A shower niche is a small detail that causes big leaks when it's done wrong. Here's how pros build a clean, waterproof tiled niche.
Prefab niche vs. framed
A prefab waterproof niche drops in fast, is already the right size for common tile, and removes most waterproofing guesswork — the pro-preferred route. A framed (site-built) niche gives custom sizing but you own every waterproofing seam. For speed and reliability, prefab wins most jobs.
Waterproofing is everything
The niche is a box of inside corners — the highest-risk spot in a shower. Bond the niche to the wall waterproofing as one continuous system, seal every corner and seam with banding, and slope the niche shelf slightly forward so water drains out. See our waterproofing shower walls guide.
Boards and trims
Build the surrounding wall with waterproof wall boards so the niche integrates with a rigid, waterproof substrate. Finish the niche edges with a metal trim profile for a clean, durable edge.
Tile and grout the niche
Full mortar coverage, a leveling clip or two for flush tile, and — in a wet niche — epoxy grout for stain and water resistance (epoxy vs cement grout).
FAQ
Should a shower niche slope? Yes — slope the shelf slightly forward so water drains out instead of pooling.
Prefab or built niche? Prefab waterproof niches are faster and remove most waterproofing risk; framed niches allow custom sizing but you seal every seam.
What grout in a niche? Epoxy grout resists water and stains best in a wet niche.
Building showers for jobs? Get niches, boards and waterproofing at contractor pricing with the Pro Program. Shop shower systems →