Shower Recess: The Deep Dive

Now, this is a good question with a bit of confusion around the specifics of it.

There are a few things they are often confused with, so let’s get that sorted first:

There are a few things they are often confused with, so let’s get that sorted first:

The term ‘shower recess’ is often confused with a shower niche, which are nooks in the shower walls where you can store stuff like shampoo or body wash so you can grab them when you need them while having a shower – basically, built-in shower shelves. This YouTube video does a good job of explaining the difference between the two:

You will also sometimes hear the term ‘shower recess’ used to describe a space inside the bathroom area that can be used as an additional close-by storage area for bath towels. This is typically anywhere from one to two square feet in floor space, which means it’s not really big enough to use as toiletry or towel storage but rather just secondary storage. Most people won’t have more than three things stored in such a bathroom storage nook. People with small bathrooms will usually make good use of this extra space.

When we use the term ‘shower recess’, we mean the space on the bathroom floor plan set aside for the installation of the shower. Is an enclosed space made of some wall, a shower base, and a set of doors to enclose the shower area?

Designing A Shower Recess Area

Of course, there are different sizes of shower recesses, using different materials for the doors, and different kinds of tiles for the walls. Despite the fact that there are a million ways to do it and style it, it is all about the basic functionality needed to get the job done of having a shower. But of course, we want it to look good as well, so style is important.

Size Of A Shower Recess

The size of a shower recess should be determined by who will use it. If only one person needs to take a shower at any given time then there is no need to create an overly large space like some people may think they do in order to accommodate multiple users; this would just lead to water spots on the floor from someone else using too much water while waiting their turn – not good! Alternatively, if two or more people share the same bathroom with each other then we recommend considering getting a little bit bigger than what’s necessary so that everyone has enough room (unless one person prefers smaller showers). Either way, try out the space you intend to create it in before buying the things you need to make it.

General Guidelines

Designing a shower recess is really up to the person doing the design, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

For example, if you have a large budget then maybe consider making your bathroom “open” (no separate area for everything) and having as few walls as possible so that guests always feel comfortable in an open environment; this could also lead to more natural light coming into the room from one side or another which would make people happier throughout their day – win-win!

Alternatively, if you’re on a tighter budget we recommend considering dividing up your bathrooms with various types of dividers like curtains or glass doors to keep different activities separated while still saving money at the same time by installing fewer materials with associated less cost.

For a more modern style, you might choose an L-shaped or corner design; these are smaller than standard showers but still offer plenty of room for someone to bathe themselves without feeling claustrophobic. If your space includes doors or windows on one side (or both) then you’ll probably want to avoid this type as they require careful placement with other fixtures in order not to obscure natural light or create awkward angles that restrict access points between rooms.

What is a shower recess used for?

Other than the obvious need to provide an area for someone to have a shower, from a technical perspective, a shower recess allows the rest of the bathroom to remain dry while someone has a shower, without having to worry about water leaks occurring. This is very important because it must prevent water from escaping the shower recess area which results in mold and water damage to the subfloor and adjoining wall area – not a good outcome at all. So the whole shower recess area needs to be properly and completely sealed off to stop that from happening.

How can you style a shower recess?

Shower recesses can be styled like anything else you have in your bathroom. It is important to style you shower recess to match the rest of your bathroom design.

Shower Door Options

There are various styles of doors available including sliding and swinging, straight and curved, as well as framed or frameless. Doors can be tinted, hammered, frosted, rain glass or clear. Some of those choices will require different levels of ongoing cleaning to keep them looking nice.

Tiling Options

Another important consideration is your tiling options. Much of this will be determined by the rest of the tiling in the bathroom, but sometimes the shower recess walls can have a different finish to the rest; for example if you are going with an acid etch feature that requires more upkeep than normal tile surfaces would need afterward such as sealing grout lines between each individual piece installed.

How big should a shower recess be in Australia?

