How to fit a corner shower shelf onto tiles

Showers are not the easiest place to store things, and you may often find the shower floor is littered with shampoos, soaps and razors. This is when it is time to install some shower shelving to store all your goods. Bathroom shelving units can come in many guises including corner glass shelves and chrome shelves, but this article is going to focus on how to put up a marble shelf.

Choose the material

Marble makes an ideal choice for shower shelving because not only does it resist the water but it also goes well with tiling. Choose a piece of marble which is around 25cm squared. Using a ruler, draw a line from one corner to the opposite, then do the same with the other corners so you have marked an X. Mark a point about 2cm from the middle and draw in the lines from the point to the left and right corners.

Cut the marble

Cut the marble as marked with a side grinder fitted with a tile blade. The cut edge can be finished with a matching strip, glued in place if desired.

Check fitting

Line the marble against the wall and adjust until you are happy with its position. Since most walls are not at exact right angles, the shelf may not fit snugly but do not worry about this at the moment. Mark the wall where the shelf is going to go. It is ideal for the bottom edge to be flush with a grout joint.

Cut the tile

Cut the tile with the side grinder according to your markings. The corner will require deeper cuts. Remove the cut tile carefully with a hammer and screwdriver

Mix the morter

Mix some mortar until it resembles toothpaste. You will need around one cup of mortar per shelf. Apply the mortar into the cut tile generously.

Install the shelf

Carefully push the corner shelf into the wet mortar and line it up the best you can. Check the alignment with a small spirit level and make any necessary adjustments.

Wipe off the surplus mortar

Clear any surplus mortar with your hands and then carefully wipe the entire surrounding area with a damp cloth. All surplus mortar must be removed before it is allowed to set. Leave the mortar to dry until the shelf is fixed securely, then take a shower.