Here is a primer that allows you to do this: https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. In conclusion..it would really be best if you installed your niche in an interior wall instead. Frame it like a window! However, you should pay attention to any cracks that may have occurred within the vertical grout lines above the H tub/tile margin. Most horizontal niches are built into the back shower wall; usually the longest, and therefore, the most flexible wall in your shower surround. Many clients tell me that they like the asymmetrical look and its very convenient to access. Maximizing Your Space: Where to Place a Shower Niche I would recommend at least 3 1/2 of space behind the niche if youre insulating the wall with fiberglass. You can refer to our mounting directions to get more details if you like, or you can email me at [emailprotected]. I would recommend that the entire perimeter mounting flange of the niche be supported by backing, and that the niche be attached to the backing on all 4 sides. Otherwise, you can place your shower niches wherever you want. This is the shower niche that we used in this bathroom. Its mounting flange would then be flush with the backer board surface with a slight gap around which would be sealed and waterproofing membrane installed. Concerns? The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. Tile Redi Redi Niche 16 in. W x 20 in. H x 4 in. D Shampoo - Soap Obviously, you are going to cut out where the shelf and niche go in the wall tile (unless you are using these new metal shelves from Schluter ). Acrylic tiles are lightweight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. But I would be grateful if you could let me know what would be the best way to do this? One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. You should also make sure the shelf is sloped slightly outwards. Hello again. The old-school traditional hand-fabricated shower niches have high chance of leaking problems Knowledge Center First time dealing with contractors, we really need . Yes, I agree that the structure required for a horizontal shower niche is the same as whats required for a window in an exterior wall. Their angled screws into marble caused the front edge of the hinge to pull away (walk back from the tile face). The rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.. Thanks for your help! Because of the poor workmanship that you have noticed with the tiling and niche installation, there is a pretty good chance that your shower niche has been compromised and moisture has already been leaking into the stud wall. When it comes to tiling substrates, it is always better to take this approach because you do not want this assembly to flex or your grout lines will eventually crack. The SN-2412 rectangular shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. If installing a shower niche on in interior wall, what do you suggest putting behind it to prevent someone from puncturing it from the other side? shower niche moisture problem | DIY Home Improvement Forum The last step is to seal grout lines. Any advice would be appreciated. In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. Is Drano Ok? This bathroom serves a bunk room that sleeps 8, hence wanting more storage. A properly installed niche will be less prone to water damage, warping, and other problems, and will provide a long-lasting and functional addition to your bathroom. The easiest option would be simply to install your shower niche below 3 feet. No matter how well sealed, every foundation wall will be relatively moist. There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . Really good article. Let grout cure according to manufacturer's directions. Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits, What Is a Rain Shower Head? The work doesnt seem to compromise the structural integrity of the wall (the work all remained on our side of the shared wall), and it seems appropriately fireproofed and waterproofed. Do you have any advice or suggestions please? I would suggest that you apply a VERY GOOD sheet waterproofing membrane, not a liquid membrane. The problem with one niche is that when we examined it it wasn't properly built. It will scratch and get foggy over time, and I would guess that harsh cleaners like bleach would accelerated this process. A fair bit of water deflects onto the shower walls in this area, so a bar of soap can become a sloppy mess and dissolve down the drain, if stored within this zone. It could certainly cause a problem in the long run even if you have a waterproofing membrane beneath the tile. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. Install shower niche. I think it would be reasonable for you to ask them to replace the frameless glass panel and door if it bothers you. Dont leave any air spaces around the niche or in that particular stud cavity (to eliminate air circulation). The first niche shown is a finished shower niche. Prevention tips: To prevent mold growth in your shower niche, it is important to take a proactive approach. In addition, the use of low-quality materials or insufficient ventilation can also contribute to warping in tile shower niche. The shower will be 4 6 x 6, with the 6 wall being the exterior wall. A single porcelain/ ceramic soap dish may not have been considered a significant breach in the original shower wall but a shower niche may be a different story. The other niche shown is a tilable foam shower niche that has a 1/2 thick foam perimeter flange that also serves as a mounting flange and a membrane bonding flange similar to the stainless steel niche. This is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. You may be thinking that a leak like this seems unlikely if the niche is properly tiled & grouted after construction, and you would be right for awhile. Another BIG one among shower niche install mistakes, is the construction of a custom horizontal tiled niche that compromises the structural integrity of the shower wall. But, here, the con for the Wedi shower system is that it is a bit expensive. Thanks for your article. There are gaps in the corner that would clearly lead to water leaking into the walls or at the least have moisture exposure. Sorry I couldnt come up with an easier solution. You are correct to be concerned about installing your shower niche in an outside wall unless there is at least 3 of insulation space behind the niche. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. Assuming this is correct, I would suggest that you install the shelf before the tile. Hey there . Acrylic is a type of plastic material that is known for its resistance to water, mold, and mildew, making it an ideal choice for use in wet environments such as bathrooms. The cracks often start as fine lines at the corners, which may not be immediately noticeable. The niche was on the outside wall but I built a second wall against it to give me the depth of the niche without disturbing the existing outer wall insulation, except for where I added another 24 for the rear wall of the niche for added support. The bathroom wall is 5 long, and once you get past that, you are in an unfinished space next door. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. Hi Steve, Great advice to everyone. Following this advice could save you the nightmare and expense of moisture and mold growth in your walls, and tearing out your dream shower to do the job correctly a second time. The problem is that these measures mostly address structural stresses applied from above, but do not often address the increased flexibility (reduction in rigidity) caused by cutting out the vertical framing. We will be using a prefab EZ-niche, thank you for the suggestion above of coating it with red guard for substrate adhesion, we wouldnt have thought about using that since the niche is water proof by design. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. Thoughts? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, these features can also experience various problems that can detract from the overall look and functionality of the shower whether it is a walk-in shower or traditional. To begin, it is important to clean and prepare the surface of the niche thoroughly. Residential and Commercial; Professional Sewage and Drain Cleaning Follow the directions to make sure it dries thoroughly. last year. Both if we wanted to keep the niche? Causes of poor installation can include using substandard materials, insufficient preparation of the shower wall, and failure to follow proper waterproofing membrane installation procedures. This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. Shower niche - not waterproof bc of gap | Terry Love Plumbing Advice I might also suggest that you get another contractor in for a second opinion about the work. If youve not yet committed to a shower niche, check out my Complete Shower Niche Guide. I ended up putting in additional studs in all the walls because the walls in this closet turned shower had the most impractical stud spacing, nothing below 18 on center, some as high as 26. Just a thought. Hi Steve In our new shower, we built a knee wall in front of an exterior wall to put a shelf on. Generally speaking, its not good to install the vertical tile (or stone) first because water that runs off the vertical tile surfaces could settle at the gap between the floor and wall tile. At least with this type of install, you can waterproof the wall recess properly. Please leave a comment below if youd like to ask any specific questions about shower niche installation. We wish we would have gone with an Onyx shower surround. I saved and reglazed the tub and it looks (performs) wonderful. Beyond that, you must do everything you can to limit water vapor transmission through the shower wall. What are some alternatives to a shower niche? Do you have any suggestions? Will it help with moisture behind the niche? Super solid, super rigid, and super safe, because the original wall structure remains completely intact. Good luck with your niche install, and let me know if you need anymore info! The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. And if the niche is mounted in an outside wall, this is a whole other ball game. The back of the niche tile is what we would like to remove, the sides and border tiles are fine. Marble can discolor quite easily if not sealed, but you should always keep it clean because sealers are not perfect (nor permanent). In this post, Ill provide step by step instructions onRead More How to Install a Corner Shelf in an Already Tiled Shower, If youre looking to improve your shower storage and you only want a small scale shower remodel, you should consider installing a corner shower shelf.Read More 7 Best Corner Shower Shelf Options for New