A cement board is a great material for building a shower niche. It is waterproof, easy to work with, and incredibly durable. Cement board also has excellent insulation properties, which help keep the water temperature consistent in the shower. Additionally, the cement board won’t swell or rot due to moisture, and it resists mold growth. This makes it an ideal material for wet, humid environments like showers.
One of the biggest advantages of building a shower niche with a cement board is that it can be easily customized. Cement board offers an almost endless range of sizes and shapes, making it easy to build a unique, custom shower niche for any space. In addition, the cement board is resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and other common bathroom plumbing issues, making it an ideal material for use in wet environments.
It is also durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for any bathroom remodeling project. In this blog article, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to build a shower niche with cement board.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
- Cement Board
- Tape Measure
- Pencil or Marker
- Jigsaw
- Level
- Hammer
- Masonry Bit and Drill
- Sandpaper or Grinder
- Wallboard Compound
- Tile Saw/ Wet Saw
Step by Step Processes for How to Build a Shower Niche With Cement Board
Step 1: Inspect the Area
Before beginning any construction project, you will want to inspect the area where the niche will be installed. Make sure there are no wires or pipes in the way and measure the walls to ensure enough room for a niche.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Lay down a layer of concrete board on top of your shower’s subfloor and ensure it is level with the rest of the shower floor. Secure the board to the joists or framing below with screws. Use a circular saw to cut out the niche space in your cement board, ensuring that all edges are straight and true.
Step 3: Protect Your Work Area
Before you start tiling, you’ll want to protect your work area. Cover the shower floor and the walls around the niche with plastic sheeting or painter’s tape. This will help ensure that any mortar or grout does not damage your tile job once it is finished.
Step 4: Apply Tiles and Grout
Now you can begin laying down your tiles. Butter the back of each tile with mortar before setting it into the niche space, then use a margin trowel to cover the edges and sides of each tile with a thin layer of grout. Make sure to understand the drying times for both the mortar and grout so you can avoid any major staining or damage.
Step 5: Finish Up
Once the mortar and grout have dried, you can remove any excess with a damp cloth. You may also choose to add shower niche trim to the edges of the niche for a more finished look. Now your shower niche is ready to use! Starting your project by Building a Shower Niche With Cement Board will help ensure you have the right materials and build a safe, attractive niche.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Handiwork
Now that you’ve built your shower niche, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your handiwork. With a little work and knowledge building, a Shower Niche With Cement Board can help you create a gorgeous addition to any bathroom.
Safety Tips for How to Build a Shower Niche With Cement Board
- Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when sawing, cutting, or sanding cement boards.
- Wear gloves to help protect your skin when cutting the cement board and handling sharp objects.
- Ensure the area is well-ventilated while working with cementboard or any other construction materials that include fibers or dust.
- Wear a dust mask when cutting and sanding cement board to protect your lungs from tiny fibers of cementboard.
- Ensure the wall is smooth and level before installing the cement board, as it won’t adhere properly to an uneven surface.
- When attaching any type of substrate, use screws that are specifically designed for cement boards.
- Ensure you use the correct waterproofing materials on the shower niche before tiling to help prevent any water damage.
- Ensure your work area is clean and organized while working with cement board, as it can be difficult to maneuver in a cluttered space.
Following these safety tips while building a shower niche with cement board will help ensure the project is completed safely and correctly. With careful planning, attention to detail, and the right tools, you can have a beautiful shower niche that will add style and function to your bathroom space.
How Do You Waterproof the Cement Board and Shower Niche?
- First, apply a coat of waterproofing sealant to the entire area where the cement board and shower niche will be installed. It’s important to cover all gaps and seams between pieces of cement board for a completely watertight seal.
- Cover the entire area with a layer of self-stick membrane or flashing. This will help to keep any water from seeping through the cement board. Make sure to overlap all seams and corners with a minimum of 1 inch of material.
- Now, measure and cut pieces of cement board for the shower niche. Use a circular saw to make precise cuts in the cement board for an even fit. Install the pieces of cement board using construction adhesive and galvanized screws.
To finish, caulk the edges of the shower niche with a waterproof sealant, paying special attention to any corner joints and seams. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before applying any tile or other finishing materials.
By following these steps, you can easily build a durable and waterproof shower niche with a cement board. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions when handling construction materials such as cement board, self-stick membrane, and sealant.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Shower Niche With Cement Board?
The time it takes to build a shower niche with cement board depends on the size and complexity of the niche, as well as your skill level. Generally speaking, it should take around two hours to complete if you have basic DIY skills and are working on a standard-sized niche. Before getting started, you should make sure to have all the necessary materials and tools on hand.
This includes a piece of cement board, tile backer screws, a hammer drill, a jigsaw, trowel and mortar, grout, and sealant.
Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to build the niche. Start by measuring out the size of the area you plan to tile, then cut your cement board to that size. Secure it with tile backer screws and use a hammer drill to ensure they are securely in place. Next, use a jigsaw to cut out any areas where fixtures or outlets will be installed.
To further secure it, cover the edges of the niche with thin set mortar and cover it with a layer of tile backer tape.
How Much Will It Cost to Build a Shower Niche With Cement Board?
The cost of building a shower niche with a cement board will depend on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, the materials can range from $25 to $100 per square foot, depending on factors such as the type of cement board used (e.g., HardieBacker or Durock), whether you go for custom sizes or pre-cut panels, and the tile you opt for.
Additionally, if a professional is hired to install the niche, labor costs will also need to be factored in. As such, it’s important to do your research beforehand and have a budget in mind before you start building. With proper planning and budgeting, however, building a shower niche with a cement board can be an affordable project that you can complete in just a few days.
Conclusion
One of the main disadvantages of using cement board to build a shower niche is that it requires more professional installation than other materials. While waterproofing membranes and sealers are available, they can add extra cost and time to the project. Additionally, due to its heavy nature, special structural considerations may have to be taken if you are not using a pre-fabricated niche.
Furthermore, the cement board can be difficult to work with and may require cutting or trimming for some installations.
In conclusion, building a shower niche with a cement board is an easy and cost-effective way to add functionality to your bathroom. It requires minimal effort and materials and will provide years of performance and aesthetic appeal. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, this project will add value and curb appeal to your home. I hope reading this post has helped you learn how to build a shower niche with cement board. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.
You Can Check It Out To Build a Post and Pier Foundation