Tiling a Shower Niche (Step-by-Step)

[@OlderShadowRider]

wow, it amazes me how some people can be so negative and not pay attention or research before commenting negatively. now I know why I quit doing videos...having said that great video's and its well done and lots of work to do, so please people be kind and if, if you think you can do better, then post your video. Keep up the good work and THANKS...

[@unwelcomemotivation]

sometimes these youtube guys are hacks, but this time it looks like the commenters are a bunch of tile professionals complaining he's not using techniques a homeowner SHOULDN'T be doing themselves in the first place. As general DIY information, I can't see any issues. Of course, professional tilers, would do it better, these guys do everything though.

[@reno8122]

I haven't read through the comments, so I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this. When you are sloping that first piece of tile in the niche so it will drain water off, I will use regular spacers (usually 1/8, but you could use a little larger), and line several of them across the back of the box, putting them in the thinset. That will give you a slight tilt to the tile, that will allow the water to run off.

[@living4Jesusnow]

That's exactly what I was thinking! Doin it now

[@TschidaIndustries]

Thank you for the advice!

[@reese1ja]

There's a ton of detail he goes into that really helps craft a well done product for us DIYers. Thanks! Great Video!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, you'll get great results if all the tips are followed and tiles cut to size. Let us know if you have any questions

[@JoyfulPAC]

Really great commentary. I appreciate the detailed description of the process and when you explain your reasoning for doing everything! Great video, thanks!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Phillip Cloutier thank you

[@saxjonz]

Really nice video. Thanks for sharing. The Hawk Tua background music added to the excitement. Now I am going to do my thing in the bathroom. I especially like that you used the pencil trim. I think mine may be a little narrow but I can see this is definitely better than the aluminum trim look.

[@HolliPorreca-cu3mi]

I wish I watched this before I made the niche in the backer board so I thought to make 2 but this was a very helpful video. I feel prepared now. Thank you.

[@kellyyetter1355]

Really nice job bud. Tile work can be tricky. And using that laser is a sweet way of making it perfect. Granted the framer who built those niches was dead on too.

[@neillee5835]

I can't believe the comments on no waterproofing, wow , wedi is the best one step material

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thanks Neil, we agree. Some people might not be familiar with it

[@yevgenikovelman3306]

That just shows how many morons are in this industry and how much of a disadvantage a homeowner is in when these guys come into their home. They learn how to do something once and that’s it, they stay in their comfort zone.

[@meghankross3312]

Ahh watched the whole video to see how the pencil liner was installed and it wasn't in there!! Loved the video TONS of great tips. Would love to see one specifically about the pencil liner.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Meghan Kross they were just thin-setted in place but we should have showed that

[@meghankross3312]

Home Repair Tutor ahh you replied! We finally finished our project about 4 days ago. The niche was the hardest part! Cutting all the tile to be even around the whole niche was a challenge. But i thinj it turned out better than a typical diy! We ended up just using a strong bonding epoxy for the pencil liners.

[@DIYDanCars]

Steve is the Bob Ross of tile work. He does an amazing job every time! I wish you guy's were in Michigan! Keep up the good work!

[@MrClaywell]

Am I the only one who loved the awesome funky ass music in this vid? Lol

[@dustystinson1891]

I prefer to do the sil the day before . I do this because the weight from your side tile + top inside peice added together will distort your sil slope if you do it all at once. It's gravity. Simple stuff

[@smash72cutlass30]

Dusty Stinson Yep it’s already happened to me once. Once

[@Accrecon]

I place a 1/8 spacer at the back underneath of the sill tile so the tile will not drop at the back.

[@richpayne7128]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@SavingGrayce]

Great video! Was wondering if you have the footage of where the pencil tile was installed around the niche? The video ended before Steve got to that. My husband and I are really struggling with this. We have (what looks like) the identical border/pencil tile but not quite sure how to install it where it looks right. Would LOVE to see how it's done!! Much thanks!

