How To Install a Shower Niche

Thinking of installing a shower niche?  A shower niche, shampoo shelf, shave step, shower shelf, shower caddy, cubby, shower beer holder - whatever you want to call - is one of the most requested additions for any shower and bathroom remodel, or new bathroom construction.

You could go down the line of placement, framing, waterproofing, tiling, and other sacred hacks your mentors taught you. Sure. You can. Only if you have about 3 hours to spend on framing out the niche, installing backboard, and waterproofing. 
 
But time costs money....

We’re gonna show you how to install a waterproof shower niche in 20 minutes or less (before tiling) using the Dük Liner wall niches.

Step 1: Choose the ideal placement of the shower niche. If you choose an outside wall, take into careful consideration the climate in which you live. If you install a shower niche on an outside wall, you won't have much space for insulation. No one likes a cold shower.

Step 2: Determine the size and shape of your desired shower niche. A Yellow Dük Liner is perfectly square (14” x 14”). The Blue Dük Liner offers more height or width depending on how you lay out the shower niche (14” x 22”). The Red Dük Liner is perfect option for a shave step (14” x 6”), or the Green Dük Liner has an arched top (14” x 14”).  

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Step 3: The niche needs to be placed between two wall studs. (A) Add horizontal nailing blocks, then (B) nail the Dük Liner to the studs on it's pre-marked spots (see first image below, left).

Step 4: Install mortar board and use a bead of silicone along the edge where the board meets the Dük Liner.

Step 5: Get ready to tile! Use a generous amount of adhesive on the back wall to allow for shrinkage during the drying process. Any form of adhesive can be used. 

Wait! Did we mention waterproofing? Forget about liquid waterproofing membranes and the like, the Dük Liner shower niche is WATERPROOF. That's right, 100% guaranteed leak-proof. The Dük Liner is made of injected molded ABS plastic. You can skip waterproofing a shower niche altogether.

Step 6: Grout, tile and you have a finished niche!

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It's that easy. 20 minutes or less to install a new shower niche. 

You can order more Dük Liners from your favorite local retailers. Find one here.

Thanks to Landberg Tile - Handyman DIY for this awesome little video on how easy installing a Dük Liner is! And yes, it is pronounced "DUCK - Liner" for those of you wondering.

Enjoy and happy tiling!

Bathroom Hacks: Add Luxury on a Small Budget

We’ve culled 8 bathroom renovation ideas (on a budget) that will add luxury to one of the most used rooms in the home - the bathroom. Our bathroom hacks will get you motivated on your next bathroom remodel, and will sure to impress your friends! 

It’s easier and more affordable than you may think to add luxury touches to your bathroom. A luxurious bathroom can give your home a stunning focal point. If you ever want to move in the future, it can also help to sell your property as bathroom remodels are a great return on investment. 

Great bathroom remodel ideas save you money, add style and luxury to your bathroom, and start your day off on the right foot. So let’s get started! Even implementing one of these ideas will make a world of difference in the bathroom!

Bathroom Hack #1 - Timeless Tile

Neutral styles tend to appeal to a broad range of people, and provide better return on investment for a bathroom renovation. The more expensive tiles are typically very taste-specific, so always choose basic and inexpensive. You can almost never go wrong with subway tiles as your base, then add accents, decor, and color. See Bathroom Hack #4 for how to add pops of color, and Bathroom Hack #2 for updating hardware, which is also a creative way to add luxury to the bathroom.

Bathroom Hack #2 - Hardware Updates

Old materials instantly date your bathroom. Take care of this easy bathroom DIY update, by purchasing new drawer pulls, new doorknobs, and new towel bars. Shower curtains and shower hooks can also transform a bathroom. When choosing a curtain you can bring in luxury with textured fabric shower curtain, or a colorful, patterned curtain against the neutral elements definitely adds some style to the room. All of this is quick, easy, and inexpensive too! Installing should be a piece of cake on your own.

Bathroom Hack #3 - Make Bathroom Clutter Free

Clutter does not equate to luxury. Incorporate some stylish (and hidden) storage into your bathroom to create a space that’s tidy and keeps personal belongings almost invisible. Vanity units are practical storage solution getting those beauty products of the sink counter. 

For the tub and shower area, no need to add shower caddies if you can install a Dük Liner shower niche. If you are going down to the studs in the shower or bathtub area, a recessed wall niche is the perfect solution to add space you never imagined was there. With 4 shapes/sizes to choose from, your clutter-free dream shower or bath can become a reality.

Bathroom Hack #4 - Add Color

If your bathroom is wee short on space, that doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch with some color and patterns. Even one wall in a stylish wallpaper can add that extra “pop” you are looking for (or the shower curtain hack can work here too). Try a simple graphic pattern—such as a chevron—and the wall is now transformed into your accent piece. Or, installing the Dük Liner custom wall niche also adds additional places you can accent with colorful tiles - ceramic, porcelain, metals…the possibilities are endless!

