How about explaining what you want to do and why.

@mtvhike My two questions were posed

For clarity, this is a hall bathroom

"Is it common to install a niche directly above a junction box?"

I don't know how common it is, but there's nothing wrong with it.

"2) In your opinion, would it be best to eliminate option #1 (yellow rectangle) from consideration all together?"

It would be best to eliminate the niche altogether. You have to be a tile and mathematical master to make them come out right. Silicone some evacuating shelves to the tile please.

@joseph So for my own clarification, there’s no code violation with the electrical outlet being below a niche? That’s my main concern as I could not find anything in the IRC nor NEC that seemed to speak to electrical outlets inside wet walls nor any mention of niches within X proximity of electrical outlets and/or wiring in any sort of code standard. I have a call into my local code office although they’ve gone silent on me. I appreciate your input regarding “mathematical master” - I’m actually exceptionally good at calculations and measurements (without going into too much personal details) and not quite a novice at tiling any longer despite my username.

You.re not being clear about what you are trying to do. I doubt if you are going to find anything in the electrical codes about "niches".

• So for my own clarification, there’s no code violation with the electrical outlet being below a niche?

I think the codes say something like the electrical outlet cannot be within 36 (?) inches of the tub/shower. I don't think it has anything to do with how close it is to a niche.

@dennisgli I am not moving any electrical. I was simply trying to determine whether installing a shower/tub niche over the existing electrical junction box and/or wiring is a violation of the IRC (I didn’t think so but wanted to verify), NEC (same as thoughts on IRC), and/or any other code (had no idea) or contrasts any best practices (had no idea) used amongst pros that I was not aware of. As a non-electrician/non-pro/non-contractor/non-remodeler, installing over a junction box and/or wiring given leaks could eventually occur over time seems “iffy”. I am familiar with the locations of outlets although your noted reference does not speak to my situation - it speaks to sinks and tubs/showers within the room in which the outlet faces - so in this case, your reference is applicable to my master bathroom not the subject hall bathroom.

given the common use/installation of niches these days, I was asking whether there are any other widely used codes or even best practices used amongst pros that should be considered/referenced. I’ve received clarification from a family member with prior building/construction experience. I simply provided visuals (i.e. potential niche locations, what backs to walls to convey why electrical cannot be moved, to convey that box isn’t terminal) in anticipation that someone(s) would tell me to simply move electrical.

I was also asking whether, per pros opinions (based on experience), whether it is acceptable (if no code is applicable) to install a niche directly over a junction box. Although, DISREGARD provided the same family member has provided all clarity and opinions sought.

no offense, I sell and design Niches for a living ! you are over doing it here and asking for waterproofing issues as well as tile layout debacles.

@Joseph Corlett, LLC has a valid point here. less is more 1 niche simplified and properly placed is king

Nothing worse than a poorly placed or forced niche location in A tile layout.

@Mint Tile LLC absolutely no offense taken! Your feedback (and kudzu9) is exactly the type of response that I was soliciting to attempt to determine the most practical location and what should/should not be done (i.e. niche over junction box?) even if technically not in violation of code. BTW, I’m going with the double niches represented by the green squares after conversing with my family member. I will have to notch out and install some 2x4s to receive some plywood or OSB to serve as backing for both niches, may even custom make the niches rather than using pre-fab boxes. Not too bad provided the stud running up the middle of the green niches is a flimsy/wobbly 2x4 in a 2x6 wall and not 16 oc from either of its neighboring studs, so I plan to replace it with a properly fitted/sized/located 2x6 in any case. But I absolutely preferred not to “force” niches represented by the blue squares and yellow rectangle as doing so would have also been more invasive. Thanks for your insight!

NovieDYIer-

Glad you figured out something that works for you, and thanks for keeping an open mind. I often need a reality check with my projects, too. Sometimes these forum discussions go south because people take constructive criticism as personal criticism.

@Novce...... I always wait until im into tilie layout before i attempt math and commit to layout of any niche. Not until i have tiles on the wall in courses do i cut in and finalize location of my niches. This is how you get a niche just perfect in the tile layout.

@Mint Tile LLC I’m a planner in every sense of the word although I have absolutely had to concede that this isn’t one I’ll “win” until the the last moments! I just hope it doesn’t rattle me enough to give up on a niche completely. Thanks again for your insight! Note: When ready to start the tile work, I may be pinging you for some advice! 😀

Since apparently there isn't a code problem, but you're worried about water leaking into the box, why not replace the box with an exterior, waterproof one? Also, is the niche you're buying leakproof?

@mtv I am not doing anything with electrical and have already decided where I will and will not install two niches. Please read most recent posts.

@mtvhike ...for the simple fact that this wall is a wet wall, replacing the junction box for an exterior variant may not be a bad idea although I will still not install a niche over any type junction box. It just makes the most sense and won’t make me worry. Thanks for the suggestion!

Oh and if I stick with pre-fab rather than custom, a waterproof offering by Schluter.