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

SavingGrayce might want to check out my custom niche it's one of a kind and one of the few that are made this way so if you check this out tell me what you think here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-Yg4drm8qiqbc

[@RickyO1976]

Easy To tips and tricks Etc Etc m

[@duanewilson3941]

You must be joking.

[@smash72cutlass30]

SavingGrayce That Schluter metal makes a nice frame mitered around the niche. Tile slide right in works great if you don’t have a factory tile edge, it won’t be seen. Just did one very happy with the look. Cheaper as well

[@melfordnunley1493]

That was a great video. Since this is an election year I will say it this way... this is Melford Nunley and I approve this message. Good job.

[@rockys7726]

Why not do the sides first with straight cuts then the bottom piece at a slight angle? Instead of bottom first then have to cut an angle on the side pieces?

[@Methodical2]

I don't his reason, but if you did the sides first, you'd have to do extra cuts on the bottom piece to fit around the sides. Think of a window sill with a ledge and look at the end piece on both sides of the ledge. Also, I believe he's trying to get all sides on top of the bottom tile, so all water hits the bottom tile and runs off, versus the possibility of water running behind the bottom tile.

[@luv14lyf]

So How far from/close to the wall should wall tile be? Like after toweling thinset on the wall, how much space when you push/set the tile about how much thinset space between the wall and tile?

[@davegordon6943]

Different sizes of tiles require different size trowels. Ideally a half inch notch trowel mark will be collapsed to a quarter inch of thinset behind the tile. Just cut the size trowel in half. Bigger tiles need bigger trowels and vice versa. Sure you already figured it out but tile guys don't ever agree on anything so it can be frustrating getting anybody to respond

[@stonesmm5]

Jeff would you ever do a door repair video. to fix a door that is out of square. love your videos

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks, are you referring to door hitting the jamb and you just need a minor adjustment?

[@stonesmm5]

More like how to fix a door out of square. With in my case a gap in one corner. I figured there is a rubric of do this and then this type of thing

[@iamirish4361]

Tip for a shower niche. Use a pre-fab niche that has a shelf. Keep larger bottles of shampoo on the top and soap, razors, etc. on the bottom.

[@felipevazquez123]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@brandonschlund8089]

Curious why you didn’t space the mosaic up off the sill/bottom part? With no grout line down there wouldn’t that be a leak area? Thank you

[@davidnokleby5372]

Did you butt up the shower niche sides and seals flush? If so will you make a grout line in the corners?

[@RandallFlaggNY]

Jeff! Check out Handi-Shims. I embedded them into the mortar when pitching the niche shelves. Don't know if it's proper, but it worked! They also work great for all framing!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

wow, those are super cool. Thanks for the tip. The prices don't seem that bad either.

[@bryanbenson6551]

I use a few rubber spacers embedded in the thinset at the back of the niche bottom tile, 1/16" or 1/8".

[@donaldcotnoir1865]

One thing I do different in the niche is I leave an 1/8 inch grout line inside the niche at all corners. These tiles are tight to each other and would be difficult to grout the corners

[@Methodical2]

He may use caulk at those places.

[@matthewscott8321]

Question: on the back wall of the niche where the "mosaic" tile sits on top of the bottom shelf tile...do you caulk that joint since no spacer was placed in it to leave room for grout?

[@Niner4Life707]

Nice work buddy 👍

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you

[@benjaminperez7328]

I heard this guy’s accent and knew……… THE 412 BABY! YINZERS UNITE!

[@angry-white-men]

Do you have to leave a gap between the pencil trim and niche tile for grout or do you just butt it up right against the edge of the niche tile?

[@vwlew6860]

The wall tile has been installed but the niche has not been done. What is the best way to proceed and what should I use to trim it?

