How to Install Glass Blocks in the Shower

Measure the length of floor space where you wish to place the glass block wall using the tape measure. Cut a strip of the horizontal glass block spacer with a hacksaw to match the length, leaving the edge with the L-shaped wall bracket intact.

Position the horizontal strip onto the floor outside the shower bed, or onto the shower bed curb, with the bracket flush against the wall where you wish to install the glass blocks. Mark the location of the bracket mounting holes on the wall with a pencil, and then remove the strip. Drill pilot holes into the wall for the screw anchors to the depth of the anchors, and then push the anchors into the holes so that the anchor opening is flush with the wall.

Place two beads of sealant onto the base of the strip, and then return the strip to place, with the mounting holes of the bracket aligned with the holes in the wall. Drive screws through the mounting holes with the drill and screw attachment, into the anchors to secure the strip into place.

Place four circles of sealant, about a nickel in diameter, onto the four corners of a vertical glass block spacer and then press the spacer against the wall with the spacer forming a 90-degree angle with the horizontal spacer attached to the floor. The sealant will serve as an adhesive.

Place a row of glass blocks along the horizontal strip by placing beads of sealant along the bottom of each block within the corners formed by the slam ledges running along the block edge. Place two more beads along both sides of the block. Press the block onto the strip with the side against the vertical strip adhered to the wall. Press another vertical strip onto the other side of the block, sandwiching it in place. Place each additional block in the row using the same process of adhering it to the strip beneath, and placing horizontal spacers between the blocks. Leave the outside edge of the last block uncovered by a spacer.

Repeat the placement of a horizontal strip on top of the first row of blocks, using the beads of sealant along the base of the strip and mounting the bracket on the end of the strip to the wall. Lay a carpenter’s level across the strip and press any high blocks downward to level the first row of blocks out horizontally. Place the second row of blocks using the same process as the first. Continue in this manner until you’ve built the wall to your desired height.

Remove any excess sealant from the joints between the blocks by cutting it away with a utility knife.

Fill the joints with glass block surface grout to hide the spacers used between the glass blocks. Mix the grout with water following the manufacturer’s directions, in a large bucket with a grout mixing attachment added to the drill. Spread the grout into the joints using a rubber float, and then wipe the excess grout form the glass with a damp sponge. Do not grout the joint along the wall. Fill that joint with caulking instead.

Finish the top and outer edges of the blocks by adhering decorative edge strips to the blocks using the sealant. Allow the sealant to cure for 48 hours before using the shower after installation of the blocks.