How to Install Recessed Shelves in a Shower Wall

Prefabricated shower units, which often include walls, a shower pan and a door at the threshold, allow for relatively easy and quick installation but also present limitations related to shower size and design. Custom showers, generally surfaced with tiling, can be built on-site to accommodate unique needs and desires. One commonly-included custom feature is recessed shelving or a niche. When properly installed, recessed shelves provide a practical and attractive shower feature. The recessed shelves must be framed well and tiled correctly to be stable, watertight and sloped to force drainage.

Instructions

Cut the space for the recessed shelves out of the shower wall cement or backerboard between two wall studs. If the shelves are being installed in an existing tiled shower, you will have to remove the tiles and underlying mortar and cut any metal lath.

Install the frame for the niche. Measure and cut 2-inch by 4-inch lumber to fit horizontally and tightly between the wall studs and use a hammer to pound them into place. If the 2-inch by 4-inch lumber does not fit snugly and a possibility exists they will shift, use screws or nails to attach them to the wall studs. If the space between the studs is wider than the planned recess, install vertical 2-inch by 4-inch lumber between the new horizontal framing to form sidewalls for a recess of the desired size.

Cut pieces of cement backerboard to fit the back, sides and top and bottom of the recess.

Install the cement backerboard in the recess, beginning with the board for the back wall. For added security, dab a small amount of thinset mortar onto the back of the boards before pressing them in. Otherwise, use screws and a drill to secure the boards.

Measure and cut waterproof membrane to fit inside the recess. It should be cut to extend a few inches beyond the edges of the recess onto the regular shower wall.

Install the membrane. Use an adhesive suited for the specific membrane material or thinset mortar. If the latter, spread with a notched trowel and press the membrane into the recess and onto the surrounding wall as far as it extends.

Tile or install the trim pieces around the recess. Use bullnose cap tiles, placing them to slightly overhang the recess. When placing the bullnose tiles, take into account the thickness of the tiles that will be installed on the sidewalls, top and bottom. Spread a thin layer of thinset mortar on the wall surrounding the recess and press the bullnose tiles into this mortar, using tile spacers to maintain uniformity between tiles. Check with a level to make sure the tiles are even.

Prepare tiles for the back of the recess. The tiles can be set to align with the surrounding tiles or go diagonally and centered. Use tile cutters to fit on the back wall accordingly.

Place the tiles on the back wall of the recessed area. Use a notched trowel to spread a thin layer of thinset mortar and press in the tiles, again using spacers and checking for evenness with a level.

Place tiles for the side walls of the recess up to the point where a shelf will be installed.

Lay the shelf on top of the side wall tiles on both sides. The shelf will later be permanently affixed.

Apply mortar and tiles to the remainder of the side walls and the ceiling of the recess. Install additional shelves in the same manner as the first, if desired.

Install the bottom of the recessed area. It must be sloped slightly to force water to drain into the shower. Embed a small wooden shim, spacer or other suitable material in the thinset mortar at the rear of the recess when placing the bottom and press in the tile. Check to make sure the tile is slightly sloped and make any adjustments as necessary.

Place small pieces of paper, wood or other material at the bottom rear of the shelves to slightly prop up the rear.

Grout the spaces between tiles and shelf edges. The small objects used to prop up the shelf can be covered and left embedded in the grout.

Run a bead of silicone caulk around all corners within the recessed shelving.

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