How to install tile shelf in shower?

Question

My shower has no niche/shelving so I want a clean/ minimalist looking solution.

I have some leftover tiles from the build and I wondered if there was any way to support one of these to the tiled shower wall to turn it into a shelf?

Is it possible to use a very strong glue along the edge and some kind of other hardware to support it?

It's probably a long shot but wanted to see if there are any doable solutions.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @SamG95

Im with the "not keen on drilling within the wet area" group. Suction caps yes but they still pop off and fall :/ A floor to ceiling post may be an acceptable idea but that depends on how it looks.

Or a hanging shelf over the edge of the shower screen or from above the tile line?

Dave

TedBear · Answer

Hi @SamG95, I think that the suction attached shelf suggested by @JacobZ  would be a great idea, provided that your tiles are flat, which they appear to be. Otherwise perhaps you can attach it to the glass. (If you go that way, make sure that you clean any trace of soap from the tiles, finishing off with meths.)

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @SamG95,

Unfortunately, the contact area along the edge of the tile would never be enough for an adhesive to hold the tile on its own. Lateral support is not really a great option; support needs to come from below.

Stainless steel brackets, like the ones @Noyade mentioned above would likely be the best option, but this would involve drilling through the tile into the framing behind, which would have implications in terms of your waterproofing and being inside a shower area, it isn't really ideal.

Check out this previous thread where this topic was discussed and @EricL and @Nailbag provided some excellent advice.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/198188/how-do-i-install-shelving-in-a-tiled-bathroom

Personally, I think drilling through tiles in a shower area should be avoided where possible as it is creating a weak point in your waterproofing that could lead to damage if water finds its way in.

For this reason, I think alternative solutions such as shelves that use suction cups are a better idea. This

https://www.bunnings.com.au/fusion-loc-26kg-stainless-steel-suction-frosted-acrylic-bathroom-shelf_p0123796

has a sleek stainless steel finish and is still quite minimal. Perhaps this would suit your needs?

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members such as @Dave-1, @twocutekelpies and @TedBear to see what they think.

Jacob