Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD-SN is a fully sealed pre-fabricated shower niche made of Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD.
The niche is available in several sizes. The larger sizes come complete with a removable
shelf. KERDI-BOARD-SN can be easily installed in shower or bathtub surround applications.
Here’s how to install one in conjunction with the Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane
over solid backing, such as gypsum board, on wall framing.
First, mark the desired location. Tile layout can be an important factor in
determining the position of the niche. For example, the niche can be installed so
that the opening lines up with the wall tile installation and provides minimal tile cuts
and clean, even grout lines. Keep in mind that the KERDI-BOARD-SN has a
two inch wide flange on the outside of the niche. This is where the wall board will be
cut away for installation. Trace around the outside of the niche flange,
making sure the lines are level and plumb. Then, cut and remove the solid backing such
that the niche will be supported on both sides by the studs or other pre-constructed wall
framing. Insert the niche and fasten to the studs using
the appropriate screws. Fasteners are placed along the seam approximately
1/4 inch from the edges of the niche. Fasten all corners and limit overall fastener spacing
to 12 inches on center. Now that the niche is installed, the wall
is made waterproof using the Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane.
KERDI is bonded to the solid backing and niche using any Schluter thin-set mortar….
….or an unmodified thin-set mortar. The mortar is mixed to a fairly fluid consistency,
but still able to hold a notch. A 1/4 inch x 3/16 inch V-notched trowel or
the Schluter®-KERDI-TROWEL, which features a 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch square-notched design,
is used to apply the mortar. Clean any dust or debris from the surface
of the solid backing. It is important to dampen particularly dry
and porous substrates in order to help prevent premature drying or skinning of the thin-set
mortar. Apply a thin layer of mortar to the gypsum
board and niche with the flat side of the trowel to produce solid contact with the surface…
…and then comb additional mortar using the notched side of the trowel.
The mortar is applied up to the niche opening. Apply the KERDI over the wall. (PAUSE)
Embed the membrane into the mortar using the flat side of the trowel or a drywall finishing
knife to ensure proper adhesion and to remove air pockets.
Cut the KERDI along the shower niche opening. The shower niche flange is designed to provide
a 2 inch overlap. The KERDI-BOARD-SN shower niche installation
is now complete, waterproof and ready for tile!
Check out “How to Tile a Niche with Schluter® Profiles” for all the details on tiling
your KERDI-BOARD-SN shower niche. If you still have questions, please contact
our Customer Support Specialists. For more information on Schluter products, visit schluter.com
or check out our YouTube channel to view our videos!