Schluter DESIGN-NICHE

In this course, you’ll learn how to install the Schluter DESIGN-NICHE from start to finish.

This shower niche is a great option for situations where low maintenance and modern design are the goals.

Each lesson below has

• Timestamped instructions
• Printable step-by-step instructions
• Engligh and Spanish video captions

Schluter DESIGN-NICHE Overview

Shower niches that require minimal maintenance are ideal for many people.

While tile is beautiful, it requires regular cleaning.

The Schluter DESIGN-NICHE is made of powder-coated aluminum and provides ample storage without the need for tile.

DESIGN-NICHEs can be installed horizontally or vertically, are fully waterproof, and available in a variety of colors.

They are great for showers, bathrooms, and other wet areas. Additionally, the adjustable frame accommodates flush or reveal edge installation for tile thicknesses ranging from 1/8 inch (3mm) to 2-3/16 inches (55mm).

The niche is available in three sizes

• 12″ x 12″ (298 mm x 298 mm)
• 12″ x 24″ (298 mm x 598 mm)
• 12″ x 48″ (298 mm x 1198 mm)

Currently, it’s available in nine TREDLINE colors

• Bronze
• Cream
• Dark anthracite
• Greige
• Ivory
• Matte black
• Matte white
• Pewter
• Stone grey

The DESIGN-NICHE brochure below has more details and color samples

Framing and Tile Tips

Proper framing is important for every shower niche.

This lesson shares how to frame the DESIGN-NICHE to ensure continuous grout lines for a seamless look.

• Schluter DESIGN-NICHE introduction and benefits (0:01)
• Plan the tile layout before determining the DESIGN-NICHE location (0:25)
• Transfer the niche location onto the shower backerboard (2:00)
• Remove the niche frame from the powder-coated box (3:05)
• Place the niche frame on the wall, make it level, and trace its dimensions (3:15)
• Remove any Schluter KERDI-BOARD screws and washers (6:00)
• Use a sharp utility knife to cut the outline of the niche frame (6:05)
• The niche frame should be supported on all four sides with lumber (6:25)
• Add 2×4 studs on the top and bottom of the stud bay (6:49)
• Use the DESIGN-NICHE foam spacers to adjust the location of the 2x4s (7:10)
• Pre-drill the 2x4s about 1 inch from the edge with a countersink bit (7:35)
• Use 3-inch screws on the left and right to secure 2x4s to the vertical studs (8:00)

Niche Installation

The DESIGN-NICHE can be installed with a reveal or flush with the tile.

This lesson shares how to bond the niche to the framing so that the wateproofing and tile installation are easy.

• Apply Schluter KERDI-FIX to the 2×4 framing using a tight S-pattern (0:01)
• Press the foam spacers for the niche frame into the KERDI-FIX (0:35)
• Dry-fit the niche frame to see if it’s even or subflush in relation to the KERDI-BOARD (1:35)
• Set the depth of the niche (accounting for tile and mortar thickness) using the provided nuts (2:20)
• Check the niche depth with a tape measure at all four corners (3:39)
• Dry-fit the niche into the wall and use the wall tile to double-check the niche depth (4:05)
• Use painter’s tape to protect the exposed perimeter of the niche (4:55)
• Place the painter’s tape about 1/4-inch from the niche frame (5:10)
• Apply KERDI-FIX to the foam spacers using a tight S-pattern (5:48)
• Firmly press the DESIGN-NICHE into the KERDI-FIX and foam spacers (6:29)
• Immediately check that the niche is level and use spacers to adjust the height (6:55)
• NOTE: spacers can either be cut flush with the wall or removed after the KERDI-FIX cures
• Fasten a Schlute rscrew and washer 1/2 inch from the niche frame at the four corners (7:40)

Waterproofing

Shower niches should be fully waterproof and complement the tile installation.

This lesson shares how to waterproof the DESIGN-NICHE against Schluter KERDI-BOARD.

• Apply KERDI-FIX between the shower niche and frame (0:01)
• Use a DAP caulking tool to smooth the KERDI-FIX and make it flat (0:25)
• Add Schluter ALL-SET around the niche perimeter using a 5-inch joint compound knife (1:30)
• Create notches in the ALL-SET with a Schluter KERDI trowel, hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle (2:22)
• Embed the KERDI frame into the thin-set and KERDI-FIX (2:58)
• Make the KERDI frame flat with a 5-inch joint compound knife or Schluter Embedding tool (3:21)
• Cover any additional screws and washers with 5-inch KERDI squares (4:14)
• Use a damp sponge to remove excess thin-set from the wall (4:40)
• Remove tape that’s on the shower niche (5:10)
• Sponge off any thin-set that’s on the niche (5:20)