tile, creating a defined edge.
On the other hand, if you are using ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles that do not need to be supported by grout, then caulk may be a better choice. Caulk is more flexible and can fill in any irregularities in the tiles’ edges, which prevents water from seeping into the shower niche.
Additionally, caulk is less likely to color or discolor due to water exposure, so it will maintain its original look for longer than grout.
Ultimately, when deciding between grout and caulk for a shower niche, it is important to consider the type of tiles that are being used. If you are using natural stone tiles, then grout should be the preferred option.
But if you are using ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles, then caulk may be more suitable.
How far from shower floor should a niche be?
The distance from the shower floor that a niche should be depends on the type of niche being installed and the presence of a shower pan. Generally speaking, niches should be mounted at least 6 to 8 inches above the top of the shower pan, if there is one.
If there is no shower pan, the niche should be mounted at least 6 inches above the floor of the shower to ensure water will not get into it and cause potential damage. Additionally, if installing multiple niches in a single shower, they should all be mounted at the same height to ensure a consistent look.
How do you support a tile above a niche?
In order to properly support a tile above a niche, it is important to make sure that the wall is structurally sound and can support the weight that will be added to it. The first step is to make sure that the wall is free of any cracks, chips, or loose material that could compromise its stability.
If the niche is being built into the wall for the first time then it may be necessary to reinforce the wall with additional studs and joists.
Once the wall is secure, a layer of tile backer board should be installed over it, followed by a layer of waterproofing material such as an alkali-resistant membrane. The tile should then be laid directly over the waterproof membrane using a good-quality thinset mortar and any necessary spacers.
Additional mortar should be used to secure and fill any gaps or irregularities, and a grout should be applied to finish the installation. To ensure the safety and longevity of the installation, it is important to wait at least 24 hours before grouting the area.
Where should shower niche be located?
Shower niches should be located in the walls of the shower or bathtub area, rather than outside of these areas. The niche should be positioned at a comfortable height, to make accessing the items inside easier.
When placed in the tiled shower walls, the shower niche should be centered between the showerhead and the opposite wall to ensure balance in the design. It should also be placed away from any grout lines or tile edges so that water doesn’t penetrate the wall behind or underneath the niche.
Consider incorporating vertical or horizontal lines when designing the niche, as these can make it look more aesthetically pleasing in the shower. Additionally, if the shower niche is meant for storage, it’s a good idea to build it with multiple pockets for easy organization.
How far off the floor is a shower niche?
Although the exact distance off the floor of a shower niche can vary, most are usually installed between 12 and 18 inches depending on the height of the user and the developer or builders’ preferences.
It is not uncommon for the top of the niche to be at eye level. When choosing a height for your shower niche, it is important to consider any shelves or tile above it, as well as the base of the shower, to ensure that your niche is properly aligned.
In addition, the tiles you choose for your shower niche should match the size of the niche. Careful planning is essential for a proper installation.
Where does the niche go in a bathtub shower combo?
The niche in a bathtub shower combo typically goes in the shower area, on the wall above or near the shower head. The niche provides a convenient place to store items such as shampoo, conditioner, and body soap that are used regularly.
It is important to choose the location of the niche carefully so it does not interfere with the water flow from your shower head. If possible, it is best to have the niche far enough away from the head so that water does not splash inside.
It is also a good idea to install a waterproof backing behind the niche to protect your wall and ensure that no water leaks occur.