How to Build a Glass Block Shower Enclosure

Glass blocks are available in many colors.

Among the ways to improve the décor of a simple bathroom is to incorporate the timeless elegance of glass. Beyond mirrors and glass accessories, a shower enclosure constructed of glass blocks makes a bold and dramatic statement in the space. Its transparency and attractive ambience shines as it pulls in, reflects and radiates light. Installing a wall of glass block around the shower streamlines its appearance and contains the water in the shower area without the need for a shower curtain. The advantage of using prefabricated glass block panels is that they are easier to install than the classic block-by-block method, and it cuts down the installation time significantly. Start the construction of the glass block enclosure on the shower's ledge.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Glass block panels
• Vinyl stack anchors
• Mortar
• Grout
• Water
• Trowel
• Palm sander
• Level
• Drill
• Mixer attachment
• Buckets
• Sponge

Instructions

Design the Shower Enclosure

1. Measure the length of the shower pan ledge, and calculate how many glass blocks will fit across, leaving enough room for a comfortable opening or a glass door.

2. Design the shape of the wall. Go for a simple rectangular layout or plan an ascending step design. The design options are many so determine which one suits the bathroom shower the best.

3. Select the style and color tint of the glass block panels. These are available as assembled sections of glass block that make it possible to install sections of the wall at once instead of installing single blocks.

4. Incorporate glass blocks with rounded edges for the end of the wall if it will not have a door. For a glass wall with a door, the standard glass block shape is sufficient.

Install the Glass Block Enclosure

1. Mix the mortar in a bucket with a drill-powered mixer and the recommended amount of water. Mix until the consistency is smooth and pastelike.

2. Sand the top of the shower ledge or ledges with a palm sander. This is only necessary if the shower base is vinyl, fiberglass or enameled cast iron. Concrete shower bases do not require sanding.

3. Apply about 1 inch of mortar to the top surface of the shower ledge, only covering the position the glass block wall or walls will occupy. Use a trowel to scoop up the mortar and lay it on the ledge along its center lengthwise, away from the edges.

4. Set a glass block panel onto the mortar and level it. Continue installing the first level of glass block panels around the shower's base.

5. Install the wall vinyl stack anchors on top of the glass panels every three rows. Screw them into the adjacent wall.

6. Continue installing the glass block panels and vinyl stack anchors that attach to the wall until the wall is complete, making sure to check that it is level at each step.

7. Grout the seams of the glass wall. Mix the grout with the recommended amount of water, and apply it to the glass wall with a rubber float. Force the grout into all of the gaps. Scrape away the excess without digging into the seams, and wipe the surface clean with a wet sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• use prefabricated wall sections to speed up the installation time and ensure a better finished quality

• consider using an acrylic base or wedi waterproof base for the best long term quality results

• Call a glass block specialist for technical advice

References

• Columbus Glass Block Learning Center
• ServiceMagic: Shower in Style – Install a Block Glass Shower

Resources

• You Tube: How to Build a Wall Using Glass Blocks – Method 1
• Accent Building Products: Glass Block Shower Kits