For a classy way to display some of your prized possessions, you can use a wall niche. The niche has the look of carved marble, but it's made of lightweight plastic or fiberglass. First, locate your wall studs with a stud sensor. Mark the center and edges of the studs between which you plan to install the niche (figure A).
Many wall-niche kits include a template to show where to cut the wall (figure B). If your niche doesn't include a template, you can simply place the face of the niche against the wall and trace around it. Place the template against the wall about 42" from the floor. Check for level, and trace around the template (figure C).
Use a dry-wall saw to cut a small hole within the area you plan to remove. Look through the hole to make sure you aren't going to cut into any plumbing or wiring. When you're sure the hole is clear, cut out the hole for the niche with the dry-wall saw. * You may want to install a 2" by 4" cleat between the studs for added support. Install the niche in the hole (figure D), and secure it with finish nails.
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