Showers in Australia usually measure around 900mm x 900mm, but if your bathroom has more space, you may wish to have it around  1800mm x 1000mm. Showers with two showerheads are usually between 1600mm and 1000mm in size, or even larger if there is enough space.

How do you install a shower recess?

There are some online tutorials on how to install a shower recess, but doing it yourself isn’t always the best option. With shower recesses, it is always a good idea to have a professional install it!

There are many different ways to install a shower recess in Australia. You can choose the type of tile, the size of your space, and also what features you would like such as rainfall or LED lights. A plumbing professional should be able to help you with all these choices so that you find something that suits your needs best.

Drainage Considerations

A key thing is a consideration for how much water will need to drain from the area before it overflows onto flooring surfaces beneath; if this isn’t allowed enough room then showers might have problems draining quickly enough into waste pipes which may overflow on floors, causing major damage and other issues. The height at which this happens varies depending on local regulations but usually requires no less than 30-50mm clearance between the top of the shower floor and waste pipe.

Possible DIY Opportunity

A common misconception about installing new showers is that it’s difficult work – while there may be some difficulties when first starting out like ensuring enough water drainage from pipes, once those have been sorted any competent DIYer should feel confident tackling their own installation as long as they get lots of advice along the way, not only from YouTube but someone who has done it before themselves.

How do you tile a shower recess?

Installing the floor

When installing a new floor, you need to decide if you’re going for one or two layers. The first layer is installed using waterproof silicone sealant onto the wall because it will take up any water that might get past in the future – this means ensuring you’ve chosen tiles with plenty of grout joint as well so they don’t end up going anywhere near your plumbing system. The second layer can be applied directly over another sheet of silicon (to avoid those pesky grouts), although for extra protection install some protective mesh too.

The last stage is just making sure everything’s smooth by sponging off excess water from around the edges then leaving them to dry for 24 hours before walking on them.

Once finished, it will look like an amazing new space that’ll fit all your needs perfectly.

Here is a YouTube video from Bunnings that lays out the process.

Installing the tiles on the shower walls

The first thing to do is measure the area you want to be tiled. Remember, it’s usually easier if you start at one end and work your way along – so for example, when tiling up a wall from floor to ceiling (or vice versa) make sure that each tile goes in the direction of the previous row.

Once you’ve decided on what size tiles to use, figure out how many sheets will fit in width-wise or height-wise before buying too many just in case.

For smaller walls like those surrounding bath tubs and shower recesses where there isn’t much space between them and the other side of the room, choose tiles that are small enough to meet these tight spaces without any gaps – this will make the job a lot easier.

Follow the instructions on your tile package to transfer any patterns and designs onto it using a pencil or similar tool before you start cutting them out with a sharp knife, ideally one that’s been well-honed and oiled beforehand.

Lay each piece of tiling carefully in place by making sure there are no air bubbles between tiles; this can be done easily enough just by pushing down (gently) along all edges while also holding up at least two corners – if they push back together then they’re not pressed tightly enough. When you get to these tight spaces, use some water around the area where the next row will go as a lubricant for sliding pieces into position without leaving gaps behind. Use the same technique to remove any excess grout from the tile surfaces before it hardens.

When you’re done, stand back and admire your work in all its tiled glory!

Here is a Youtube video that goes through the process of tiling the walls of a shower.

Cleaning Your Shower Recess

Cleaning glass showers are a bit of a challenge. Remember that there’s no need for harsh chemicals when cleaning your shower recess – just a few natural ingredients will do the trick nicely! Mix together some baking soda with lemon juice or vinegar (or even both). Once they have dissolved into each other, pour them over a sponge and wipe down the surface of your tiles; this works on glass too. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try using an orange peel instead of commercial cleaners – this is especially good if you’ve got stubborn stains around taps.

Where can you buy shower recess components in Australia?

Starting from the shower head all the way down to a door, a shower pan, and a shower niche, there are many different components in your bathroom. This will include an adhesive and waterproof sealant (and these can usually be found at any hardware store). You will also need silicone caulk or grout. All this can be purchased from a hardware store like Bunnings or similar.

