How to Add Shelves to a Tile Shower
A tile shower adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any bathroom. It’s durable, easy to clean, and comes in various styles, sizes, and colors. However, one downside of a tile shower is the lack of storage space. If you have bottles of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, you might find yourself struggling to keep everything organized and within reach.
Thankfully, you can add shelves to your tile shower without too much hassle. It’s a simple DIY project that requires some tools, materials, and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and answer some of the frequently asked questions about adding shelves to a tile shower.
What You Need
Before you start adding shelves to your tile shower, you’ll need to gather some tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Tape measure
– Level
– Pencil
– Tile saw or grinder (if you need to cut tiles)
– Tiles (if you don’t have any spare tiles, you can buy some from a hardware store)
– Tile adhesive
– Tile spacers
– Grout
– Trowel
– Rubber float
– Shelf brackets and screws
– Drill and drill bits
– Shelf board or tile cut to size
– Silicone sealant
Steps to Add Shelves to a Tile Shower
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started.
Step 1: Measure and mark the location of the shelves
Using the tape measure and level, determine where you want to place the shelves in your tile shower. Mark the spots with a pencil.
Step 2: Cut the tiles (if needed)
If your shelves don’t fit in between the existing tiles, you’ll need to cut tiles to fit the space. You can use a tile saw or grinder for this. Make sure to wear goggles and gloves for safety.
Step 3: Apply the tile adhesive
Using a trowel, apply tile adhesive to the back of the tiles. Make sure to spread the adhesive evenly.
Step 4: Insert the tile spacers
Insert tile spacers to create a gap around the tiles. This gap will be filled with grout later.
Step 5: Place the tiles on the wall
Place the tiles onto the wall and press them firmly into the adhesive. Ensure they’re level and flush with the rest of the tiles.
Step 6: Install the shelf brackets
Once the tiles are in place, install the shelf brackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they’re level and spaced properly.
Step 7: Place the shelf board or cut tiles
Place the shelf board or cut tiles onto the brackets and adjust them if needed.
Step 8: Secure the shelf board or tiles
Secure the shelf board or tiles onto the brackets with screws.
Step 9: Remove the tile spacers
Once the adhesive has dried, remove the tile spacers carefully.
Step 10: Fill in the gaps with grout
Using a rubber float, fill in the gaps between the tiles and the shelf board or tiles with grout. Wipe off any excess grout with a damp sponge.
Step 11: Seal the edges
Once the grout has dried, seal the edges of the shelves and tiles with silicone sealant. This will prevent water from seeping in between the gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add shelves to a tiled shower by myself?
A: Yes, you can add shelves to a tiled shower by yourself. It’s a simple DIY project that requires some tools, materials, and a bit of patience.
Q: Do I need special tiles for the shelves?
A: No, you don’t need special tiles for the shelves. You can use the same tiles that are already in your shower.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional to add shelves to my tile shower?
A: It depends on your comfort level with DIY projects. If you have some experience with tile work and feel confident in your abilities, you should be able to do it yourself. If you’re uncertain, it’s always best to hire a professional.
Q: How do I clean the shelves after installation?
A: You can clean the shelves with a mild soap and warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the tiles.
Q: How much does it cost to add shelves to a tiled shower?
A: The cost of adding shelves to a tiled shower depends on the materials you use and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. The cost of tiles, adhesive, grout, and silicone sealant may vary depending on the quality and quantity you need.
Conclusion
Adding shelves to a tile shower is an excellent way to increase storage space and keep your toiletries organized. With the right tools, materials, and some patience, you can complete this DIY project in no time. Always make sure to measure twice, cut once, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Happy tiling!