How to Install a Shower Niche: The Ultimate Guide

Hey there! I‘m Lillie, your go-to expert for all things home improvement and renovations. Adding a shower niche is one of the most popular projects that I help homeowners tackle, and for good reason – shower niches add loads of function and style to your bathroom.

In this guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through the entire process, from choosing the right niche to properly waterproofing and installing it like a pro. I‘ll also share some insider tips I‘ve learned from 15 years of hands-on experience, so you can avoid common mistakes.

Let‘s dive in and get you set up with your dream shower niche!

Choosing the Perfect Shower Niche

Before we start knocking down walls, let‘s get clear on exactly what you need and want for your new shower niche. Here are some important considerations:

Size

Standard shower niche sizes range from:

• Small: 12” x 12”
• Medium: 16” x 16”
• Large: 18” x 36”

Take measurements of the shower wall area where you plan to install the niche and buy accordingly. Remember, you can always go a little smaller but not bigger!

Placement

Most homeowners prefer to install their niche on the back wall of the shower for easy access. However, niches can work well placed on the side walls too, especially in corner shower layouts.

Think about your normal shower routine – do you tend to face the back or side wall more often? Place it wherever your body naturally faces for maximum convenience.

Material

Choose a waterproof material such as:

• Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
• Stainless Steel
• Waterproof Laminates
• Tempered Glass
• Acrylic

Avoid wood, drywall, or particle board that will warp and degrade from moisture over time.

Style

Common niche styles include:

• Rectangle
• Arch
• Oval
• Corner
• L-Shaped

Match your bathroom’s current design for a cohesive look.

Pre-Installation Steps

Before you start knocking down walls, take these important precautions:

Turn Off Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valve for the shower and turn off the water supply. This avoids any accidental water damage while the niche is being installed.

Inspect Behind the Walls

Use a stud finder to detect studs or plumbing behind the wall. Mark their locations to avoid collision when cutting into the walls.

Gather Materials

You’ll need:

• Shower niche
• Thinset mortar
• Cement backerboard
• Tiles (if tiling around niche)
• Caulk/waterproof sealant
• Grout

Safety First!

Wear goggles and a particle mask when cutting to protect yourself from debris. Work carefully using level lines and secure footing on a ladder or scaffolding if needed.

Installing Your Shower Niche

Now comes the fun part! The installation technique will vary slightly depending on your shower wall material:

Tile Shower Walls

Step 1: Cut Out Niche Opening

Use a grinder or oscillating multi-tool to cut away existing tiles where the niche will be installed. Wear eye and face protection!

Step 2: Cut Hole in Drywall

Measure niche size and use a drywall saw or jigsaw to cut an opening in the shower wall.

Step 3: Install Cement Backerboard

Cut cement backerboard to fit inside the wall cavity. Press it in place with thinset mortar to waterproof.

Step 4: Apply Thinset to Niche

Spread a layer of thinset on the back of the niche and stick it firmly into the opening. Use shims to level it out.

Step 5: Seal With Waterproof Caulk

Caulk around the outside edges with a flexible, waterproof caulk. Smooth neatly with a wet finger.

Step 6: Re-tile the Walls

Cut tile pieces to fit around the niche opening. Stagger the grout lines uniformly.

Step 7: Grout and Seal

After grouting, seal the inside of the niche with waterproof grout sealant before using shower.

Fiberglass Shower Walls

Step 1: Cut Niche Opening

Measure niche size, mark opening with pencil, and use a jigsaw to cut hole. Go slowly to avoid cracks.

Step 2: Smooth Edges

Use a metal file to round off any rough fiberglass edges left from cutting.

Step 3: Test Fit Niche

Do a dry run before permanently attaching niche to ensure proper fit.

Step 4: Attach Niche

Apply silicone adhesive on niche back, insert into opening, and press firmly until edges are flush.

Step 5: Caulk Exterior

Apply steady caulk bead where niche and wall meet. Smooth with wet finger.

Step 6: Seal Interior

Once adhesive dries, seal all inside corners and seams with waterproof acrylic latex caulk.

Acrylic Surround Showers

Step 1: Locate Studs

Find and mark stud locations behind the wall using a stud finder.

Step 2: Outline Niche Size

Measure niche and draw level outline on the wall with pencil.

Step 3: Cut Openings

Carefully use jigsaw to follow outlined shape when cutting niche opening.

Step 4: Smooth Edges

Gently file or sand to soften any rough cuts on the acrylic surround.

Step 5: Test Fit

Do a dry run to ensure proper fit before permanently attaching the niche.

Step 6: Attach to Studs

Screw back of niche securely into wall studs using provided hardware.

Step 7: Caulk Exterior

Apply steady bead of caulk where niche meets surround. Smooth neatly with wet finger.

Step 8: Seal Interior

Once dry, seal all inside corners and seams with waterproof latex acrylic caulk.

Niche Placement Tips

Proper niche placement is key both for function and aesthetics. Here are a few tips:

• Install 12-16 inches above shower floor to reduce risk of water damage from splashes.

• Place 6 inches minimum from corners to avoid moisture buildup.

• Center on wall for easiest everyday access.

• Ensure nearby fixtures like shower heads don’t obstruct access.

• In corner showers, installing on the diagonal wall gives you flexibility.

• Consistent placement from niche to niche creates a unified look.

Waterproofing Your Niche

Preventing leaks is crucial to avoid damage. Use these pro waterproofing tips:

Weep Holes

Buy a niche with built-in weep holes along the bottom to allow water drainage.

Slope Floor

Angle the bottom surface slightly forward so water doesn’t collect inside.

Seal Seams

Use silicone caulk on all seams between niche materials and shower walls.

Waterproof Backerboard

Line inside of wall cavity with cement backerboard prior to niche installation.

Tank Niche Interior

Waterproof the inside corners and seams with RedGard or similar sealant.

Grout Sealant

Apply grout sealant inside grouted tile niches for added water protection.

Avoid Wood & Drywall

Never use wood, MDF, or drywall to construct the niche. Only use waterproof materials.

Maintaining Your Niche

With proper installation, your niche should serve you well for years. Follow these care tips:

• Wipe down with non-abrasive cleanser after each shower to prevent buildup.

• Re-apply sealants and water repellants as needed over time.

• Avoid placing super heavy items that could loosen tiles or grout.

• Check periodically for new cracks or leaks and re-caulk as needed.

• Use soft cloths and gentle cleaners to prevent scratching.

• Limit moisture exposure by running bathroom fan during and after showers.

There you have it – everything you need to know to install a shower niche for hassle-free functionality and storage. Just take it slow, use waterproof materials, and don‘t be afraid to call a plumber if you need a hand.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help out with your home improvement projects.