Tiled Bathtub Wall Niche

Paint the entire wall niche to help limit the effects of humidity. Let dry overnight.

Insert the niche into the wall opening and nail the sides to the adjoining wall studs. Cover the nail holes and touch up the paint as needed.

Cut the two trim sides (E) equal lengths to fit the frame, leaving about 1/8 inch of the side (A) edges exposed. Paint the side trim and nail it in place on the frame.

Miter-cut the top trim (F) to fit between two side trim pieces. Paint the entire part and nail it to the frame. Countersink the nails, putty over the holes and touch up the paint as needed.

Starting in one corner, press a square of the tiles in place. Lay a scrap of wood against the tile and tap it lightly with a hammer to seat the tile in the mastic. Repeat to add the remaining tiles and allow the mastic to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before grouting.

Apply painter’s tape to the wood around the tile to keep the grout from touching the painted surfaces. Using a grout float, press grout between the tiles. Clean the float and use the edge in diagonal passes to remove the excess grout.

Once the grout begins to form a haze on the tiles, wipe them clean with a moist sponge. Clean the sponge frequently and wring out the excess water. Follow up by wiping the tiles with a soft, dry cloth.

After the grout hardens, remove the tape. Allow the grout to dry for two weeks before applying a grout sealer.