By Bruno Venichand, J. Perry & Sons — Florida CGC1540699
Installing a shower niche costs $350–$525 per niche when it is framed and tiled during a shower rebuild, and $600–$925 when the back and sides are cut from matching porcelain or stone slab. The price assumes the wall is already open. Adding a niche to a finished shower means opening tile and is usually part of a larger repair. This guide from J. Perry & Sons shower tile installation covers sizes, placement and the waterproofing details that keep a niche from leaking.
Shower niche cost by type
| Niche type | Installed cost | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tiled niche, framed between studs | $350–$525 each | 12x24 or 14x24, 3.5 in deep |
| Double-height or two-shelf niche | $350–$525 per opening, plus shelf | 12x36 to 14x48 |
| Slab-lined niche (back and sides in matching slab) | $600–$925 each | Sized to the slab panel |
| Tiled bench, if you want one alongside | $600–$925 | Built-in, sloped seat |
The niche is a small line inside the shower. Shower wall tile itself runs $22–$30 per sq ft installed, and a full slab shower with porcelain panels is $5,500–$9,000 per shower labor-only or $9,500–$16,000 supplied and installed. A niche is cheap to add during a rebuild and expensive to add later.
Size and placement that work
Most showers here are built in 2x4 walls with studs at 16 in centers, so the clear width between studs is about 14.5 in. A niche that fits one bay avoids cutting a stud and is the cleanest build. Wider niches are fine, but they need a header framed in, which we plan before the backer board goes up.
- Height. Bottom of the niche around 40–48 in from the floor for standing use. A second, lower niche at 24–30 in works for shaving or kids.
- Wall. Put it on a wall you see from inside the shower, not facing the door, so bottles are not the first thing guests see. Never in an exterior CBS wall without planning; the block has to be cut and the niche depth is limited.
- Tile layout. Line the niche top and bottom up with grout joints. With 12x24 or larger tile, we set out the wall first and size the niche to the tile, not the other way around.
- Plumbing. Keep it out of the valve wall bay unless the plumbing is mapped.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Send a photo of the shower and the tile you picked and we'll reply with a same-day range.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
How we build a niche that does not leak
- Framing. Blocking at top and bottom, header if the niche spans two bays.
- Board. Cement board or foam board lining all five faces.
- Waterproofing. Liquid or sheet membrane wrapped continuously into the niche, with preformed corners or fabric at every inside corner. This is where most leaks begin.
- Slope. The niche floor is pitched toward the shower so water drains out instead of sitting against grout.
- Tile. Mitered or trimmed edges, full coverage, back-buttered pieces on the shelf.
- Flood or spray test before tile goes on, when the membrane system allows it.
A prefabricated foam niche insert speeds up framing, but it still needs to be tied into the membrane correctly. The insert is not the waterproofing on its own.
Edges and finishes
- Mitered tile edges give the cleanest look on porcelain and are our default with rectified tile.
- Metal trim (brushed nickel, matte black, brass) is quicker and protects the edge on softer tile.
- Stone or quartz shelf on the bottom sill sheds water and wipes clean.
- Slab-lined niches look continuous with a slab shower and remove grout lines from the niche entirely.
- Accent tile (mosaic or zellige at the back) is a small cost for a lot of effect.
South Florida notes
Humidity keeps bathrooms damp here even with a fan, so we do not cut corners on membrane or slope. Condo showers need board approval for the remodel and sometimes for the waterproofing method; the association rules come first. In older Broward and Palm Beach homes we often find the niche planned on a wall with old galvanized plumbing, which moves the niche or changes the plumbing scope. Shower rebuilds that touch plumbing get a permit, which we pull.
Timeline
A niche adds a few hours of framing, half a day of membrane detail and cure, and part of a day of tile. Inside a full shower rebuild that runs 5–10 working days, it rarely changes the schedule.
Shower tile by city
- Bathroom renovation in Boca Raton
- Bathroom renovation in Fort Lauderdale
- Bathroom renovation in Coral Gables
- Bathroom renovation in Delray Beach
- Bathroom renovation in Weston
- Bathroom renovation in Palm Beach Gardens
Related guides: Porcelain slab shower walls cost · Shower pan replacement cost · Master bathroom remodel cost
For the full room, see our bathroom renovation service.
Prefer to send photos or plans? Send us your project
Shower niche — FAQ
How much does it cost to add a shower niche? $350–$525 per tiled niche during a shower rebuild, or $600–$925 lined in matching slab. Adding one to a finished shower means opening tile and is priced as a repair.
What is the best size for a shower niche? About 12–14 in wide by 24 in tall fits between studs and holds full-size bottles. Taller two-shelf niches need a framed header.
Where should a shower niche go? On an interior wall visible from inside the shower, bottom edge around 40–48 in high, lined up with tile joints and away from the valve bay.
Why do shower niches leak? Usually a missed inside corner in the membrane or a flat sill that holds water. A continuous membrane and a sloped sill prevent both.
How do I get an exact price? Call (561) 556-7509 or send photos and rough dimensions through our project form. A written estimate is typically ready within 24–48 hours after a site review and scope confirmation.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project. Licensed Florida general contractor CGC1540699. Serving Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
Call (561) 556-7509 or send us your project with photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.