Step 5 · Set and Fasten Niche

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

While the waterproof sealant is still wet, carefully align the niche and press it firmly into the opening. Push hard enough that the niche flange sits perfectly flat against the face of the backer board. This pressure should cause a small amount of sealant to squeeze out around the entire perimeter of the flange, which confirms you have a good, void-free seal. Use a drill/driver to secure the niche, driving the appropriate screws with washers through the pre-drilled holes in the niche's flange and into the studs and horizontal blocking you installed earlier. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can crack the plastic flange or create depressions in the wall board.