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Tuscan and Bellini Niche Installation Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE: These instructions are for use with the Tuscan niche with trim and the Bellini niche. To install Tuscan niches without trim see this installation guide.

Materials and Tools Needed:

• Stud Locator (Optional, but Recommended)
• Level and Straightedge
• Pencil
• Box Cutter or Saw for Trimming
• Drywall Screws and/or adhesive (See Step 6)
• Countersink for Drywall Screws (Optional, See Step 6)
• Drill (Optional, See Step 6)
• Construction Adhesive (PL Brand Recommended)
• Caulk (Alex Plus Brand Recommended)

Steps

• Step 1: The Tuscan and Bellini niches are designed to fit between the studs of a standard wall (16” O.C., that is 16” between the centers of the 2x4 studs that make up the wall). The depths of niches are also designed to fit the depth of a standard 2x4 and 3/4” sheetrock wall.

Note: The niche will need to be placed between two of the 2x4 studs; if a very specific location is desired and the studs are not positioned ideally, a contractor or carpenter will need to be hired to build new framing.

Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the area the niche is to be positioned; see Figure 1a below. At the chosen height mark and cut a level straight cut outward to the studs on either side using a saw.

Alternately, if you do not have a stud finder, a straight horizontal line at the desired height can be cut in either direction from the “center” where the niche is to be placed. Cut this line using a saw until hitting the studs in either direction. There is a chance that a stud is positioned only a couple of inches from “center”, and the niche’s final position will not be close to “center”; see Figure 1b below. Note: The niche can shift almost 9” in either direction.

• Step 2: Proceed by cutting upward along the studs to the specified distance; see Figure 2 below.

• Step 3: Cut out the upper radius. Find the center of the circle between the studs at the top of the parallel cuts and mark the semicircle. The simplest way to mark this line is to use a strip of scrap cardboard and two nails or screws in the following fashion. Put one of the nails/screws through the cardboard and measure out 7-1/8”, and poke the other nail/screw partially through the cardboard, see Figure 3 below. Use this homemade compass to scratch the wall where the radius cut is to be made.

• Step 4: It is recommended to put a 2x4 stud horizontally at the bottom of the cut area, but is not necessary. The niche should now be checked for fit to the rough opening. The Tuscan niche may require removing the corners of the sheetrock just above the studs; see Figure 4 below. If the spacing isn’t perfect the actual stud may need to be trimmed as well. Trim where necessary until niche fits flush against wall.

• Step 5: Now that the niche fits, all surfaces that are to be glued/caulked must be cleaned. Remove dust from the wall and the edges of the niche with a damp rag and let dry. The sheetrock at the bottom of the rough opening should also be cleaned.
• The niche can be glued and/or fastened into position. The recommended form is using a drywall screw. In either process make sure that the niche is level and straight.

• Step 6: The niche can be glued and/or fastened into position. The recommended form is using a drywall screw. In either process make sure that the niche is level and straight.

Fasteners: Countersink holes for the screw heads at the locations shown below in Figure 5. There is reinforcement on the back of the niche where the holes are to be made. Position the niche and fasten it to the studs using the screws through the countersunk holes. The screw heads are covered using automotive filler for fiberglass (red on back) niches or sheetrock joint compound for plaster niches (white on back). Caulk around the edge of the niche where it touches the wall.

Adhesive: Using PL construction adhesive or similar glue along the edge of the niche and along the horizontal cut at the bottom of the rough opening. If a stud was positioned horizontally (see Step 4) then apply adhesive there also. Press the niche into the rough opening and use something to keep it in place for 24 hours while the adhesive dries. Clean up the adhesive along the edges of the niche using the manufacturer’s recommendations, but do this before the adhesive dries.

• Step 7: Paint the niche with a final coat. The paint on the niche when it arrives is a primer, a final coat is needed.

Bellini Niche Specifications

Tuscan Niche Specifications

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