Shower niche - a simple and economical solution
Such an option as a shower in a niche can be a great solution both in the spacious bathroom and in the Khrushchev, when space is limited - you can isolate the compartment and equip it with a full-fledged shower space. All the main advantages of this type of construction will be discussed below, so that you can make sure that a niche is not only original, but also practical and economical.
The main advantages of this option
In fact, there are a lot of them, so we will consider only the most important and significant ones:
| Efficiency | The price of this project can be very budget, we will consider an option in which you can make a full-fledged design with minimal cost. Everyone knows that ready-made showers are not cheap, but it is not necessary to buy them, especially if you have a niche |
| Practicality | Again, if there is a sufficiently large niche in the bathroom, it is foolish to use it as a place for storing equipment or for other purposes. It is much more reasonable to use this space to equip a full-fledged soul, especially since the costs are very reasonable and democratic. |
| Simplicity | Instructions for the work in our case will be much easier than when building a booth in the corner or assembling the finished structure. Anyone who has ever assembled such systems will confirm that even a detailed step-by-step guide cannot explain everything quite clearly and easily. |
| Functionality | You choose what functions the system will perform, because you purchase a shower set separately, and it can only have an overhead shower, and there may be an additional lower shower, a watering can or an upper nozzle that simulates a tropical downpour. |
Workflow Description
Consider how the work is carried out and in what sequence each of the steps should be carried out. It is important not to miss a single significant detail, as this may cause large-scale rework and unnecessary costs.
Preparation and design
Like any other project, a shower device in a niche requires a number of preparatory activities:
- First you need to make a sketch of the future system. It can be done on a computer, and you can draw on a piece of paper, it is important that you represent the exact dimensions of the future structure and all the features of its functioning. Remember that the minimum size of the compartment, which will be comfortable when using, is 70x70 cm, but it is better to have a larger area.
Note! Experts recommend making a rectangular-shaped niche when possible, as studies have shown, such a configuration is more convenient for a person with a comparable area with a square structure.
- Next, you should plan how the communications will be laid, because for the smooth operation you will need a drainage system and water supply. For laying the wall and the floor is most often required, this is a very laborious process, so any shortcomings and mistakes are extremely undesirable.
- You should also decide on the type of shower head to be installed, if it is built-in, then some nodes will need to be hidden in the wall before finishing works.. Much simpler outdoor options, in this case, you just need to bring the water pipes at the correct height, so that the connection passes without any problems. Therefore, it is better to purchase a shower set in advance.
Door selection
This issue should be given special attention, because it is the only design that needs to be installed.
First of all, we should consider what type of structures are:
- Swing constructions - the most common and simple, their device is familiar to all. If you need a door for a shower in a 100 cm niche, then a double-wing version will do; narrower apertures can be made single-door. The only requirement is the availability of free space in front of the niche, which should be one and a half times wider than the door leaf.
- Sliding construction they are also very popular, since opening them does not require additional space, but remember that a door for a shower in a niche of 60 cm requires the same space on the side, so that the canvas has a place to go. The system works by means of rollers and rollers moving along them, it is better if they are made of metal, as the plastic wears out quickly enough.
- If you need an original shower door in a niche - foldable design will be a great solution. Its main difference is that it can be folded according to the principle of an accordion, and there can be two or even more flaps. The photo below shows an example of such a design.
- Rotating structures mounted on one bracket in the middle and moving in any direction. This solution requires a fairly large space, so it is used less frequently.
According to the material of manufacture, the following options can be distinguished:
- Products made of tempered glass are distinguished by reliability, durability and a variety of colors and possible patterns applied by sandblasting equipment. Their main drawback is a large mass, therefore, increased demands are placed on the loops.
- Doors for a shower niche from plastic and plexiglas cost much less, but also their reliability is lower. Over time, scratches appear on the surface, which degrade the appearance of the structures.
- Triplex consists of several layers of special glass glued together. Quite reliable and safe solution that is used infrequently due to the high cost.
Main works
The whole process takes place in the following order:
- First of all, the walls are broken down and the necessary communications — sewage and water mains — are laid. It is important that all connections are reliable and durable, we advise you to purchase the highest quality materials and components.
- Further, all surfaces are plastered with cement mortar, as it has high moisture resistance properties. a screed is poured on the floor, the easiest way is to use a self-leveling mortar - with its help, the base becomes even with minimal time.
- If the pallet is made of tile, then it is important to make the right foundation, in this case the solution fits so that the slope goes to the sink from all sides, it should not be too big - about 1 cm per running meter.
- The walls can be trimmed in two ways: either paint in several layers of moisture-resistant washable paint (budget solution), or revet with ceramic tiles - this is a more reliable and attractive option, albeit more complex. Still, you make the compartment for many years, so there is no need for savings here.
- For standard pallets, everything is simpler: if the design has legs, then they are installed, after which the structure is leveled, but it is much easier to use the option that is laid directly on the floor. Most often, it has a small height, so it will be comfortable to enter the niche.
Note! Do not forget to thoroughly seal the joints with a sealant to prevent moisture from entering the structure.
- After finishing the finishing work, you can put a shower set. In the case of the built-in version, you attach all the external elements, in the case of the external one, you assemble the structure and join the water supply. Do not forget to turn off the water before starting work and check the system for tightness after installation.
- In order to install the doors for the shower niche with your own hands, you must have everything you need, in the case of hinged structures - these are strong curtains, with sliding systems, guides and rollers are important. Fastening is carried out as reliably as possible, any play is not allowed. The hinges must be made of steel and have a reliable coating that protects the metal from corrosion.
Conclusion
A shower in a niche is a rational solution that can be used both in the already existing compartment and by erecting an additional wall made of brick or moisture-resistant drywall.
The video in this article will help to understand some of the important stages of the process even better.