With many different glass block shower wall installation approaches available choosing the best method for your project can be tough. Watch the video below (and read these 5 1/2 tips) to learn how to make this shower installation easier to do using modular prefabricated wall sections.
Tip 1 – Get the right installation tools–The right tools make everything easier. Here’s the tools recommended for a prefabricated glass block vinyl stack shower installation:
Screw gun.
Hammer drill to drill through tile
Caulk gun.
2’ and 4’ levels.
Flat bar.
Stainless steel anchors & screws to tie the glass block wall into the shower wall surrounds.
Tip 2 – Purchase prefabricated glass block shower wall sections – Premade vinyl stack installation sections can greatly reduce the installation time, ensure the blocks are symmetrical and consistent, and cut down mess.
Tip 3 – Make the sections a manageable size from top to bottom – The glass block sections should be no more than 3 courses high so that each panel is not too heavy and also to provide a point to anchor the wall section (using stainless steel screws and anchors) to the shower wall surround. The wall surround can be made of virtually any material – although tile wall surrounds are most common with this type of project. It is recommended to make the panels less than 100 lbs. and to design lighter sections for the top of the wall.
Tip 4 – Use vinyl stack silicone and urethane grout for best results – On the first day of the installation the premade sections are first joined to each other with a specialized silicone sealant. On the second day the wall needs to be grouted together for the proper stability. Urethane grout is the best quality product (and easy to use since it’s premixed) for this process and it does not require resealing (it is possible to use standard sanded grout although it is harder to work with and will need to be sealed).
Tip 5 – Add colored, frosted, mural or glass tile blocks for style – If you’d like to make a one of a kind design there are lines of colored and frosted glass blocks and even glass tile blocks (with decorative art tiles or embedded glass murals) that can be built into the sections.
Tip 5 ½ – Still not sure you want to tackle this installation, call the experts – If you’re not sure you want to do this installation (or you lack the tools required) sometimes the best option is to purchase the prefabricated sections and materials and have a remodeling, tile or glass block contractor do the installation work for you.
Have you ever done a glass block shower installation (with or without prefabricated sections)? How did the project work out? If you need any information or want to provide input please comment below.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
