Have you ever dreamed of having a luxurious, spa-like shower with a place for everything and everything in its place? A sleek, vertical shower niche could be just the answer! In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of building a stunning floor-to-ceiling shower niche using Wedi building panels, gorgeous composite marble tiles, and sleek stainless steel shelves.

Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned DIYer; I’m here to hold your hand every step of the way. With my easy-to-follow instructions and insider tips, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. As one of my readers put it, “I’m starting to plan my master bathroom and loved the detail of your blog!”. So, let’s get started on creating a shower niche that will make your friends green with envy!

Planning Your Shower Niche: Type, Placement, and Size

Before we grab our tools, let’s take a moment to plan our masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Type and Placement

Vertical vs. Horizontal: Vertical niches are ideal for maximizing storage within a standard stud wall, offering a sleek, built-in look. Horizontal niches, while offering more width, might require additional framing and waterproofing considerations.
Location, Location, Location: The ideal spot for your niche is within easy reach, away from the showerhead’s direct spray, and ideally within the shower pan’s footprint.

Determining the Perfect Size

Width: Consider the items you plan to store and choose a width that accommodates them comfortably. For this build, we opted for a 12-inch rough width to house sleek stainless steel shelves.
Height: A floor-to-ceiling niche maximizes storage and adds a touch of architectural drama. However, you can customize the height to your liking.

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Framing Your DIY Shower Niche: A Solid Foundation

Now that we have a vision, let’s start building the framework for our shower niche.

Step 1: Preparing the Stud Wall

Assess & Adjust: Begin by determining the exact position of your niche, ensuring it aligns with your shower base tile. You might need to adjust or remove existing studs to achieve the desired width.
Reinforce for Stability: Since we’re aiming for a floor-to-ceiling niche, reinforce the sides with double studs to create a robust structure.

Step 2: Creating the Niche Opening

Frame the Sides: Install vertical studs on both sides of the niche opening, maintaining a plumb and straight alignment. For this project, we aimed for a 13 1/8-inch rough opening to achieve a final 12-inch width after installing the Wedi board.
Address the Bottom Plate: For a seamless floor-to-ceiling look, carefully remove a section of the bottom plate beneath your niche. If you prefer to keep the bottom plate intact, you can create a raised base using a horizontal stud brace and a piece of Wedi board.

Framing the shower niche

Installing Wedi Backerboard: Waterproofing Made Easy

With the framing complete, it’s time to enclose our niche with Wedi board, a fantastic material that serves as both backer board and waterproofing membrane.

Step 1: Installing the Back Panel

Measure & Cut: Measure and cut the Wedi board to fit snugly within the niche opening, leaving a small gap for sealant.
Seal & Secure: Apply a thin bead of Wedi joint sealant around the edges of the panel and firmly press it against the framing.

Step 2: Enclosing the Sides

Cut & Seal: Cut the side panels flush with the surrounding shower wall framing and apply Wedi joint sealant to the edges.
Fasten Securely: Attach the side panels to the framing using Wedi screws and washers, ensuring a tight and waterproof seal.

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Step 3: Integrating with the Shower Wall

Overlap & Seal: Install Wedi board pieces on the shower wall, overlapping the niche side pieces. This ensures that any water running down the wall is directed over the niche edges, not behind them.
Address the Z-Notch: If you’re using a Wedi shower pan, fill the Z-notch at the base of the niche with a thin strip of Wedi board for a seamless transition.

Waterproofing the Shower Niche: Ensuring a Leak-Free Zone

While Wedi board offers excellent waterproofing properties, it’s crucial to pay attention to the niche’s base and corners to prevent any leaks.

Step 1: Prepping the Base

Level and Seal: If your subfloor is recessed, raise it to the desired height using thinset mortar, ensuring a slight outward slope for drainage. For added protection, apply a bonding agent like diluted Weldbond to the plywood subfloor before spreading the mortar.

Step 2: Creating a Waterproof Barrier

Membrane Magic: Apply a waterproof membrane like Wedi Subliner Dry to the niche’s base, overlapping the edges with the shower pan membrane. For added peace of mind, use Subliner Inside and Outside Corners for a foolproof seal.

Tile & Shelf Installation: Adding Style and Functionality

Now for the fun part – bringing our shower niche to life with tile and shelves!

Step 1: Tiling the Surround

Start with the Surround: Before tiling the niche, install the shower wall tiles on both sides, ensuring they are plumb and create a perfectly straight vertical line.

Step 2: Tiling the Niche Interior

Back Wall First: Begin by tiling the back wall of the niche, working your way outwards for a clean, symmetrical look.
Side Walls Next: Cut and install the side wall tiles, taking care to create clean, precise cuts for a professional finish.

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Step 3: Integrating the Shelves

Shelf Selection: Consider the material and style of your shelves carefully. For this project, we opted for sleek, low-profile stainless steel shelves that blend seamlessly with the tile.
Seamless Installation: If necessary, adjust the tile spacing to accommodate the thickness of your chosen shelves.

Grouting and Sealing: The Finishing Touches

With the tiles and shelves in place, it’s time to grout and seal our masterpiece.

Step 1: Grouting for Durability

Pre-Sealed for Easy Maintenance: Opt for a pre-sealed grout like Mapei Flexcolor CQ for its water resistance and long-lasting performance.
Proper Technique is Key: If using pre-sealed grout, practice the application technique beforehand for optimal results.

Step 2: Sealing for Lasting Beauty

Protect Your Investment: Seal the tile surface with a high-quality sealer, especially if you’re using porous materials like composite marble.
Extra Protection for Shelves: Apply a thin bead of silicone sealant around the shelves and niche perimeter for added waterproofing and a polished look.

Congratulations! You’ve Built a Shower Niche to be Proud Of

With a little patience and the right guidance, you’ve successfully built a stunning shower niche that adds both functionality and style to your bathroom. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and any questions you might have in the comments below.

And remember, for more inspiration and detailed guides on bathroom remodeling and DIY projects, explore the wealth of information available on Robert Kline Art. Happy building!