AND Existing Showers, If youre interested in building your own custom tiled shower niche, look no further! Step 2. felizlady. We want to use a single-piece of marble for the shelf. Checking the grout lines regularly and addressing any issues promptly can also help to maintain the integrity and functionality of the shower niche over time. If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. It is an exterior wall to a garage that is insulated. The miscalculated using measurement for a walk in shower I believe, rather than glass on tub. Thank you for your comment. Regularly inspecting and resealing the niche as needed can help to ensure that it remains properly sealed and protected against water damage and other problems. Thank you for the article. It isnt going to be quite as stain and scratch-resistant as quartz, but I think it would be safe, waterproof, durable, and easy to clean (potentially even bleach-cleanable). It would work better to reduce moisture behind the niche. The safest way to get a good deal on scraps is to buy them as is, and get your tile installer to cut it. There were so many things done that we now realize were probably not done well/correctly. 7 Common Shower Problems (And How to Fix Them) - Home Repair Ninja This sheet will only provide a condensation surface for moisture. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. In general its always the best idea to mount / build your tiled or finished shower niche in a wall that is not an outside facing wall. I trim around it Is it too late to add some type of trim now ? Maybe this isnt such a good idea? If your new horizontal niche will span more than a couple of wall studs, the safest way to build your shower niche into this wall is to construct a new wall adjacent to it, to contain the niche. Some contractors do not even install the minimal surrounding structure required, which profoundly compromises the walls structural rigidity. I have a niche install on an outside wall and now is bad condensation, I have the builders coming back to rectify. I cant seem to find any information about removing and replacing tiles in a shower niche though, so Im just not sure how to go about this. The causes of this issue can range from improper installation, poor waterproofing, or wear and tear over time. Shower Niche Installation Tips and Tricks - Making Manzanita I have never seen any fire rating on any foam backer board. Complete Steam Shower Pros and Cons, Goodbye Grime: 7 Steps on How to Clean a Walk-In Shower, Walk-in Shower Pros and Cons: A Complete Guide, Walk-in Shower vs. Tub: The Ultimate Showdown, What Is a Walk-In Shower and Why You Should Have One, Everything you need to know about using a bidet for enema, How Do You Use A Bum Gun? All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. Wow! . If everything looks good behind the niche (no moisture or mold), then I would leave the niche alone until you do a full shower remodel. Causes of poor installation: Poor installation of a custom shower niche is a common problem that can lead to a range of issues, including leakage, water damage, and warping. If Im understanding your situation correctly, there are a few problems with this installation, needless to say. For a shower remodeling project in Northeast Ohio call Cleveland Design and Remodeling at 216-658-1270 or The Bath Doctor in Columbus at 614-252-3242. No gaps, no cracks. Your bar soap will probably slip off the shelf, but you dont want water pooling at the base of the wall tiles regardless of how well youve sealed this margin. I would have to agree with you. Wipe away the excess grout with a clean, wet sponge. It's hard to look away, for better or for worse. Pros and Cons of Frameless Shower Doors: Worth It? Sometimes this is a bearing wall that the structural integrity of your home depends on, and sometimes its not. Is there anything that you can tell me that might ease my concerns about the HOA wanting to inspect our unit for any potential damage to shared walls which they said they have the right to do from time to time as written in the CC&R? I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. The Guide To Your Bidet Shower, Reviewed: 6 Best Electric Portable Bidets For Travel, The Best 5 Bidet Sprayers aka Bum Guns For Your Butt, Top 4 Toilet Bidet Combos for a Spa-Like Bathroom Oasis, What to Do When Toilet Flushes but Poop Stays. In other words, its very difficult to say for certain if it will work out well in the end, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the risk if you really want to build this niche. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. I think it would be a good idea to get some kind of written assurance from your tiling contractor that your shower was rebuilt by qualified installers following the industry best practices. The only thing I would suggest is that you keep them out of the splash zone just because its more convenient to access when you are showering. A bit more expensive for the material but its usually the go to shelf alternative for most tiled shower niches. If I understand you correctly, you have furred out the wall to create a ledge upon which you will affix a marble shelf. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. After a shower wall is tiled, its too risky to attempt to repair or re-build a shower niche at this point. Or keep the background of the shelf super neutral. Installing a waterproof membrane behind the niche and using high-quality grout and sealants can help to prevent water damage and reduce the risk of warping. If there is no moisture issues behind the niche, you could consider applying new tile over the old tile at the back of the niche. The tile is then applied on the shower wall as usual, but the hole is left exposed so the retrofit shower niche can later be inserted into it. The temperature variation between inside and outside is large enough to cause condensation behind your niche if any moisture makes it behind your niche. I would use the 5/8 or 3/4 thickness for extra structural stability, cut to size and glued together with a polyurethane sealant like Dap polyurethane sealant. Thanks so much for the helpful article. The seven most common shower problems are: Clogging and Inefficient Draining Low Water Pressure Noisy Shower Rattling Shower Pipes Leaky Shower Head or Faucet Bad Smells Inconsistent Temperature Let's discuss them in more detail along with how you can fix them 1 - Clogging and Inefficient Draining You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. My question is about the installation of that shelf. Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. Thoughts? #1. What about horizontal placement in the long wall?Vertical placement on the long wall? The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Even if it is not, I would still suggest the same solution (below). It would be great if you could fur out that wall to make it a bit thicker. Check out ourPrivacy Policyfor more info. The niche that my contractor purchased is a retrofit model. The smooth surface of acrylic tiles makes them easy to clean, as they do not absorb moisture and are resistant to the buildup of soap scum and other types of dirt and debris an ideal material for a preformed niche. It would also be important for you to remove the vapor retarder plastic sheet in this wall. I would suggest that you pack loose insulation around the niche and behind it. Chances are that you will damage the waterproofing membrane (if there is one) or damage the backer board (might even be gypsum wallboard). Looking for opinions on whether y'all think this is a shower pan problem or possibly slow drip from the niche, which is what I'm thinking as it seems to be . I did a bit more research and I have seen some people do it this way (I guess the old fashion way??) I am happy to help! Rethinking the Shower Niche (& Why I Think The Ledge Is "Next") They claim 56 height is industry standard. Not the other way around. In addition, regular cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of the niche, as it prevents water damage and other problems that can result from accumulated dirt and debris. The company that we are considering for the repairs plans to just caulk over the grout, including the space where the grout has broken out. Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. question about shower niche and placement of handshower/corner shelves You say that youre hesitant to do this, but it is the most common place to install a standard shower niche (other than horizontal). I am not surprised about the $1,200 quote. You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. 3) he recommend us a 1/32 grout size for a 12*24 rectified tile for easy to clean it although the manufacturer recommends 1/8. Each of these materials has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, including durability, resistance to water, ease of maintenance, and cost. Really appreciate the info on the structural issues with long niches. Hi Steve In fact, this is a common shower niche placement as it is easily accessible and provides ample storage space for items like shampoo, conditioner, and shower steamers. What Liquids Can You Use To Unclog A Toilet? The niche is placed into this hole, and the outer flange on the niche is pressed against the tile. The Durock Shower Niche is the only plastic niche that I would ever recommend because it has a coating applied to its surface to facilitate mortar bonding. Hi! In my opinion, all niches should bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane whether theyre finished stainless steel or prefab tiled. 5 BIG Shower Niche Install Mistakes to Avoid in your Shower Remodel Your email address will not be published. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. For Freestanding/Overhead Showers. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? We are in Chicago which of course gets very cold in winter. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. not a great look. Your best bet it to remove some tile around the niche, open the wall, remove the niche, install some new bracing between the studs, insert insulation to re-fill the niche cavity, then patch the hole with a new piece of backer board (attached to the new bracing). It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. Whether youre looking to increase accessibility, save space, or simply, Having the right shower head can make all the difference when it comes to taking a shower. We also ran lighting by philips Hue strips in the niche. And please let me know if you need more help, and good luck with your project! When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. Additionally, cleaning the niche with a mildew-resistant cleaner can help to keep it free of mold and