How to Tile Preformed Niches
A niche in the shower of a bathroom, or above the stove in a kitchen backsplash, is a great space-saving way to keep bottles and items close at hand. Preformed niches, which fit directly between the studs of the wall, are ready to be tiled along with the wall tile. Incorporating a tiled niche into the design of a shower wall or backsplash should be seamless, working with the tile used for the surrounding area. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wall tile
- Bullnose tile
- Thinset
- Trowel
- Straight edge
- Pencil
- Tile saw
- Grout
- Grout float
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Install the wall tile around the niche, using a trowel to spread thinset over the wall, tiling right up to the edge of the niche.
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2
Lay the tiles to go in the back of the niche in a dry layout of the same sized area to be tiled. A dry layout consists of laying the tiles in the tile design desired without mortar, to determine placement and cuts. Mark the tiles to be cut with a straight edge and pencil.
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3
Cut the tiles that have been marked with a wet saw and return them to the dry layout. Ensure that enough space has been left for grout joints and that the layout is even.
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4
Tile the back of the niche by spreading a small amount of thinset on the back area with a trowel and laying the tiles in the pre-determined pattern.
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5
Complete another dry layout for the top, sides and bottom of the niche. Include bullnose, or finished edge tiles, at the foremost part of the niche. The bullnose tiles should be installed so that they curve over the edge of the niche and meet the unfinished edges of the wall tile already installed around the niche.
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6
Install the tiles on the top, bottom and sides of the niche, including the bullnose pieces.
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7
Grout the entire tile wall along with the niche by packing the grout into the grout joints with a grout float and wiping off excess grout with a damp sponge. Use caulk in the corners and 90-degree angles of the niche, where tiled surfaces meet.
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Tips & Warnings
For an interesting design element, use mosaic tiles on the back of the niche, such as those used on a shower floor.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