[@douglaspayne5162]

Instead of pencil trim, what about a metal trim? Would that deteriorate over time, or does aluminum trim, like Schluter, last inside a shower?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Douglas Payne Schluter metal profiles are perfect for showers. RONDEC is one of our favorite options

[@jimmyboy163]

I see the mosaic sitting on the bottom tile, and the sides are up against the mosaic, so, no grout there? Do you deal it with caulk later?

[@YouGoPro]

Another great vid Jeff! I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+YouGoPro thanks, Steve is my co-founder over on Bathroom Repair Tutor. He's meticulous when it comes to tile. And a pretty darn good teacher. This shower he did turned out amazing

[@elizabethgreene70]

YouGoPro ,bb

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Jean Horton ?

[@eberts0604]

WIfe asked me to make sure the niche DIDN'T slope to the front because she's been in so many showers where the bottle just fell out of the niche. So what's the solution? Some sort of metal retaining edge maybe?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Just pitch it 1/32 to 1/16 so it’ll drain but the soap won’t slide

[@lindazjunk]

How about how to RE-Tile a niche. Is that even possible? My contractor made a mess on the niche, and the slope is causing everything to fall off. The whole niche has to be retiled. I'm not even sure it can be done without tearing out the tiles on the whole shower. Our niche has a bullnose trim. I'm not sure if that helps or hurts the idea of tearing it out. I'm willing to replace it with ANY kind of tile....it just needs to be redone.

[@rodralph824]

Are you not going to see a grout line at the bottom regardless of whether or not you did the back first or not?

[@unapro3]

Not much point having the fancy laser level if you don't use it. The 1st niche isn't level and the second isn't level with the first?

[@3AISys]

I really like your laser system you are using instead of choak-lining. What make/model are you using? What is the best and effective brand would you recommend? Thx very much!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+MD Tran thanks for asking, here's the link to our site that shows all the tools we use for setting tile www.homerepairtutor.com/tile-setting-kit/ It has the laser level in it, too

[@jameseasling185]

did you make the laser jam yourself?/ Where can I find the parts to make one?

[@eddieedentertainment131]

Respect sir Thank you

[@deedeesoto3900]

Great demo for do it yourselfers. Very easy to follow. My husband has the laser but no pole to secure it to, may I ask where did you get your pole for your laser?

[@AquarelleArtist]

I realize this question was asked 3 years ago, but for anyone with the same question, an inexpensive photographer's tripod works well.

[@sixstring215]

What would determine what you tile first; the niche or the wall? Im stressed about messing this up. lol

[@edigabrieli7864]

The wall always believe me this guy is ...whatever!

[@joenem2006]

Nice training.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks

[@Farmer_Pickles64]

Cool video. What kind/brand laser do you use?

[@craigbryan8524]

love the Pittsburgh accent...

[@pilitawilson3202]

Sounds Australian to me

[@1goblingreen404]

The back wall of the niche is usually the sheetrock wall of an anjacent room. How do you attach the Durock (or similar) CBU to the sheetrock (Not Wedi as in this videos scenario)? Do you use an adhesive? Obviously a screw would pop out of the opposite wall. Thanks Also, when using a CBU with RedGuard (or similar), does it matter what side of the Durock faces out? I used the rough side out on most boards except one, and the RedGuard painted/covered the smooth Durock side so much easier than the rough side. Once the CBU is thoroughly coated with the waterproof membrane (and therefore smooth), I don't see the value of keeping the rough side out.

[@HandymanHeroesSanAntonio]

Beautiful work!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Handyman Heroes Home Repair & Remodeling Experts San Antonio Steve is meticulous

[@drock_187]

Can you leave grout lines between top/bottom and sides?

[@sharonwooliver2223]

I just installed mosaics in my niche, and the thin set oozed through more than I thought. Any tips on easy removal? I have used a grout saw, just tedious and thought you may have some insights to help. Great video as usual!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks Sharon, how old is the thin-set? And are the joints about 1/16"?

