How to Install a Shower Niche: Complete Tiling Guide
A well-designed shower niche transforms your shower from a basic bathing space into a functional, organized retreat. This built-in storage solution keeps shampoo bottles off the floor, eliminates the need for hanging caddies, and adds a custom, high-end look to your bathroom. Getting the installation right requires attention to waterproofing, proper sizing, and careful tiling.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost
$100-$400
Why Include a Shower Niche in Your Remodel
Shower niches have become a standard feature in modern bathroom design, and for good reason. They solve practical storage problems while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your shower.
Functional Benefits
- Keeps bottles organized and within easy reach
- Eliminates floor clutter and tripping hazards
- No rust rings from metal shower caddies
- Easier cleaning than corner shelves or caddies
Aesthetic Benefits
- Creates a custom, built-in look
- Opportunity to showcase accent tile
- Adds architectural interest to shower walls
- Increases perceived value of your bathroom
Types of Shower Niches: Pre-Formed vs. Custom
Understanding the two main niche types helps you choose the right approach for your project, skill level, and budget.
Pre-Formed Niches
Ready-made units from brands like Schluter, GoBoard, or Laticrete that install directly into the wall cavity.
Advantages:
- + Factory waterproofing included
- + Faster installation (30-60 min)
- + Consistent dimensions
- + Lower risk of leaks
- + Great for DIY projects
Considerations:
- - Limited size options
- - Higher material cost ($50-$150)
- - Must fit between studs
- - Less flexibility in design
Custom-Built Niches
Built on-site using backer board (Kerdi-Board, cement board, or foam board) and custom framing.
Advantages:
- + Any size or shape possible
- + Can span multiple studs
- + Lower material cost
- + Better for unique tile sizes
- + Can create multiple niches easily
Considerations:
- - Requires careful waterproofing
- - More time-intensive
- - Higher skill level needed
- - More points of potential failure
Sizing and Placement Considerations
Proper planning ensures your niche is both functional and visually pleasing. Consider these factors before cutting into any walls.
Optimal Height
Place your niche between 48-60 inches from the shower floor for the most comfortable access. This puts items at chest to shoulder height for average adults.
- Primary niche: 48-60 inches - main storage for daily items
- Secondary niche: 36-42 inches - leg shaving, kids items
- High niche: 60-72 inches - items used less frequently
- Avoid: Below 36 inches (constant water splash) or above 72 inches (hard to reach)
Standard Niche Sizes
Niche dimensions should work with your tile sizes to minimize cuts and create clean grout lines.
12" x 24"
Most popular, fits between studs
14" x 14"
Square, good for accent tile
14" x 36"
Tall, with multiple shelves
Location Tips
- Avoid exterior walls to prevent insulation and vapor barrier complications
- Check for plumbing and electrical before planning your niche location
- Place out of direct spray to keep contents drier
- Consider hand dominance - place within easy reach of your dominant hand
Single vs. Multiple Niches
The number of niches depends on your storage needs, who uses the shower, and your design preferences.
When One Niche Is Enough
- Single user or couple with minimal products
- Small shower with limited wall space
- Minimalist design aesthetic
- Budget constraints
When Multiple Niches Make Sense
- Two people with different product preferences
- Family bathroom with adults and children
- Large walk-in shower with ample wall space
- Separate niches at different heights for accessibility
Pro Tip: Stacked vertical niches or a single tall niche with shelves can provide the storage of multiple niches while maintaining a cleaner look and requiring less structural modification.
Tiling the Niche: Step-by-Step
Tiling a niche requires a specific sequence to ensure clean edges and proper waterproofing. Work from back to front for the best results.
1Tile the Back Wall First
Start with the back of the niche. This surface is most visible and sets the foundation for the rest. Apply thinset evenly and press tiles firmly. Use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines that align with surrounding wall tiles when possible.
2Tile the Side Walls
Move to the left and right sides. These tiles should butt against the back wall tiles. If using the same tile as your shower walls, continue the pattern for a seamless look. Cut tiles precisely to fit the depth of the niche.
3Install the Top (Ceiling)
The ceiling tile overlaps the side wall tiles. Use extra thinset or tile adhesive with strong initial grab to prevent sagging. Consider using a support board until the adhesive sets. This is a critical water-shedding surface.