If you are going to paint the bathroom, lighter shades make it easier to see while you’re getting ready for the day (lighter colors also trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger). If you plan to paint the bathroom ceiling, always choose a slightly lighter color than the wall color. You can easily mix the primary wall color with white paint, and Ta-da! You now have ceiling paint! (first photo: @house.becomes.home)

Bathroom Hack #5 - Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

Let there be light! There are many options for bathroom lighting. A fabulous way to bring luxury into the bathroom is to install a stunning chandelier. Large or small, a chandelier will have huge impact on the space. 

Recessed shelving is another place to fit an LED strip light, which will create subtle illumination. A great addition is also a damp-rated waterproof recessed light in the shower and tub. 

If you are staying more traditional with your lighting fixtures, swap out those fluorescent lightbulbs in the bathroom. Halogen or xenon bulbs are best near the vanity (on either side of the mirror) or directly over the sink counter..

Bathroom Hack #6 - Mirrors Make A Difference

Mirrors can make the bathroom appear larger. Hang a large, fun-shaped mirror over the vanity to add some decorative punch. Fitting a large ornate mirror with an attractive frame instead of a square or rectangular one, can instantly stylize your bathroom. For a tiny master bath, try a recessed mirror. There are plenty of affordable options at your local home improvement store for you to get creative here!

Illuminated mirrors are also perfect for adding that luxury touch. They serve a dual purpose - as a functional makeup or shaving light during the day, then dim down for a nighttime “mood lighting” effect.

Bathroom Hack #7 - Install a New Sink

Your sink sees a lot of use. Get the most bang for your buck with a new contemporary sink. You can pick one of these up at your local home improvement store or order online. However, if the sink is adhered to the counter surface (such as an overmount or undercount) the counter top will also have to go, which can get expensive. If that’s not in budget, replace separate hot and cold faucets with a sleek single-handle faucet for a touch of luxury.

Bathroom Hack #8 - Install a Freestanding Bathtub

Last but not least, if do have some room in your budget (and space in the bathroom) a freestanding bathtub adds value to the home and is a stunning focal point of the bathroom. Traditional to contemporary, freestanding baths are available in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit any bathroom. 

Making any size bathroom appear practical, tidy, and even luxurious and stylish does not have to be a daunting task. There is no need to overhaul the space! Try our bathroom hacks and send us pictures of your luxurious DIY bathroom remodel!

Visit our products page for Dük Liner specs or find a Dük Liner retailer.

The History of Dük Liner

Creativity and passion, two of the most vital things you need to help make a business thrive. Same holds true for Dük Liner creator, Contractor Rob Curtis. It was back in 1999 when Curtis noticed a need for more efficient and water proof products that would work for effectively for homeowners. From there, ideas were sparked in Curtis, to bring a product to the marketplace that could be more cost effective and efficient for consumers. Starting out in just his San Diego garage, became so much more for Curtis. That is when Dük Liner was born. 

Why design and engineer the Dük Liner? 

Curtis was a custom homebuilder for 30 years and saw a need for a product like Dük Liner. Wall niche and shower inserts on the market back then, and even today, were cumbersome to install! And, never guaranteed leak-proof. Always an entrepreneur, Curtis enjoyed creating and developing businesses and products. After searching, Curtis found a San Diego Manufacturer and worked closely with an engineer to design the slope on the edges, length of flange and best interior size. For Curtis, it wasn’t just selling custom wall niches straight to homeowners and consumers nationwide, he wanted to put his own seal of approval behind them, using them in his own clients homes. 

Why the name Dük Liner?

The name Dük Liner was chosen for a few reasons. One, just as the water rolls off a ducks back, the Dük Liner is a waterproof product. And of course, it lines your interior shower and bath, and that is where the name was born. For Curtis, it was also very important to have all of the materials made here in the United States and Dük Liner is manufactured right in his hometown of San Diego.  

And so the tradition continues...

Curtis didn’t go at this venture alone, he certainly had help along the way and very much as today. His daughter, Nicole Curtis Santos, is a huge part of the Dük Liner success story. Just as Dük Liner was coming to fruition, Nicole graduated college and was ready to get involved in the family business. Taking a job with her father and Dük Liner was a great opportunity for Nicole to learn not only how to start a business but also how to successfully keep one running year after year. Nicole was able to use her skills and educational background to write a business plan for Dük Liner, helping to create the amazing company it is today.

As for her time outside of Dük Liner, Nicole is a married mother of three. Family life isn’t the only thing important to Nicole as she is a member of the women’s philanthropy group, The Thursday Club. The Thursday Club is comprised of women, which combines social activities with worthwhile civic and benevolent projects. 

Dük Liner is a growing entity and the entire team is working to see that growth tick even higher. Currently, the brand sells to more than 300 retailers nationwide and is continually on the look out for additional support to move the products into more homes.  With the love and compassion for customers and the products themselves, Dük Liner’s growth leaves those involved focused on passion, costumer support and success.  

Contact us for product or press inquiries. Visit our products section for spec information, or find a retailer direct by clicking here. Thank you for choosing Dük Liner!