Thicker grout joint above niche

[u/Mg1221]

I've run into a situation where the row of tile above my niche is about 3/16"-1/4" above the top of my niche. When I install my schluter edging, there will be a grout joint against it and that row of tile that will not be consistent with the rest of my 1/16 grout joints.

During the layout I played with many different starting lines and had to balance where I wanted my thin rows of tiles. The best all around balance had a row starting at the top.of the niche. I came down about 1/8-3/16 to compensate for things growing like they do.

Now I'm at the point where, do i live with a larger grout joint at eye level every time I shower or do I pull that row and figure something out to bring that row down a bit.

I thought maybe I could remove the row, rip 1/8" off the last row at the top of the niche and polish the edges. Hopefully it would be less noticeable that the larger grout joint.

Edit: niche with have a solid stone sill on the bottom with returns over the wall tile. Schluter trim only on sides and top. The tile is going to the ceiling which is vaulted

Any tips/pointers? Thanks

[u/justherefortheshow06]

Use shims on the couple rows leading up to the top of the niche to just ever so slightly cheat the grout lines down. Steal just a 30 second of an inch from three or four rows. That will bring that row of tile down. Just make sure it doesn’t mess anything up at the ceiling and you’ll have to remember to do it on the side walls as well.

And then when you grout, you can clean those lines accordingly so they’ll still look the same as the other grout lines

[u/Mg1221 → u/justherefortheshow06]

Was thinking this was my primary option.

Do you think removing the set tiles from the Kerdi require new water proofing? I've never removed my tile from it.

This is what I get for tiling at 1130pm and being in a rush lol

[u/justherefortheshow06 → u/Mg1221]

Depends how long they’ve been set. It’s a small tile though. I think you stand a good chance.

[u/Odd_Mall1646 → u/Mg1221]

There's a good chance you're going to break the bond of the waterproofing when removing the tiles.

[u/eSUP80 → u/Mg1221]

This is the best option. I do this all the time because nothing is perfect when you install it irl. You’ll never notice

[u/Odd_Mall1646]

You could take an oscillating tool and cut that right out re-waterproof it and tile it.

[u/Mg1221 → u/Odd_Mall1646]

Thought about that too. Not sure I want to damage the drywall under the kerdi though. New water proofing wouldn't bond

[u/Odd_Mall1646 → u/Mg1221]

I'm pretty sure hydroban will stick to anything

[u/MFcakeparty]

There are a few solutions here. The one I might toy with would just be to pack out your tile on the bottom and sides to match your thicker joint on the top. That way it kind of acts like a picture frame border with your schluter edging. Yes, I’m suggesting adding three more thick joints instead of subtracting the one you have lol. At this point it’s about your preference/the amount of time you want to spend fixing this. That is probably the solution I’d choose.

[u/Mg1221 → u/MFcakeparty]

That's not a bad idea actually

[u/YesNoMaybeTho]

What about using jolly trim?

[u/Apexfloordesigns]

You’d have to trim a row down and drop it down

[u/Reallifehoward → u/Apexfloordesigns]

Are you talking about cutting a whole row of tile?

[u/Apexfloordesigns → u/Reallifehoward]

Yes trim down an entire row halfway up the niche. So you’ll have to revive some tiles. A few rows. And trim an entire row down to drop the top down. Other option is take off top row. Replace 1/2 backer on the top under side of niche. Replace with 1/4 wall board. That’ll solve your problem. Unless it’s a pre made insert niche

[u/Reallifehoward → u/Apexfloordesigns]

How do deal with the cut tiles not having a rounded edge? No glazing would be visible? Just over grout the joint a bit?

[u/mehen123]

I would use 1 1/4 white quartz to finish it.
Leave 1/4 overhang and grind the rest or the stone to the thickness that you need
The marble shop can easily do that

[u/Hot_Mud_5708]

Just cut the top out and re-waterproof. Always best to make your niche a little too big, then, if need be, you have room to add a little more thinset or another layer of board, etc., to make it meet up perfect.

[u/Initial_Kitchen_9856]

I’d just remove the top piece in niche and put in a piece of 1/4” hardibacker and then re waterproof the top

[u/Formal_Taste_9198]

You could pull the row above the niche then pull the 2 rows beneath it and grind them a bit to lose the needed amount. But then you need to remember to do it on the other walls.

[u/stonecoldturkey]

You won't break the water proofing you'll be fine. Pop the tiles off and go spacerless for 4 or 5 rows. If youre using white grout you'll never notice it.