How to Install a Corner Shelf Shower of Marble Tile

Install the wall tile of your shower up to the height you want your first shelf located. For most people this is around chest height, but you may want it lower or higher. Hold the shelf against the wall in the corner, just on top of the last row of tile you installed. Placing the shelf at a full joint horizontally makes for an easier installation.

Mark the outline of the shelf on the wall as it rests on top of the tile in the corner. Place the soap shelf to the side and mark your cuts for around the soap shelf. Hold the tiles up to the wall or use a tape measure to mark the pieces so they fit around the marks on the wall for your shelf. You should have a pair of L cuts, named so because after you remove the cut-out for the shelf they look like an L, although not always a “forward” version (the L might be forward, backward, on its side, etc.).

Cut the pieces of tile with the tile wet saw. Spread thinset on your wall to install another few rows of tile up the wall. Spread thinset on top of your marks as well. Press your soap shelf into the thinset so that it is resting on top of the tiles below it with thinset bonding it into the corner. Install your two L cuts around the top of the shelf to lock the shelf in place. Finish your tile installation and grout the joints around the shelf.