During site visits we often see many variations of a tiled shower recess (sometimes referred to as a tiled soap recess) but not often done “right”. 

One of the key rules underlying the correct approach is the reliance on the required screws to prevent board pulling off the wall, how can you achieve this for a piece of board with no framing to fix to? 

I’ve got some drawings to help explain: 

1. Build a “picture frame” the size of the opening, this can be with timber as thin as 25mm, attach the GIB Aqualine® to this.
   
   
   
2. Opening in framing should have support all around.
   
   
   
3. Insert the frame into the opening and insert screws at 150mm centres through the insert frame into the framing.
   
   
   
4. Attach strips of GIB Aqualine® to the inside edge of the frame and lay wall lining to cover the opening.  
   
   

There are some restrictions here: 

• Larger recesses can be accommodated depending on specific framing layout provided 500mm is not exceeded in at least one direction 
• If the opening required cutting out studs then the opening should be treated like a window opening and a lintel should be made.