3 ways to finish a shower niche: metal edging, mitered or bullnose
The edge of a shower niche is the detail people notice up close. Eric walks through the three ways we finish one, what each looks like, and when each makes sense.
Read what Eric says Transcript
Here are three ways to finish a shower niche.
First one, Schluter edging. This is a cost-effective option. It covers the exposed edge of tile, and it gives a nice, sharp, clean look. And these come in a bunch of different colors and sizes.
This is an example of a mitered edge finish. So the tiles were cut at a 45-degree angle and meet at a point. It allows a seamless transition between the wall and the inside of the niche, and typically does not stand out as much. Here's another example of a mitered finish. As you can see, it flows seamlessly.
And last up, we have a bullnose finish. And this is a tile with a factory rounded end. It gives you a softer, more traditional look. The only downside is that your tile manufacturer has to offer a bullnose finish.
A niche is framed, waterproofed and tiled like a tiny room inside your shower. The part you see every day is the edge, where the wall tile turns the corner into the niche. There are three common ways to finish it.
1. Metal edging
Metal edging, often called Schluter trim after the best-known brand, is a thin profile set into the tile that covers the exposed edge. It is the cost-effective option, and it gives a nice, sharp, clean look. The trim comes in a bunch of colors and sizes, so it can match your fixtures or disappear against the tile.
2. Mitered edge
On a mitered edge, the tiles are cut at a 45-degree angle and meet at a point on the corner. There is no trim and no visible tile edge, so the wall transitions seamlessly into the inside of the niche and the niche does not stand out as much. It takes more cutting time than trim, which is why it sits above it in price.
3. Bullnose
Bullnose is a tile with a factory-rounded end. It gives you a softer, more traditional look. The only downside is that your tile manufacturer has to make a bullnose piece for the tile you picked, so check before you fall in love with the idea.
What a niche costs
In our estimator, adding a niche to a shower is $600 to $1,000. It is cheap, and it is the thing people most often wish they had asked for. For the rest of the bathroom, see how much a bathroom remodel costs in Tampa.
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Questions people also ask
What is the cheapest way to finish a shower niche?
Metal edging such as Schluter trim. It covers the cut edge of the tile and gives a clean line without the extra cutting a mitered edge needs.
What is a mitered niche edge?
The tiles are cut at 45 degrees so they meet at a point on the corner, with no trim showing. The wall flows into the niche and the edge doesn't stand out.
Can I use bullnose on any tile?
No. Bullnose is a factory-rounded piece, so the tile line you chose has to offer one.