How to Build a Shower Niche

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A shower niche, or an alcove, is the perfect place to get ready in the morning and rejuvenate at night before going to bed. A shower niche can be an attractive, practical addition to your bathroom, as it gives you storage space while making your showering experience more pleasant and convenient.

They are usually placed next to the shower, where there’s plenty of extra room for storage, too.

In this article, I’ll share all the steps of building your custom shower niche from start to finish so that you can enjoy this luxury every day in your own home or office bathroom.

Process Overview

Before you begin your project, it’s important to understand what is required. The steps below will help you develop a process for building your shower niche.

So, first, Define Goals: Start by defining your goals for creating a shower niche.

In most cases, builders build niches because they don’t have any existing ones in their bathrooms. If that sounds like you, then you should set clear and achievable goals for what you want from your new shower niche before beginning your planning process.

Secondly, Choose Design: Next, choose which type of shower niche design fits your goals and budget.

There are three main types of niches you can build into your bathroom:

Freestanding niches that sit on top of or beside existing walls.
Built-in niches that are installed directly into an existing wall.
And corner showers that take up an entire corner in your bathroom.

Once you’ve chosen a style, it’s time to determine what materials you want to use for construction.

Materials Needed

Before you begin building your shower niche, it’s important to plan out how you want it to look and function.

This will help keep you on track during construction and choose material for the shower niche. There are many materials you can use for your niche, but it is recommended that you use cement as it lasts much longer than other options.

However, if you want something more modern, then there are plastics and fiberglass options that still look good when completed.

All materials should be cut to size before installation, as outlined below.

Tools Required:

All of these tools are used in plumbing. You can find them at home improvement stores or get someone with experience to assist you in installing your niche.

Here is what you will need:

One 4 drain pipe.
One overflow assembly with stopper.
One 4 slip joint adapter.
One transition fitting.
One flange.
Two cement backer boards.
You can also use an epoxy adhesive instead of cement if desired.

Supplies Needed:

You’ll need some basic tools and supplies to build your custom shower niche. First, make sure you have: One tile saw with either a diamond blade or carbide-tipped blade.

All supplies that you need:

A hammer Drill Set of masonry bits.
Tile nippers Pliers Level.
Safety glasses.
Rubber gloves.
Dust mask.
Waterproof drop cloths.
Duct tape Work gloves.

Step by Step Guide

The following procedure describes how to install your custom shower niche:

Step 1: Measure your shower walls and choose a location for your niche centered on both sides of your shower wall, leaving at least 6 inches of space between each side of your niche and any other fixture in your bathroom (such as light fixtures or mirrors).

Step 2: Cut down all materials to size using a saw or miter box. Make sure that all cuts are straight.

Step 3: Mark where you want each piece installed on your walls using a pencil or chalk line. Be sure to measure twice before marking.

Step 4: Drill holes into your drywall with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than your slip joint adapter. Use a level when drilling so that it stays perfectly level while drilling.

Step 5: Install one cement backer board onto each wall using screws or nails depending on what type of material it is made out of. If it’s wood, use nails; if it’s plastic, use screws; if its metal, use bolts and nuts.

Step 6: Attach one transition fitting onto each backer board by screwing through the fitting into its corresponding backer board with screws or bolts depending on what type of material they are made out of.

Step 7: Place your flange over your drainpipe and secure it using cement, epoxy, or adhesive.

Step 8: Install your overflow assembly using epoxy, cement, or adhesive (depending on which type you choose).

Step 9: Slide your slip joint adapter over both ends of your drainpipe and tighten it until it is secured in place.

Step 10: Place your niche in position and mark where you want to drill holes for securing it onto your walls. Use a level when drilling so that it stays perfectly level while drilling.

Step 11: Secure your niche using screws or bolts, depending on what type of material they are made out of.

Step 12: Clean up any excess glue, cement, or epoxy around your new shower niche with a wet rag or sponge.

Your custom shower niche is now installed finally.

Frequently Asked Question

Question No 1: How much money should be needed to build a shower niche?

Answer: The price to build a shower niche is not fixed. As there is no specific size for the shower niche. The larger size shower niche requires more investment as compared to the short shower niche.

A typical size shower niche required approximately $75 to $300 investment to get the raw material. If you want to labor for the installation of a shower niche then you need to invest more. Furthermore, if you want shower niche waterproof then it required more money,

Question No 2: Can I make a shower niche on the wall of my washroom?

Answer: Yes! You can also make a wall niche in our washroom if you want to. Below I am mentioning a few steps to make this thing by yourself. First of all, determine the location where you want o make the shower niche.

Now you have to cut the cavity. You can do this by using a cutting tool. Now you have to place all the build-in steps into the cavity. You buy the built-in step from the market if you want to.on the other, if you do not want to purchase, then you make it on your own.

Before placing the setup make sure the cavity should be clean. On the other hand, apply sealant immediately. After that apply a self-adhesive waterproofing membrane. Leave it for a few minutes.

Question No 3: Are Shower niches good addition in the washroom?

Answer: Absolutely yes! The addition of shower niches in the washroom provides more space to keep your shower accessories tidy way. Furthermore, it provides a very sleek and modern look to any washroom. The shower nice is the perfect replacement for the shower bucket.