FAQ

Q: What is Shower Recess meaning?

A: Shower Recess refers to a specific area or enclosure within a bathroom design dedicated exclusively to the showering experience. It is essentially a separate space encompassed by walls or partitions where individuals can enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating shower. This designated area offers privacy, comfort, and convenience, allowing one to unwind and indulge in a tranquil showering ritual. With its distinct purpose, the Shower Recess serves as a pivotal element in contemporary bathroom layouts, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Q: What is Shower Niche meaning?

A: Shower Niche holds an important significance when it comes to designing a modern and functional bathroom. It refers to a specialized recessed area within the shower enclosure that serves multiple purposes. A Shower Niche provides a convenient and easily accessible space to store essential showering items such as shampoo bottles, soap bars, and loofahs, eliminating the need for external shower caddies or cluttering up the bathroom counter. Besides its practicality, a well-designed Shower Niche can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall bathroom aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the shower tiles and complementing the surrounding decor. With its versatility and practicality, incorporating a Shower Niche into your bathroom design can elevate your showering experience to new heights.

Q: How big should a shower niche be?

A: Determining the ideal size for a shower niche is crucial for achieving a functional and visually appealing bathroom design. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, several factors come into play when deciding the dimensions of a shower niche.

Firstly, consider your specific needs and the items you plan to store within the niche. This could range from standard-sized shampoo bottles to larger showering essentials. By assessing the dimensions of the items you wish to accommodate, you can estimate the minimum width, depth, and height required for your shower niche.

Additionally, the size of your bathroom and the available wall space will influence the dimensions of the niche. It’s essential to strike a balance between the niche’s size and the overall aesthetics of the bathroom. You want the niche to be spacious enough to hold your necessities comfortably, while maintaining a visually pleasing proportion with the surrounding tiles and fixtures.

Keep in mind that adhering to industry standards and design guidelines is also beneficial. For instance, a typical recommendation is to have a minimum width of around 12 inches (30 cm) for a shower niche. This width allows for ample storage and easy access to your showering essentials.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your bathroom space when determining the size of a shower niche. By finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, you can create a shower niche that enhances both your daily routines and the overall charm of your bathroom.

Q: What is bathroom recess meaning?

A: Bathroom recess holds a significant role in the realm of bathroom design and functionality. It refers to a designated space within a bathroom layout that is cleverly recessed or set back, offering various advantages for both aesthetics and practicality.

This purposeful architectural feature allows for the creation of an area that seamlessly blends into the overall design while utilizing the available space to its fullest potential. Bathroom recesses can be incorporated in several ways, such as recessed shelves, alcoves, or even niches, providing extra storage options, display areas, or simply adding depth and visual interest to the overall bathroom layout.

One of the key benefits of a bathroom recess is its ability to maximize space utilization. In smaller bathrooms, where every inch counts, recessing certain elements like storage or vanity areas can create a sense of spaciousness, making the room feel larger and more open. It also allows for a more streamlined and clutter-free appearance by effectively concealing pipes, electrical wiring, or other technical installations.

Moreover, a well-designed bathroom recess adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic. It provides an opportunity to showcase decorative accents, such as artwork, plants, or stylish bathroom accessories, turning these recessed areas into focal points that elevate the overall ambiance of the space.

Furthermore, bathroom recesses can enhance functionality by offering convenient storage solutions. Whether it’s in the form of recessed shelves for towels and toiletries, a built-in vanity area with ample counter space, or recessed cabinets to keep cleaning supplies out of sight, these recessed elements contribute to a well-organized and efficient bathroom environment.

In conclusion, bathroom recess plays a crucial role in both the visual appeal and functionality of a bathroom space. By utilizing clever recessed features, designers and homeowners can create a harmonious and practical bathroom layout that optimizes space, reduces clutter, and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.