How to Install Ceramic Bathroom Accessories

It is important to read the instructions on How to Install Ceramic Bathroom Accessories before starting your project.

(Things You Will Need • Drill with a carbide tip • Cooling oil • Masking tape • Chisel • Hammer • Margin trowel • Tile adhesive)

The ProSeries is designed to fit in a space between ceramic tiles. When installing the field tiles, a piece or pieces of tile are left out so the slight recess in the back of the accessory makes contact with the wall. A typical tub soap dish with a mounting surface area of approximately 4” x 6” requires the removal of 1 ½ – 4” x 4” tiles. We recommend un-sanded thin set mortar mortar. Mix the un-sanded thin set mortar as directed on the package and apply it evenly to the back of the accessory, it is important that the entire gap between the accessory and wall is evenly filled with un-sanded thin set mortar mortar. Expect some mortar to squeeze out the sides. This can easily be wiped off. Place the piece in the opening and apply some pressure with a slight wiggling motion. Some un-sanded thin set mortar will squeeze out, simply clean around the edge. Tape the accessory to the wall with duct tape. After the un-sanded thin set mortar dries completely, approximately 24 hours, caulk the edges with a good quality bath and tile caulk.

Step by Step Instructions: Install Ceramic Bathroom Accessories

Step 1

Hold the ceramic shower shelf, ceramic soap dish or ceramic towel bar against the wall to determine the location you want to install it. If you are just installing the tiles in the shower, leave this area open and continue installing the tiles around it and skip steps 2, 3 and 4.

Step 2

Place masking tape over any tiles that will need to be removed. The masking tape will help the drill bit bite into the glaze on the tiles without slipping.

Step 3

Dip the end of the drill bit into a bottle of cooling oil and place the bit against the tape on the tile. Make four or five holes into a tile to create the shape of a X. Drill only through the tile, not through the underlayment. Watch the drill carefully as you work, if it begins to smoke or turn red, dip the bit back into the cooling oil. Repeat for the remaining tiles to be removed.

Step 4

Remove the masking tape from the tile. Position a chisel at a 45 degree angle on one of the holes in the tile. Hit the chisel with a hammer to break up the tile into several pieces. Continue chiseling out the tiles all the adhesive behind them have been removed.

Step 5

Cover the back of the accessory with a layer of un-sanded thin set mortar using a trowel. It is important to fill the entire gap between the accessory and the wall with the un-sanded thin set mortar mortar. Press the accessory into the opening between the tiles. Use long strips of masking tape to help hold the shelf in place while the un-sanded thin set mortar is drying. Let the un-sanded thin set mortar cure for 24 hours.

Step 6

Take a piece of one of the tiles you removed with you to the store to purchase additional tiles if you need to fill in extra space around the accessory. This will be necessary if the accessory only needed a partial tile removed. For example corner shelves require less then a full tile. Removing a partial tile will likely crack the remaining half, remove the entire tile and replace half.

Step 7

Cut the tiles to fit in the space next to the accessory on a tile wet saw for the cleanest cut or a standard tile cutter. Remember to leave a space for a grout joint around each tile.

Step 8

Apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the tile or tiles and press them into place around the accessory. Allow the un-sanded thin set mortar to dry for 24 hours. 9 Grout the replacement tiles if necessary by spreading grout into their joints with a grout float. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge and let the grout dry for 24 hours. 10 Squeeze a line of caulk around the perimeter of the accessory to seal its edges. Smooth out the caulk with a wet index finger. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours. (Periodically inspect the caulk around the accessory to be sure it remains water-tight.

Visual Guide on How to Install Ceramic Bathroom Accessories

The following YouTube video provide visual aides in the installation process.