QA

Quick Answer: Are Shower Niches A Good Idea

Should a shower have a niche?

Q: Should we put an inset niche in our new custom tile shower? A: Yes, yes indeedy you definitely should! This is a no-brainer, even if you yourself only use one single bar of soap for washing everything (hair, face, feets, etc).

Are shower niches hard to clean?

Don’t Install the Wrong Shower Niche Shelf This is often a the most regrettable shelf option because it’s difficult to clean (especially the corners), and the grout lines stain and get moldy. These shelves are so popular because they’re subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most.

How much should a tiled shower cost?

The standard shower is 90 – 100 square feet, and you will need an additional 10 – 15 square feet for the floor if you don’t use a shower pan. Therefore, the average total cost to tile a shower is $2,875. However, the typical range is $1,000 to $3,500.

Do shower niches get moldy?

When a custom niche is built well, it can look very sturdy, solid and deceptively waterproof. This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. The rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.………. something you can easily avoid.

How do you keep a shower niche clean?

A square or rectangular niche design has corners and crevices that can make it difficult to remove grime. Overzealous cleaning and harsh chemicals can also remove waterproofing and damage grout. To clean these areas, use a surface-approved, spray-and-rinse cleaner that can reach every cranny.

How do you build a shower wall niche?

  1. Step 1: Measure and mark tiles for Niche placement.
  2. Step 2: Build your Niche to the size you desire.
  3. Step 3: Attach your built niche into the studs.
  4. Step 4: Add your Cement board to all sides of your niche.
  5. Step 5: Finishing Shower Niche- Tape, thin set, and water proofing membrane.
  6. Step 6: Tile your niche!

Where should a shower niche be placed?

Positioning your niche at chest to eye-level is a good standard. This translates to a height of about 48 to 60 inches. Ideally, you’ll want to position your niche to fit between the studs which are usually located 16 inches apart. But many contractors can help you with planning the space for a more custom look.

What is the best size for a shower niche?

When putting a shower niche in an existing wall, 12”w x 24”h is a good size. It allows the niche to fit between studs which are often 16 inches apart. With a glass shelf at 12 inches this creates 2 feet of shelf space. The typical depth of a shower niche is 3.5 inches, the width of a wood stud.

How do I keep my shower shelves clean?

Pour 2-3 cups of vinegar and add ½ cup baking soda into the tub or sink. Fill the tub or sink with enough water till the shower caddy is fully submerged. Leave it to soak in baking soda, water, and vinegar solution for approximately 30 minutes.

Can shower niche go on outside wall?

The foam niches are made from a foam called polystyrene. Now the pre-made foam niches come 4 inches deep. This is to allow for 3.5 inch wall stud (common in interior walls) and 1/2 inch tile backer board. Since the niche will go on an exterior wall (5.5 inches instead of 3.5) this gives 2 inches of unused space.

How much does it cost to install a niche?

What’s the cost to install a wall niche? The contractor cost to install a wall niche is $411 compared with doing it yourself for $225 and saving 45 percent. Adjust the home improvement and repair cost with your ZIP Code.

How do you waterproof a shower niche?

Waterproof Shower Niche

  1. To waterproof a tiled niche, apply waterproof backerboard to the inside surfaces of the niche.
  2. Next, apply waterproof membrane, bedding it in unmodified thinset.
  3. With the waterproofing complete, install the tile starting with the bottom of the niche, which should have a slight pitch for drainage.

How much does it cost to install a shower niche?

Installing a new shower costs $3,876 on average, with a typical range of $1,407 and $6,396. The total depends mostly on the size and style. A 32” square stall runs $750 to $2,500, compared to $1,200 to $6,350 for a custom design.

How much does labor cost to tile a shower?

Cost to Tile a Shower Shower tiles can cost anywhere from 50 cents to $85 per square foot depending on the tiles selected. Including the cost of other materials and labor, you can expect the project to cost somewhere in the range of $650 to $9,100.

What are the best shower wall panels?

The best choices (IMHO) by interior design styles are listed below: Contemporary – Choose high gloss acrylic or contemporary high gloss laminate panels. Traditional – Consider cultured marble and cultured granite, marble pattern PVC composite or textured slate laminate wall panels.

Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?

Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.

What is the best waterproofing for shower?

Best Waterproofing Membrane for Shower:

  • Laticrete Hydro Barrier.
  • CUSTOM BLDG PRODUCTS LQWAF1-2 Redgard Waterproofing.
  • USG DUROCK Brand Liquid Waterproofing Membrane.
  • Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense.
  • Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane Roll.
  • Schluter Kerdi 108 Sq Ft Waterproofing Membrane.
  • RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane.