How to Build a Shower Shelf for Your Bathroom

Adding a shower shelf to your bathroom is an easy project.  Although you can buy a number of different shower shelves that can be installed in your bathroom, this project walks you through installing a tile shower shelf during a tile job of the entire shower.  A shower shelf installed during a complete renovation of your shower’s tile will create a more fluid and beautiful finished result. Adding a shower shelf, as you complete the tile work, allows you to select tile that compliments your current styling and is more secure.  You will need some specialized materials such as tile adhesive and grout, but these items are all easy to find because they are available at your local home improvement store.

Step 1—Select the Tile

When creating your shower shelf, you need to use tile that will be large enough for the surface of your shelf. You can tile the entire shower in the same tile. Alternatively, you can use smaller tiles on the walls, floor and ceiling. You can use a large version of the same tile for the shelf. For a more modern look, you can use a complimentary tile for the shelf. Consider the décor of the entire bathroom and select the tile that you like best. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a single piece of tile for the shelf. 

Step 2—Cut the Tile

Before you make any cuts to the actual tile, you need to make a template. You can use cardboard, cardstock or poster board.  Ideally, you should use something that is heavier than standard copy paper. Fit the cardboard into the corner where you’d like to add the shelf. Mark the position on the wall. It is imperative that you use a template because you want the shelf to fit perfectly into the corner. Sometimes walls are not perfectly level and without getting exact measurements, your shelf may not fit flush into the corner. Once the template is ready, place it on top of the tile and cut the piece to match.

Step 3—Tile the Shower Wall

Begin to tile the wall from the bottom up. Apply the tile adhesive and the tile in level rows. Once you’ve reached the desired position of the shelf, apply the shelf to the wall with the tile adhesive. Make sure that that the shelf is flush with the wall, especially the corner. Continue the tile job until the entire wall is finished.

Step 4—Grout the Wall and the Shelf

As you begin to grout the wall, make sure that you grout the shelf in place as well. Until you grout the way, the shelf is being held in place by the adhesive and the tiles above and below it. The grout will solidify the shelf and the shower tile. Performing a good grout job is essential to beautiful shower results. Make sure to mix the grout properly and remove the excess according to the manufacturer’s instruction. 

With a little bit of work, you can have a place for your most essential shower products. A shower shelf is an easy do-it-yourself project with a big payoff.