Sometimes we have to pack a lot of things into a small bathroom, and every square inch of space counts. Once in a while, the only way we can make things work is to steal that extra inch from somewhere, and one place that we’ve come to look for a little extra space is the area behind a fiberglass shower enclosure.
As shown in the drawing, the units have a nailing flange around their perimeter. The flange along the top extends an inch or more beyond the inside face of the enclosure. Ordinarily, the flange is nailed flat onto the studs. But lately, I’ve taken to recessing the flange into the studs to maximize floor space.
First, I slide the unit into the framed opening, and then I mark the top and bottom of the flange from the backside. Next, I trim a notch into each stud to accommodate the flange. With a little bit of planning, the same technique can be used to recess the tub or shower into the sidewalls. Just make sure that none of the walls is load bearing before you start carving away at any of them.
Mike Guertin, East Greenwich, RI
