Nobody likes fumbling around for the shampoo or shaving cream in the shower. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution—corner shelves! Not only are they super useful, but they’re also actually pretty easy to install. All you need is a good shelf and a few tools and you can knock out the job in less than an hour. To make it even easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions folks have about how they can install a shower corner shelf.
Steps
How do you attach a corner shelf to an existing tile shower?
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Start by marking an even line in your shower corner. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure where you want to place your shelf. Use a marker to mark a line for where you need to cut the tile to install your anchors. [5] X Expert Source Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 24 September 2021. Place a level against the wall on both sides and line it up with your marked lines to make sure they’re even and level. [6] X Research source- You could stick some painter’s tape on the wall and mark on top of it if you don’t want to mark the tile.
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2Then, cut 4 slots for your anchors with an angle grinder. [7] X Expert Source Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 24 September 2021. Fit your angle grinder with a tile-cutting blade so it’s able to easily penetrate the surface. Hold the blade so it’s parallel with the floor and cut into the wall deep enough to fit half of your anchor. Cut the 4 slots so they’re evenly spaced. [8] X Research source- Alternatively, you could drill four holes with masonry bits or tile bits, and place wall anchors into those drilled holes. [9]
X
Expert Source
Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- Alternatively, you could drill four holes with masonry bits or tile bits, and place wall anchors into those drilled holes. [9]
X
Expert Source
Ryaan Tuttle
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3Finally, apply adhesive and install the anchors and shelf. Insert an anchor into each of the slots you cut in the tile so they’re nice and secure. Take a strong adhesive such as super glue or Gorilla Glue and apply a line into the groove of the shelf. Fit the shelf onto the anchors and push it into place so it’s flush against the wall. Once the glue dries, you’re good to go! [10] X Research source
Can you install a shower corner shelf without cutting the tile?
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Yes, you can use double-sided tape and 2-part epoxy to hang the shelf. While it may not be as sturdy as a shelf with anchors cut into the tile, you can easily and quickly install a floating shelf in the corner of your shower. Take some double-sided tape and attach it to the edge of the shelf. Then, mix 2-part epoxy and spread a layer over the edge of the shelf. Align the shelf so it’s level and press it against the corner of your shower. Hold the shelf in place for about 5 minutes to allow the epoxy to bond. [11] X Research source
- About 30 minutes after drying, you can cut away any excess epoxy with a utility knife or razor blade.
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2Allow the epoxy to dry overnight, then caulk the edge of the shelf. Leave the shelf for at least 8 hours so the epoxy has a chance to really cure and harden. Then, take some caulk and apply a thin line to the edge of the shelf. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth and allow the caulk to fully dry according to the directions on the packaging. Wait until the caulk is dry before you use the shower. [12] X Research source
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I install a marble corner shelf on glass subway tile?Community AnswerSure. For a fairly temporary setup, you can just glue or caulk it there - the smaller the shelf the better. But for a permanent installation, you'll need to cut a slot in the glass tile with a grinder's Diamond Blade and chisel out the tile's thin-set adhesive. Then, you can thin-set in the shelf edge and grout its joints for the best and very long lasting support.
Tips
- If you don’t have an angle grinder, you may be able to rent one from your local hardware or home improvement store.Thanks
Warnings
- Make sure you use a tile-cutting blade and wear safety glasses to avoid potential injuries when you’re cutting the tile.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/POqtYXNwllw?t=88
- ↑ https://youtu.be/rqQ-2GwAauQ?t=30
- ↑ https://www.homedit.com/tile-shower-corner-shelf/
- ↑ https://www.homedit.com/tile-shower-corner-shelf/
- ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/POqtYXNwllw?t=15
- ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Fb27s-8U6S8?t=18
- ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
About This Article
You can install a shower corner shelf without any tools and it only takes a few minutes. If you have a tiled shower, you'll need a ceramic corner shelf, which you can find at your local hardware store, as well as double-sided adhesive foam tape and silicone caulk. To install the shelf, you'll apply adhesive foam and caulk to 2 sides of the shelf and attach it to your shower tiles. Make sure no one uses the shower for 24-48 hours after you're done so the adhesive and caulk can dry properly. Some shelves, like glass ones, usually come with screws to attach them to the wall. If you buy one of these, just mark your screw points with a level to make sure your shelf is straight. Then, screw the holes, insert the anchors, and screw the shelf in using a screwdriver. For more tips, including how to install a shelf in a fiberglass shower, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "The instructions and photos confirmed and clarified what I had been told by a professional on how to install a flat-back shelf in a tiled shower." ..." more