How to install a bathroom shelf

Installing a bathroom shelf should only take a few minutes. To make sure the installation goes smoothly, you just need to make sure that you mark out your drill holes correctly before drilling and ensure that the shelf is properly level. As bathrooms contain a lot of moisture, it's important to fill the holes with silicone to ensure that the fixings are kept free of water and to prevent run-off stains.

Required skills

You only need a few basic skills to put up a bathroom shelf. The only essential skills involve taking measurements, making sure everything is level, and using a drill or hammer drill.

You will also have to choose the right wall plugs and screws to match your surface. Additionally, it's important to be able to use a sealant gun equipped with silicone sealant.

Time required

Approx. 30 mins

Number of people required

1 person

Steps

1. Positioning the shelf
2. Drilling the holes
3. Installing the shelf

Tools and equipment

• A tape measure and pencil
• A spirit level
• A hammer
• A set of screwdrivers
• A drill (or hammer drill) and set of drill bits
• Screws and wall plugs (designed for your surface)
• A sealant gun and silicone sealant

 1. Positioning the shelf

Preparation should begin with opening up your kit and checking you have all the required parts to install your shelf.

Make sure you have the right screws and fixings for your surface. Get equipped with a drill or hammer drill with the appropriate drill bits.

If required, assemble the shelf and place it against the wall in the desired position.

Place a spirit level on the shelf to ensure it is level and mark out the position of your holes using a pencil.

If you are working with a tiled surface, try to position the holes in the grout between the tiles if possible.

2. Drilling the holes

Grab the correct wall plugs for your surface and drill out the holes using the marks made in the previous step.

If you are drilling into tile, do not use hammer mode.

As you are working in a bathroom, fill the holes with silicone sealant before inserting the wall plugs to stop any water from seeping in.

Next, insert the wall plugs and wipe away any excess silicone with a sponge or damp cloth.

If your shelf is to be installed in a shower or above a bath, fill the wall plugs with silicone sealant before fitting the screws.

3. Installing the shelf

All that's left to do now is to put the shelf in place and insert the screws into the plugs.

Start by putting all the screws in place and tightening each one gradually while checking everything is level using a spirit level.

Adjust the level of the shelf as required before tightening the screws entirely.

Leave the silicone to dry for a few hours before putting anything on the shelf or using the shower or bath.