This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. The constant water exposure and regular temperature changes makes the shower environment quite unforgiving. Shower Niche Alfie | Wayfair This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. I am not surprised about the $1,200 quote. If this happens, you will make things a lot worse than they already are. However, even the smallest cracks allow moisture to seep in and penetrate through the seams of the backer board, reaching the underlying framing and damaging the entire shower wall. Repair options: If your shower niche has already become warped, there are several repair options available. What are some alternatives to a shower niche? I am remodeling my master bath down to the studs. 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. Any suggestions would help me! Preventive measures: To avoid leaking, it is important to take preventive measures during the shower niche installation process. I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. Theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing a job correctly! That would make things a lot easier. We are doing an accessible shower for my son but the bathroom will also be used by guests who come to visit. I am in the midwest (St. Louis) and planning a shower niche in a basement bathroom on an outside wall that is completely underground as well as having a 6 deep front porch beyond that so there will be no outside air hitting that wall at all. You can also check out my Shower Niche Guide if youd like to see an example of a tiled niche and the tile edge trim that your contractor was likely referring to. That may be your best evidence for your HOA in case they have any questions. You should be able to easily find a large format natural stone or quartz composite tile, 3/8 to 1/2 thick. A bead of silicon around its perimeter completes the installation. 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 is difficult to install a waterproof membrane after the fact. So now Im contemplating what to do. A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. If you said no, you would be correct. Can these Niche shower boxs be finished with shower boards as oppose to tilling? We already completed a shower wall niche in our HOA-controlled townhouse in a shared wall. Slow Flushing Toilet? In wall directly under the shower head. The SN-1212 square 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. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. Stucco exterior. No matter how tight the joints may look in a newly constructed niche, they will not keep water from penetrating and running into the stud cavity if it is not properly waterproofed. Sorry I couldnt come up with an easier solution. Shower Niche problems - Houzz Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. These horizontal niches are the epitome of opulence, sometimes spanning the entire shower wall and offering a huge area for storage. If youre interested in this shower niche shelf or all kinds of other shower shelves, you can check out my shower niche shelf post. The niches were not built with the proper tilt to drain forward. Tenants will usually be hanging a picture or coat hanger; probably nothing below 4 feet in other words. Only a small temperature differential can cause the moisture in this shower wall to condense on the inside of the wall. Shulter has two niches that are longer, both of which have an adjustable 2" dividing shelf to customize your required size. All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. Maximizing Your Space: Where to Place a Shower Niche 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) Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. Thoughts? Installing porcelain tile on the shower wall instead of ceramic with a sealed grout like Mapei Flexcolor CQ, will also greatly reduce vapor transmission into the wall. Depth of a Shower Niche. The shower niche inserts generally come 16" wide so they fit directly between your wall studs, which are spaced out 16 on center. 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. Its great to hear that people like yourself are getting some useful info from my posts. The extra 2 cantilever shouldnt be a problem as long as its supported fully underneath. Yes, our stainless steel recessed shower niches can be finished with any type of shower panel or shower board. Do you see any problem doing this? Just to be clear its the type of niche that you have chosen to install thats likely the problem, not your contractors installation strategy. You should also make sure the shelf is sloped slightly outwards. I recently remodelled my wifes retreat bath using a Schluter pre-fabricated niche and it saved so much time and hassle. Two Heads Better Than One: Are His and Hers Showers Worth It? But even if you are planning to go the much safer route and install a pre-manufactured tiling niche or finished niche, you still must adhere to a few rules and procedures. Can you shower when the power is out? Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. Even without a shower niche, this can easily occur within a 3 1/2 stud wall in the colder months, especially if theres no waterproofing membrane on the shower wall. Cleaning Difficulties Deep and dark surface recesses can make it difficult to see when cleaning. Bathroomaholic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It depends a lot on how cold it gets in the garage but even if it doesnt reach freezing temperature, moisture could still easily condense in the stud cavity. Planning Shower Niches- Eight Essentials to Keep in Mind How to apply sealant: Applying sealant to the shower niche is a straightforward process that can be done by most homeowners. 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 . The SN-1212 square 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. 2023 Bathroomaholic - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. The long shower wall backs a walk in closet. 