How to Build a Recessed Shower Caddy

Cut the space in the wall where the caddy will be installed. If the caddy is being placed in cement backerboard during new wall construction, simply cut through the material with a utility knife. To remove existing tiles, mortar and perhaps metal lath, use a cold chisel and hammer to chip away at the tiles and mortar and use a metal cutting tool to remove metal. The space cut open should be located between two wall studs.

Build and install the frame for the recess. Measure the opening between the studs, transfer this measurement to 2-by-4s and cut two lengths of board to fit snugly between the studs, where they will form the top and bottom of the opening.

Measure and cut sections of cement backerboard to fit the back, sides and top and bottom of the opening.

Install the cement backerboard, beginning with the back wall. Follow the back panel with the side pieces and the sections for the top and bottom. Secure the backerboard with screws.

Cut a section of waterproof membrane to fit within the opening and extend onto the surrounding wall. Alternatively, use a paint-on, waterproof membrane. This waterproofing may not be necessary if the caddy is being installed in an area of the shower that will not be exposed to water spray.

Install the membrane using an adhesive suitable for use with the specific membrane material or thinset mortar spread with a notched trowel. Press the membrane into the recess.

Tile or otherwise finish the surface around the opening. Typically, bullnose cap tiles are placed around the edge of the recess so that their lip slightly overhangs into the recess. Plan for the thickness of the tiles on the recess walls when placing the bullnose tiles. Use a notched trowel to spread a thin layer of mortar around the opening and press the tiles into the mortar, utilizing tile spacers to maintain uniform gaps between tiles and checking to make sure that the tiles are even using a level.

Plan the design and prepare the tile for the back wall of the opening. The most aesthetically pleasing tile arrangement will typically align the back wall tiles with the surrounding tiles or set the tiles diagonally and centered. Use a tile cutters to cut tiles to fit accordingly.

Adhere the tiles to the rear wall. Spread a thin layer of mortar with a notched trowel and press the tiles into the mortar, again using spacers and a level to maintain a neat, even appearance.

Apply mortar and tile the side walls up to the point where a shelf will be placed if a shelf is going to be incorporated into the opening. Otherwise, tile the entire side wall.

Set the shelf on top of the tiles on either side. Do not use any mortar or adhesive. The shelf will be secured later.

Tile the remainder of the side walls and the top of the cubby. Add any other shelves desired as the wall is tiled.

Tile or install a shelf at the bottom of the recess. This surface must slope slightly toward the drain to encourage water to run off quickly. Build up the mortar to reflect this, making the mortar near the rear slightly thicker than at the front. Press the tile or shelf material into the mortar and use the level to make sure that it has a small slope.

Prop up any shelves in the recess to give them a slight slope. Jam a small piece of spacer, paper or shim in the bottom of the back of the shelf.

Grout the spaces between tiles and around the shelf. Embed the small object or objects used to prop up the shelf in grout.

Seal the corners in the caddy with caulk. Run a bead of silicone caulk around all corners.