mildew. Slant the bottom of the niche just enough so that water flows out of it, but not so much that bars of soap and bottles of shampoo slide out. I suggest that you please re-read that section of my 5BSNIM post so you are aware of the risks, and the additional structure required for this type of installation. I think we will eventually be replacing all the tile because of this, but right now my biggest concern is the tile niche in our guest bathroom. Although this niche should be totally waterproof, I would also suggest that you apply a good quality waterproofing membrane to the interior of the niche when youre waterproofing the shower wall, just to be safe. what about a niche the full length of a 5 foot shower. put up cement board and Regard to the ceiling. Im assuming from your description that your contractor did not do this, but if he installed the back framing I described above, the niche could still be attached, the gap sealed, and a strip of waterproofing membrane applied. You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. The shower niche may be a bit off-center, but it's purpose is simply to hold shampoo, soap or other bath needs. Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. See more info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. 1-piece shower niche with recessed shelf Perfect for storing soaps, shampoos, razors, and other shower supplies Install either horizontally or vertically to best suit your shower Ready to tile: install tile directly on niche surface Customize shelf with the tile of your choice to fit the look and feel of your shower (tile not included) These options offer similar storage and organizational benefits to a shower niche but do not require cutting into the shower wall. They left it open meaning I can see through from the outside/inside of the shower and when getting down and looking at the quartz/tile junction. Thank you for your comment! I believe industry standard height is 44-48? This includes ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom, using waterproof materials, and cleaning the shower niche tile regularly. When designing a niche; however, there are some important details to consider. Unfortunately, attempting to remove tiles in the niche or anywhere on the shower wall is a difficult and risky procedure. These options offer similar storage and organizational benefits to a shower niche but do not require cutting into the shower wall.Shower caddies and baskets can be hung from the showerhead or shower rod, while shower shelves can be installed on the wall using brackets or adhesive. It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. Consider the height and location of the niche within the shower, as well as the items you will be storing in the niche. Shower Shelving | Shower Storage Solutions | KOHLER LuxStone Showers If Im understanding you correctly, it is a very typical alcove style shower with a 6 back wall (outside wall) and two 46 side walls, one of which is the valve wall. The encouraging thing about prefab foam niches is that it should never leak even if water pools at the base (unless its been damaged). The fact that you live in Florida does make the outside wall problem a little less of a problem than if you were living in an area that experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations seasonally. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Learn how your comment data is processed. Yes, it is possible to add a shower niche to an existing shower. Can You Let It Sit? Its always great to hear from a fellow contractor. Stucco exterior. For this reason, the wall opposite the shower head is the most popular place for shower niches. Chances are that you will destroy the niche in the process. To be sure, you really should consult a local contractor familiar with the insulation and vapour control requirements in your area. If you have a steam shower that you love to spend time in then having a shower niche is a wonderful addition, for example. Tips for proper installation: To ensure proper installation of your shower niche, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced tile installer who is familiar with the tile shower niche materials and techniques required for a successful installation. As far as I am aware, the Redblock niche and the Easy Drain niche are the only stainless steel niches designed to bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. for pricing and availability. Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? And please let me know if you have anymore questions. The only difference is that if you install a thinner panel like the acrylic type, the perimeter flange will protrude a little from the finished acrylic wall surface. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. Its accomplished with framing protocols to comply with your local codes. Installing a shower niche can be a deceptively complicated and risky endeavour, but it is possible to avoid the 5 big shower niche install mistakes. I think its great that you use rigid foam to insulate behind the niche because of its high R value. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info. Is It Worth It to Convert a Tub to a Shower? Tile shower pan, tile shower base, tile ready shower pan. Any ideas on how this might work best? An outside facing shower wall no matter how its constructed, needs to be insulated adequately.