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. Good luck with your new shower remodel project, AND enjoy your new shower niche! You can place them beside each other horizontally or vertically on the back wall. Then apply silicon caulking (only 100% silicon) to fill the voids. 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. In addition to cleaning, it is important to inspect the shower niche regularly for any signs of damage or other issues, and address them promptly to maintain the functionality and appearance of the niche over time. Thank you for your comment! Although your outside wall may not be subject to the same temperature changes as an exposed outside wall, foundation walls like this can be troublesome because of moisture. This extra flexibility can be limited by installing a structural header over top of the niche opening. 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). Schluter makes some very nice ones! Beyond that, you must do everything you can to limit water vapor transmission through the shower wall. Cut and glue/caulk the Palisade/Dumawall tile to cover the sides of the shower niche. This will improve the R-value behind the niche and reduce the chance of moisture reaching the niche. what about a niche the full length of a 5 foot shower. Carefully! I like the Redblock corner shelf design; especially the fact that it doesnt interfere with the waterproofing membrane and its a bit more transitional design than the Schluter option. Firstly As you can see by the screw holes around its perimeter, this niche is designed to be screwed into framing members that your contractor should have installed prior to installing the tile backer board (the board that the tiles are attached to). ALFI brand. Shower Ledges vs Niches: Which Option is Right for You? 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. Step 2. Its was a perfect job except when the frameless glass was installed, the installers drilled the glass for the towel bar and handle at a whopping 56 above the ground. Whether you are bathroom remodeling, building a new home, or simply upgrading your current shower, there are many reasons why it is a perfect solution. 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. Tile shower pan, tile shower base, tile ready shower pan. Am I right? Durability and resistance to water: When choosing materials for your shower niche, it is important to consider their durability and resistance to water. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. 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. I would suggest that you pack loose insulation around the niche and behind it. See more info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. 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. 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. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. Importance of sealing: Sealing the shower niche is an important step in preventing water damage, warping, and other problems associated with shower niches. Depending on the degree of moisture, I may not insulate the existing wall so air can circulate between the shower wall and foundation wall. Just a thought. And some moisture will pretty much always make it behind your niche. But it really has to do with the thickness of your outside wall. Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. This sheet will only provide a condensation surface for moisture. nothing. The membrane bonding flange mounts on the backer board surface with screws, and the waterproofing membrane is attached to the top surface of this flange (as seen in the above image). Check out our Privacy Policy for more info. I am not sure I understand exactly what you are describing, but it sounds like your contractor is creating a waterproof recess out of hydroban board to accommodate the niche. If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. Thanks Jay. Regardless of the results, I would install another stud wall adjacent to your existing wall and insulate this wall. The problem is that there is still only one layer of adhesive that keeps water from getting behind the niche regardless when its mounted. In regards to the insulation question we dont have the option of building a secondary wall so were thinking of lining the area where the niche will go with the thin foil bubble wrap type insulation (Reflectix). 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. Thank you for the article. If there is a problem behind the niche (or the niche is mounted in an outside wall), I would only recommend that you fully remodel your shower so that a waterproofing membrane can be installed with a properly sealed niche box. This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. Importance of proper installation: Proper installation is critical for ensuring that your shower niche functions properly and provides a safe and attractive space for bathing and showering. layer of mortar in the bot-tom of the niche, and use a level to make sure it has a slight pitch. 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. I spent 3 months doing the project, three different kinds of marble two fans (to exhaust better as she like it hot and uses lots of product). We had a niche installed (3-1/4 inches, 4 with the listello) in an outside wall of a shower. 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. Shower-niche-shelf | Wayfair Most electrical & plumbing codes accept 16 gauge steel (1/16) for protection plates, so thats what I would suggest. The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. The bottom tiles of the niche slope back towards the wall resulting in a lot of water building up to almost 3mm in depth against the back of the niche. wedi Shower Niche 16 in. If the shower wall is brick, it is likely an outside wall. DIY Renovation Project: How To Build a Recessed Shower Shelf If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. How to Tile a Shower Niche Without Bullnose 101- A Comprehensive Guide Im nervous that an HOA Board member without the training nor expertise to judge these things will simply order us to tear it out and rebuild the firewall or something like that. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. The perfect shower niche for your bathroom: an insight | homify my contractor just bought a shower niche (link below) and wanted to leave it as is. The dazzling detail of our Herringbone Pearl White Thassos Shell Tile illuminates this shower wall and beautiful niche detail! In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the damaged material and replace it with new, warp-resistant materials and a waterproofing membrane. We want to use a single-piece of marble for the shelf. Im sorry that I couldnt provide you with more reassurance. These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. However, problems can arise if not properly installed, maintained, and protected. You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. Shower niches are a great addition to any bathroom, offering a convenient place to store body wash and organize your shower essentials freeing up the floor space. You know that this box should also be waterproofed correctly to prevent water from getting into your wall. Do you tile directly on these? It is important to address warping in shower niches as soon as possible, as it can not only be unsightly but also pose a risk to the overall structural integrity of the shower walls. 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? However, you should pay attention to any cracks that may have occurred within the vertical grout lines above the H tub/tile margin. I am hoping that there is at least a framed box in the stud cavity behind the wall so theres a solid surface to apply this tile. Good Luck with your project! If anything they are more tilted to back which is even worse. you guessed right.at this point the niche is useless unless we re-do everything. Thoughts? By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a beautiful and worry-free shower niche for years to come. 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 ). Additionally, cleaning the niche with a mildew-resistant cleaner can help to keep it free of mold and mildew. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. Marble can discolor quite easily if not sealed, but you should always keep it clean because sealers are not perfect (nor permanent). Dont leave any air spaces around the niche or in that particular stud cavity (to eliminate air circulation). My husband thinks we should have a piece of sheet metal cut and installed. Repair options: If the grout line cracking is already leaking, there are several repair options available. Congrats! I would suggest that you not use the foil wrap. To avoid this BIG shower niche install mistake, you must choose a shower niche with an integrated waterproofing membrane bonding flange as seen in the two examples above. I am happy to help! How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? 6 Tile Shower Niche Questions Answered by Experts - Tile Club wedi. Just make sure that you use 1/2 foam board for the perimeter mounting flange since it needs to be mounted flush with your 1/2 shower tile backer board. For Freestanding/Overhead Showers. Although not a great solution, your only other choice might be to install a retrofit niche with and overlap flange (as long as the whole is exactly the right size, that is). Wipe away the excess grout with a clean, wet sponge. If horizontal tiles are installed first, the water would have to move upslope under the wall tile in order to make it to the wall, which is much less likely. Why not just mount them directly adjacent to where you were planning to mount them (vertical mounting on the back wall, a few inches from the corner)? There are gaps in the corner that would clearly lead to water leaking into the walls or at the least have moisture exposure. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. In my opinion, a typical structural header and jack stud assembly can still be acceptable in some circumstances if the wall is non-structural, but this assembly must be built flawlessly. Or, can I go my original route (diy niche with permabase) and install a longer (depth) niche shelf so my wifes bigger shampoo bottles will fit BUT also have a 2 cavity behind the niche to apply foam or insulation? Steps for cleaning: Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining the appearance and functionality of your shower niche. Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. They claim 56 height is industry standard. Run a 28 or 210 header, king stud jack stud, ledger and cripples. 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. I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. Even if water does end up in the niche, you shouldnt be concerned as long as you trust your contractor to construct and waterproof it correctly. The 5 BIG Mistakes: Don't Skip the Waterproofing Don't Install a Retrofit Niche Make Sure It Integrates with the Waterproofing Membrane Don't Compromise the Wall Structure Don't Install in an Outside Wall Bonus Tip: Installing the Wrong Shower Niche Shelf Don't Skip the Waterproofing You could still use the wall tile or an accent tile for the back wall of the niche. In other words, you should definitely ask a trusted local contractor before you decide to build a shower niche into an outside wall to avoid this potential shower niche install mistake. We have a bathroom that is 64 wide, do you think that is too large to do a Horizontal Niche in the current wall? We live in the Seattle area and so now Im thinking this is not our best option. Another huge benefit of this parallel wall design is that it basically gives you the green light to install your niche into an outside shower wall (see below for more details). Make sure the new membrane overlaps the old one by at least 2 inches. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. 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? It is important to make sure that any cleaning products used in the shower niche are tile-friendly, as some cleaners can damage the surface of the tiles or cause discoloration. Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout.
