How to Make a Recessed Opening in a Tiled Shower

Decide where you want to place the recessed opening. Make a note of where the studs are behind the shower by using an electronic stud finder on the wall above the shower. Measure the length and width of the dish you want to install in the shower. Mark the dimensions of the opening on the shower wall away from the wall studs. Center the dish between four large tiles.

Remove the grout from around the tiles with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut the cement board behind the tiles. Pry the tiles from the wall with a metal putty knife.

Cut small tiles or stuck tiles away with a 4-inch diamond grinder.

Cut the exposed cement saw with a 1-inch hole saw. The saw makes even cuts along the cement board, which makes it easy to remove the boards. Wipe away the dust left from the cement board with clean cloths.

Set the level along the bottom of the recessed opening. Make any adjustments with hole saw until the hole is level.

Adhere duct tape around the edges of the opening. This makes a smooth edge for the silicone to adhere to properly.

Line the opening in the wall and the inside lip on the dish with silicone sealant. Insert the dish inside the recessed opening. The outer lip on the dish will be flush against the tiles on the wall. Let the sealant dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before you use the shower. Wipe any excess sealant from the tiles with a damp cloth.