Kitchen Confidential

Kerdi Niche Planning

Im a doing a basement bathroom and trying to methodically plan out my install for most OCD palatable design. I’m struggling on how and where to install my prefab 28x12 Kerdi niche. While I realize cutting and crafting one isn’t hard, it seems this size will be workable and save me many headaches. I will be using 3x12 blue subway tile with dark grout to help hide imperfections. I currently have the niche framed out, but holding off on installing the board to get the proper position. Floor pan isn’t done yet, since walls aren’t done yet, so I’m at a stand still.

A few basic questions

1. Niche grout lines should line up with the tile on the top or bottom of the box?

2. Does anyone start at the niche and work down/up to get proper alignment.

3. I plan to pad out the sides with Kerdi board to get full tiles best approach to this?

4. Any tips on 3x12 tiles placed vertically?

Still dry fitting. Should I just make a relief cut here? Tile #11 rocks about 5/8” back and forth over the recess for the drain. It hinges about where the green line is marked. Do I just make a relief cut here?