'Waterproofing' niche

[PaulHG]

Anything special I need to do to 'waterproof' a niche in a tub/shower surround--
Beyond the usual vapor barrier between the hardibacker and the framing?

Have read recommendation for using Redgaurd over the hardi instead of poly under --
but -- ok -- I admit it
I'm way over budget and getting cheap hate to pay $37 to seal two small spaces - UNLESS that is the ONLY 'right' way to do it.

Hope to get this done today.

Thanks as always -

[Rd Tile]

Redgard.

[geniescience]

Paul

Remove the niche and tile a flat wall that'll have no horizontal parts that catch water permanently. You'll advance faster, you'll spend no extra money, you'll finish weeks ahead of otherwise. Imagine all the precise tile cutting you don't need to do.

Either that or do it right. Lots of waterproofing. A niche has a horizontal ledge and lots of "changes of plane". Yuk. Water will seep in somewhere. It'll stay there and feed mold, mildew and smells -- exactly what you are trying NOT to build into your structure.

Hope this helps.

[muskymike]

Hi Paul, that IS the only way to do it is to waterproof it. Like Rd said use redgard.

[PaulHG]

Once again y'all reminded me what I already pretty much suspected
- but didn't want to admit.
Just needed someone to tell me someone to reassure me I wasnt spending money on overkill.

As for leaving the wall flat ---
I 'may' be able to talk her out of the one on the front wall --
but I am afraid the larger one on the back wall is a done deal.

One other quick question --
For the bottom/shelf of the niche - do I still grout -- or would it be better to use matching silicon?

Thanks again

[Rd Tile]

The bottom tile in the nitch should be pitched a hair by using a little more thinset under the back of it, same for any shelves in it, then just grout it all, Redgard it all and out 6 to 8" all around, I also Redgard all the inside corners in the shower as well, as you can see through the ungrouted tile.

[PaulHG]

Thanks again -
Got the Redgard -
Finising lunch -
Back to work -
Wish me luck --

WAY too many 'first times' in this project

[Bigbobdallas]

So are you saying even if you have a vapor barrier still regard corners right and I guess joints also right

[Rd Tile]

You don't have to, corners can be problem areas, I do them, even with a barrier, no problem unless doing the whole wall, the barrier that is.

[PaulHG]

OK --
Got everything Redgarded - niches and corners -
Ready to start tiling tomorrow --
Thought I had all my design decsions made - but
Looking closer at the walls while I was applying the red --
Prompted some thoughts -
If any of you are into design -- please check my main thread -
Pauls Bathroom Redo -
- and give me your thoughts on the three sketches there.
YES - I know it is a matter of opinion - but since most of you have looked at a lot more tiled walls (good and bad) than I have -- I value your thoughts.
Thanks