4Create the Sloped Bottom Shelf
The bottom shelf needs a slight slope (1/8 inch) toward the shower opening to prevent water pooling. Build this slope into your thinset bed. The shelf tile overlaps the side tiles for proper water drainage.
Slope options: Use wedge-shaped mortar bed, pre-sloped niche inserts, or carefully shimmed tile installation.
5Finish the Front Edges
The edges where your niche meets the surrounding wall tile are the most visible. You have three main options:
Metal Trim
Schluter Jolly or similar. Clean, modern look. Easiest to install.
Bullnose Tile
Finished rounded edge. Classic look. Requires matching tiles.
Mitered Edges
45-degree cuts. Seamless, high-end look. Most skill required.
Waterproofing Your Shower Niche
Proper waterproofing is the most critical aspect of niche installation. Water intrusion behind tiles leads to mold, rot, and expensive repairs.
Critical Waterproofing Points
- All corners: Inside corners where surfaces meet are leak-prone
- Transition to walls: Where niche edges meet the shower walls
- Bottom shelf: Collects the most water
- Top edge: Must shed water outward, not into niche
Liquid Membrane
RedGard, Hydroban, or similar paint-on waterproofing.
- + Easy to apply in corners
- + Self-leveling in crevices
- + Multiple coats for extra protection
- - Longer cure time (24-48 hours)
Sheet Membrane
Kerdi, NobleSeal, or similar peel-and-stick or bonded sheets.
- + Consistent thickness throughout
- + Faster cure time
- + Can tile same day with some products
- - Harder to work into corners
Lighting Options for Shower Niches
Adding lighting to your niche creates a spa-like ambiance and makes finding items easier. Plan for lighting during the framing and electrical rough-in stages.
LED Strip Lighting
Installed behind a reveal or at the top of the niche. Creates ambient glow. Use waterproof-rated (IP67+) strips designed for wet locations.
Recessed Puck Lights
Small downlights installed in the niche ceiling. Provides direct illumination. Requires electrical box installation during framing.
Backlit Panel
Light panel behind translucent material (glass, onyx) at the back of niche. Dramatic effect. More complex installation.
Electrical Requirements: All shower lighting must be rated for wet locations and connected to a GFCI-protected circuit. Consult a licensed electrician and check local codes.
Common Shower Niche Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from common errors helps you achieve professional results the first time.
Inadequate waterproofing at transitions
Fix: Apply extra membrane and fabric tape where niche meets wall. Test before tiling.
No slope on the bottom shelf
Fix: Build 1/8 inch slope toward shower. Water should never pool in the niche.
Niche too small for standard bottles
Fix: Make depth at least 3.5 inches. Test with actual bottles during planning.
Misaligned with tile layout
Fix: Plan niche dimensions around tile sizes to minimize awkward cuts.
Placing niche on exterior wall
Fix: Use interior walls only to avoid insulation and moisture barrier issues.
Forgetting about stud locations
Fix: Locate studs first. Standard niches fit between studs (14.5 inch cavity).
Using grout instead of caulk at corners
Fix: Use silicone caulk where different planes meet to allow for movement.
Installing niche in direct spray zone
Fix: Position niche away from showerhead spray for less water accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal height for a shower niche?
The ideal height is 48-60 inches from the shower floor, placing items at chest to shoulder height. For varied heights in your household, consider two niches at different levels or a tall niche with multiple shelves.
Should I use a pre-formed niche or build a custom one?
Pre-formed niches are faster, come pre-waterproofed, and are ideal for DIYers. Custom niches offer size flexibility and work better for unique tile layouts but require more skill to waterproof properly.
How do I waterproof a shower niche properly?
Apply waterproofing membrane to all interior surfaces, paying special attention to corners and edges. Use fabric reinforcement tape and ensure continuous coverage with surrounding walls. Allow full cure time before tiling.
What is the best tile size for a shower niche?
Small tiles (2x2 to 4x4 inches) work well inside niches as they require fewer cuts. However, matching your shower wall tile creates a seamless look. Size your niche dimensions around your tile to minimize awkward cuts.
Should I slope the bottom of my shower niche?
Yes, create about 1/8 inch slope toward the shower opening. This prevents water pooling, soap scum buildup, and mold growth. Many pre-formed niches include this slope; for custom niches, build it into your thinset bed.
Shower Niche Installation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure a successful niche installation.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your shower niche installed and tiled, you are ready to move on to installing the vanity. Make sure all grout and caulk have fully cured before heavy use.