Learn how to install a shower bath recess to increase lavatory repositing .
Marty Baldwin
A shower corner throw the most of the space in the bathroom to ensure that bather have a place to keep their shampoo , conditioner , soap , body wash , body scouring , skimming ointment , and more . This addition to the shower can also ameliorate the aesthetics , making the bathroom more attractive for client , occupant , or prospective buyers . apply this guide to con how to install a shower recession when remodeling the lavatory .
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Size and Location
It ’s necessary to adjudicate on the best size for the shower niche and to calculate out where to install it . prefabricate shower niches are sold in a variety of sizes , though the most common cadence 12 in by 12 inches . Avid DIYers may choose to establish acustom shower niche , which allow you to determine the sizing and shape of the design .
When it comes to the location of the shower niche , it ’s of import to recognise the potential problem that could occur if you were to install it on an exterior rampart . Not only does this post limit the amount of insulant between the outside and the inside of the family , but it can also conduct to a work up - up of condensing inside the walls . Additionally , you should deflect installing the shower recess on the same wall as the showerhead because this wall will have several pipes running through it .
Ideally , the exhibitioner niche should be positioned between two stud at a height that is well-heeled for most bathers to reach . you’re able to also create a narrative perch with an aluminum straightedge by pit off the tile spatial arrangement . This layout dick will help determine where to frame the ecological niche to head off clumsy tile emplacement . Take some time to decide on the ideal sizing and placement for the shower bath niche before you begin this task .
Prefabricated vs. Custom Shower Niche
Before set about a shower recess initiation project you need to decide whether you will be instal a prefabricated exhibitor ecological niche or design and build up a custom shower niche .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Install a Shower Niche
Measure and Mark the Niche Location
The shower niche will typically be install between two studs . Use a tape measure measure to measure out and strike off the placement where the shower recession will be install . you’re able to also create a story pole using your aluminum straightedge . Simply mark off the roofing tile spacing on the straightedge with a part of chalk . Include the gaps between each tile for the grout lines .
This layout tool will help ascertain where to frame the recess to avoid awkward roofing tile positioning . Transfer the layout mark from the tale perch to the rivet , so that you do n’t require to hold the story pole while you work .
Frame the Shower Niche
appraise the distance between the studs , then utilize a miter joint saw to sheer two 2x4s of equal length . These two pieces of set up lumber will be used as horizontal block for the top and bottom of the shower niche .
Double determine the tallness of the cascade recess , then use a practice to instal the shower corner blocking . Keep in idea that you should always compose the niche at least 3/4 - inch to 1 - in larger to account for waterproofing materials , mortar , backerboard , and tile .
Add Waterproofing Materials
practice flexible , ego - adhesive flashing to seal the niche . When employ the flashing membrane , ensure to overlap each strip by at least an inch over the one below , ensure that any water is shed down the wall alternatively of being pin inside .
Next , add a polyethylene vaporisation retarder to keep the framing teetotal . Attach the vapor retarder straight to the studs with staple fiber , but check that to twofold - layer each corner for extra security .
curve out the shower niche opening with a usefulness tongue . The bottom funnies of flashing tissue layer should overlap the vapor retarder at the base of the shower niche . Then , use silicone polymer caulking to seal the edges and any staple holes .
Install Cement Backerboard
Measure and cut cementum backerboard with a usefulness knife , then attach the backerboard straight off to the studs using your drill . thin out out the shower niche porta and apply narrow-minded cartoon strip of backerboard to trace the top , back , sides , and bottom of the exhibitor recession .
Mount Prefabricated Shower Niche Insert
If you are work up a custom shower niche , skip to the next step . For those using a prefabricated shower niche insert , you will necessitate toapply silicone caulkor joint sealant to adequately seal and waterproof any opening in the cement backerboard before installing the shower recess insert .
When you are quenched that the basketball backboard is properly seal , lend oneself a uninterrupted bead of joint sealant on all four internal edges of the cascade niche opening . slue the prefabricated shower recess insert into the opening , then practice a putty knife to smoothen out any excess sealant .
It ’s recommended to apply a second uninterrupted bead of joint sealant or silicone caulk around the edge of the shower ecological niche underframe to ensure that water will not get inside the wall .
enforce a ½-inch continuous beadwork of joint sealer on all 4 inner edges of the wallboard in the opening . Place the recess in the opening . Smooth out the excess sealant with a standard putty tongue .
Tape and Mud the Shower Niche
If you are building a tradition shower recess , then the next footmark is to cover each join and gap in the shower recess backerboard with net mag tape .
After tap the cascade niche , utilize a trowel or putty tongue to apply thinset mortar . Wait for the trench mortar to dry , then use a sanding block to knock down any imperfections .
Apply about a ½-inch layer of mortar on the bottom of the shower niche and practice a grade to control that it squish forward at a slight rake . This side should let water to menstruate out of the cascade ecological niche without being so exorbitant as to cause bars or soap or bottle of shampoo to slue out .
Tile the Shower Niche
Once the shower niche is in place and you have evened out the top , sides , back , and fundament , it ’s time to tile . set off by installing a row of roofing tile on the bottom of the shower recess , followed by the tile for the back of the niche .
Ideally , the tiles in the back of the recess should be prevail moneyed to the upper side of the bottom tile . Next , deploy the tiles on the sides of the exhibitioner niche , and finally put in the tiles for the top of the cascade niche . you could keep the top tiles in space by wedging two vertical slice of wood into the shower corner while the trench mortar dries .
