I'm looking for some tips or ideas on crafting a custom shower niche with shelves. It's been tough to find guidance online, and I'm starting to doubt whether I should even attempt it! I want to avoid using inserts since I can't find the right size for my needs. The niche will be located on a half exterior wall and half attic space. Should I go for individual separate boxes like I've seen in some tutorials? I'd appreciate any thoughts or feedback, even if you think this is a bad idea!
4 Answers
I recently added shelves to my shower. I started by running a pressure-treated 2x4 between the studs, then covered it with cement board while I was working on the rest of the shower. After that, I applied a waterproof membrane and tiled everything. The shelves were definitely a bit of a hassle, though – I spent about 40% of my tile cutting on them! If you’re okay with a different look, glass shelves could be a stylish option. Just remember, if you go that route, to use tempered glass because if it breaks, the shards are hard to spot in the water. Also, ensure your shelves have a good slope for draining water effectively.
Check out this blog post for some helpful advice on your options for shower niches! It gives a decent overview of different styles and methods for constructing them.
Building a custom niche with Kerdi board is actually pretty straightforward! I’ve done it several times, and there’s a great video that shows the whole process. You can also use scraps of Kerdi board for making shelves if you want. Personally, I find it easier than using cement board over framing.