[@sharonwooliver2223]

I just set it last night and yes they are about 1/16

[@HomeRepairTutor]

so there are a few options, the grout saw is the cheapest and probably safest option. You could also use an oscillating multi-tool and grout removal attachment. Not cheap but very effective. Remove only enough of the thin-set to allow for the grout joint to show. I should have told you the trick for removing thin-set while setting the mosaic...use a small 2" paint brush. The cheap kind of paint brushes work well.

[@sharonwooliver2223]

Thanks Jeff for the quick reply, I will keep at it!

[@sharonwooliver2223]

I just wanted to add that I took your advice and used my multi-tool with the grout attachment and it worked like a charm (I already had one, so the only expense was the grout accessory). I also picked up a couple of polishing brushes and was able to remove the extra thin set from the glass mosaics as well. It is bright and shiny just like I wanted it to be! Thanks again for your great videos and quick responses to questions, your videos really inspired me to take on this project!

[@jamesjett1561]

Where do you get that laser level mount and set up?

[@tommydewalt4890]

Great video Jim. Eventually I'll get to my bathroom lol

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Tommy DeWalt don't worry, I feel the same way, lol

[@stevelawrence168]

Do you back butter the mosaic tile? Also can you use the back of the exhisiting/ adjacent room drywall as the back of the niche?

[@bryanbenson6551]

No and no. Back buttering is overkill with small mosaic. I even use a 3/16" v notch trowel, not 1/4. And no, that drywall needs to be sheathed with some type of backerboard(i use hardi backer for this and glue it with liquid nails since screws would go through the drywall) then I highly suggest on a paint on waterproofing like redgard or hydroban.

[@stevelawrence168]

@@bryanbenson6551 Thank you!

[@dandan7973]

One thing I’ve learned is everyone has their own way of doing tile. People ask how I do certain things with the tile and I always tell them it depends on the person.

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

Thanks Steve , Question for you , when doing a tiled wall surround with a niche do you always start with tiling the niche first then the walls ? I'm using 3x6 subway on the walls , thanks .

[@MrBigjoe8]

No. The niche should be last.

[@bobleroy1924]

How do you add one to an existing shower already tiled and you want to update your shower

[@mleukus]

i had planned to back butter the mosaic -can't hurt right??

[@HomeRepairTutor]

we recommend using the right size trowel for mosaics and then knocking down the trowel ridges with a 6" joint compound knife or flat side of the trowel. That way thin-set won't ooze between the mosaic grout joints and if you have clear glass the ridges won't be seen

[@GVL1]

Do you silicone the bottom, top and sides of the tile joints in the niche? Thanx for the video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+GVL1 if on an outside wall but you could use a urethane based grout...although the manufacturer would disagree. But our view is this, if you use a urethane and it cracks you can remove it then use silicone. You'll likely have to replace the silicone after 2-3 years anyway

[@kennygibson8538]

Great Video , lost of great comments would like to see installers wearing Eye Protection however .

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Kenny Gibson thanks and agree on the eye protection, we’ll make sure to focus on that in future videos

[@minhtamducnguyen3070]

How did you clean your tools?

[@danieldanydaniel7112]

What would be the labor cost for tiling this bathroom?

[@muckcityog8985]

thanks guy...great info

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you, hope it helped

[@duanemoore1352]

Where is the Redguard waterproofing?

[@TimStJohn-ew6om]

Is the mosaic easily cut if it doesnt fit perfectly as shown?

[@smash72cutlass30]

I recognize that music from a 70s porn movie. What kind of water proofing is on those walls, what is that tile backer your using ?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It’s Wedi backer board, which is waterproof. Only the seems and screws need to be sealed with Wedi Joint Sealant

[@steves1460]

I can imagine your disappointment when they started laying tiles!

