How to Plan a Tile Shower Soap Niche
Planning for niches when building a custom tile shower adds both an attractive decorative element and functional efficiency. Beyond a place to stow your soap out of the spray of water it saves soap and minimizes scum buildup. Niches also provide storage for shampoo bottles, sponges and razors, giving the shower enclosure a neat and tidy appearance. Keeping items off the floor makes for easy access, easy cleaning and more floor standing space when the shower is in use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine the size and number of niches you need. Choose a location for bar soap that is out of the spray line. Take into consideration the number and sizes of your favorite shampoo and conditioner bottles. Do you use the large sizes with the pumps on top? Then you will need niches tall enough to accommodate the pump action. Do the kids use the same shower, should a lower niche be included for their products and easy soap access? Make an inventory of what is really in your shower on a day-to-day basis.
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Size the niche in keeping with the size and repeat of your chosen tile and pattern. Using full tiles always results in a cleaner, more upscale appearance than cut and fractions of tiles. Measure your tile choice and use a multiple of its measurements for your niche depth, width, height and reveal.
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Draw a plan on grid paper depicting the rough layout you desire, using multiples of the squares to signify your tile and niche proportions. Note on your layout which niches are used for each particular kind of item it will likely hold and who will use them. Note in your plan where the plumbing controls, faucets and jets will be located so you get a functional layout as well as a balanced look in the shower. Use this plan when discussing the construction plans with your general contractor and to guide the work of the involved building, drywall plumbing and tiling trades.
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