How to install a shelf in a shower niche? - Tile Advice

[Amelia Lily]

Hi, I’ve had a niche built in my shower (photo on left) I’d like a shelf inserted in the middle (similar to the top right photo) and I’m wondering the best way to do this. My plan is for the sides of the niche to be tiled in the same ceramic tiles as the shower and the back of the niche to be tiled in glass scallop mosaic tiles (lower right photo). I’ve been told it will be tricky to cut a slot into the mosaics to insert the shelf, due to their scallop shape. I’ve read that when you drill in shelf screw anchors the holes breach the waterproof membrane, which even if sealed I’d rather avoid. As the niche hasn’t been tiled yet I’m wondering if the shelf (27cmx11cm) could be embedded into the mortar and grout? Would embedding into the two side tiles be strong enough without embedding into the back mosaics? All advice welcome! Many thanks

 

[faceman]

Hi, I’ve had a niche built in my shower (photo on left) I’d like a shelf inserted in the middle (similar to the top right photo) and I’m wondering the best way to do this. My plan is for the sides of the niche to be tiled in the same ceramic tiles as the shower and the back of the niche to be tiled in glass scallop mosaic tiles (lower right photo). I’ve been told it will be tricky to cut a slot into the mosaics to insert the shelf, due to their scallop shape. I’ve read that when you drill in shelf screw anchors the holes breach the waterproof membrane, which even if sealed I’d rather avoid. As the niche hasn’t been tiled yet I’m wondering if the shelf (27cmx11cm) could be embedded into the mortar and grout? Would embedding into the two side tiles be strong enough without embedding into the back mosaics? All advice welcome! Many thanks

I would imagine silicone would hold them in. Create a stand to sit the shelf at the right height then silicone in clear colour around edges top and under side. Place another stand on top of that shelf, adjust to correct height you want second shelf and repeat. Next day remove the stands. You'd want a strong bead of silicone underneath and maybe buy a silicone tool. Practise first. Hope that sounds helps.

 

[faceman]

I would imagine silicone would hold them in. Create a stand to sit the shelf at the right height then silicone in clear colour around edges top and under side. Place another stand on top of that shelf, adjust to correct height you want second shelf and repeat. Next day remove the stands. You'd want a strong bead of silicone underneath and maybe buy a silicone tool. Practise first. Hope that sounds helps.

Don't forget to angle them forward slightly also to make the water run off.

 

[Dan]

Don't forget to angle them forward slightly also to make the water run off.

Long time no see mate! 2007 you registered!

 

[faceman]

Long time no see mate! 2007 you registered!

Wow, that explains the grey hair that's starting to show. This place started off as my only source of knowledge from experienced tilers. Now I am one I guess. Cheers