[@crystalpatterson6581]

What kind of laser level do you use?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Lately a Huepar SO4CG

[@gintgang]

Niches are usually the last thing you tile, not the first

[@HomeRepairTutor]

either way works

[@steelcity4016]

Does it matter if I tile the niche before the walls? Or vice versa

[@HomeRepairTutor]

We like tiling the walls first then the niche, that way more thin-set can be applied to shower niche tiles to meet up flush with the wall tile. But that's just our personal preference, there are many options for tiling niches

[@stevehousley8375]

Noticed that there was no waterproofing under the tile ( red guard, etc.) What are your thoughts on that ?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

those are wedi backer boards, they're waterproof and don't require additional waterproofing. Here's a link to one of our installation videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/haiofWqVbL-ZmLs

[@Affordablebath_remodel]

wedi used, I use kerdi board by schluter.

[@ewugettuclass7155]

Great video! Interesting music as well. I kept thinking “Steve is going to get laid any second now.”

[@Chinchic101]

do you guys prefer to tile the niche first then the field tile?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Our preference is to tile the wall up to the niche then to tile the inside of the niche and around it. Hope that helps

[@Chinchic101]

Home Repair Tutor . okay so to make sure I understand. you tile the wall up to one row before the niche...then tile the inside of the niche...after that you tile up to the niche? is that right? you guys are great btw!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

That's correct, but we also do a lot of planning before tiling the wall to make sure the niche will look good. For example, if we're going to use Schluter profiles instead of pencil trim we account for that and vice versa to make sure the main tile doesn't look wonky agains the niche tile. Thanks for the kind words

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Adam Richard yes, but there are a variety of different solutions based on the tile type.

[@macrapidito1]

good morning Jeff any info on the level he is using and the sliding rail? Thanks in advance :)

[@HomeRepairTutor]

yes, the level is by Bosh and the sliding rail is the Laser Jamb. I actually did a video on the tools kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep2oc3SKgJKtis0

[@macrapidito1]

Jeff Patterson thanks for The reply

[@playdahandurdealt]

Can you reuse the niche when replacing a shower

[@HomeRepairTutor]

No because the tile removal ruins the waterproofing

[@playdahandurdealt]

@@HomeRepairTutor thanks

[@Participant616]

First bro is baked, dem red eyes

[@adanmonroy9709]

so no water proof applied! on the walls or niches

[@markschwager1352]

Straightline Tiling Australia recommends do the Niche last. 30 years experience.said so !!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

To each his/her own, if that works for you then awesome.

[@baschbasch555]

Nice vidéo

[@repairwand116]

Niche is done, now she wants a shelf? How to?

[@terrygunderson3225]

What about the vapour barrier (Red Guard) or whatever?

[@lisaconti4647]

We are about to install tile on our Wedi Fundo Shower. Niche is installed but one problem. The shelf included with the kit will have one surface, that faces out, that is only foam. Can I use thinset on the foam?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Lisa, is it a Wedi niche? Also, feel free to email us pictures - [e-mail]

[@lisaconti4647]

@@HomeRepairTutor Yes it is a Wedi niche. The shelf divider inside the niche is what I am referring to. Two wide sides are covered with the gray rough surface material but the side that will face out is just the foam.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Wedi foam is waterproof but if you want to apply Wedi Joint Sealant to the face that'll waterproof it further.

[@MB-ry9jf]

Beautiful! What kind of thinset are you using? Can it be used on Backerboards with porcelain tiles?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+House Numbers we like using Ardex X77 thin-set for the walls. It can be used over cement board, but make sure your boards are waterproofed with something like HydroBan or Ardex 8+9

[@MB-ry9jf]

Thanks so much for your fast reply, I'm half way done but did not waterproof. Is this a terrible mistake? I will switch over to the thinset you recommended. I'm not crazy about the one I'm currently using.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

well if you're already done tiling half the wall I'd say it's up to you. You could always waterproof the remaining backerboard. Did you waterproof the transition between the boards and the tub?

