Travertine Shower with Recessed Niche in West End

This shower in a West End home used natural travertine subway tile on the walls with a decorative border tile at mid-height, a recessed niche framed by the border detail, and a small-format mosaic floor. Travertine is a natural stone that requires sealing before grouting to prevent the grout from staining the porous surface, and again after grouting as a final protective layer.

The recessed niche was framed between studs and lined with cement board before tile went up. The niche interior was tiled to align with the border course so the decorative strip wrapped the niche opening continuously. This kind of layout requires planning the tile course heights before any tile is set.