[@MB-ry9jf]

No tub. This is a small basement shower. Will not be used too much. For the floor- The pan was installed correctly and the tiles are on (I followed a great video very closely). The walls are half tiled with porcelain tiles and they are on there strong. I don't mind removing the wall tiles and starting over to waterproof but it's very difficult they are on there very tight. Is there an easy way to remove it? I'd like to do it correctly before it gets any use. Thanks Jeff.

[@uzzie88]

That grinder right next to your belly was ridiculous. It takes one slip. And you're lucky your shirt didn't get caught.

[@DK-vx5co]

Like breathing ceramic and glass dust?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

No, but when we make a free video and do that for viewers I sure hope they appreciate it...

[@3dandyrandy3]

@@HomeRepairTutor silicosis is real!!!also you only get two eyes when using a grinder which is a very dangerous tool cutting basically glass it might be a good idea to use safety glasses.

[@mrfunball5204]

And wear a helmet ! And condom ! 😵

[@tomatexelon]

Please wear safety glasses especially when using a grinder with no guard.

[@waraubie69]

Excellent! Love the soft porn music at 1:51...LOL

[@davegordon6943]

Hey what do you know, tile spacers aren't consistent. Nothing in tile work is consistent.. Drives me frickin nuts.

[@tiffanyh8065]

I recently had my shower tiled with a niche. The issue is that there is a significant space between where the tile and the niche meet along w/ the fact that the length of the shelves is too short. Can this be corrected with caulk/grout? Please advise.

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

Yes get the matching grouted caulk it's a bit expensive

[@Barrsa1]

Unless you know those wall don't have any bows and are level is not a good idea to install the sides of the niche first

[@gmyatko]

Yea, you dont want to use safety glasses when cutting tile. After all, you get a second chance when you shoot a piece of ceramic into an eye.

[@JReid705]

the music!

[@zakyalcin1993]

Please use SAFTEY GLASSES when using an angle grinder. I have seen a tiler blinded in one eye who neglected to wear safety glasses. This is made worse when this tiler in the video evidently removed the angle grinder safety disc protector which means that the small object could travel in any direction at high speed; a real hazard to eye injury and sets a bad example on safety. Also, this tiler is not taking care to protect his eye from laser beams as the line is inches away from his eye and possibly crossing his eye several times when tiling each time. If he keeps this up, it would not be long before he will face vision problems. PLEASE protect your eyes from the ANGLE GRINDER and the LASER BEAMS. Apart from the critical safety issues, a good demonstration of tiling a niche.

[@Imwright720]

You want to slope the box because if water gets past the tile it won’t drain from the box.

[@user-ef8zj7kb9b]

I know you do this everyday but man using a grinder right up against your body like that is asking for trouble. Great video though!

[@zwiedzamyespana_mmbus1587]

Mega 😁

[@ysb362]

How do you shine schuter trim, please help

[@abdelmonemhagag8238]

like befor watching.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

lol, thanks!! Hope you liked the video. Lots of great tips in this one.

[@allenwhite4957]

Home Repair Tutor . in á

[@bankhead39]

i personally think you applied the thin set to early in the beginning

[@moehoward5860]

no back butter?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Moe Howard not on a mosaic, the trowel size was sufficient in this case. However, each of the 12x24s were back buttered with Ardex X77.

[@billcarlson6127]

Where is the redbond?

[@chavorucosnkombies]

Good info but what's up with the 80s porn music

[@waynemiller6070]

I like the music. I think I'm going to be watching a different kind of video when I'm done watching this one though. 😉

[@smash72cutlass30]

Jaime Flores 70s I thought although 80s porn is much better. Sorry got off track.

[@jryan612]

where are safety glasses with grinder?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

yes, agree

[@rmart617]

Doesn't fully show how to tile a niche. Only shows how to tile the sides, top/bottom and back wall. Doesn't show finishing trim pieces, grouting or caulking to make water tight.

[@Sugarshane88]

They saying niche wrong ! Hahaha