Hey everyone! I just stumbled upon a picture of a soap box that fell off a bathroom wall, and I found myself wondering about the installation process a bit more deeply. Is it standard practice to have these soap holders built into the wall during tiling? Why can't they just be attached to the tile after? Is it really necessary to involve the tile installer from the get-go, or are they often just glued onto the drywall, creating gaps? I'm curious about the whole concept and how it actually works!
3 Answers
Typically, the ceramic soap dish integrates with the tile installation process; it’s built in at the same time. If done correctly, these fixtures can last for years. I have one from 1955 that’s still in perfect shape, so they definitely have longevity if installed properly.
This installation method isn’t just an American thing; you can see mounted soap dishes all around the world. Various styles exist, like recessed or flush options. It’s hard to say exactly why the one that fell off was placed the way it was without seeing it in person.
I feel like that could potentially cause water to sneak behind the tiles. Isn’t that kind of risky?
It’s usually better to attach the soap holder directly to the wall surface that's been designed for it, which is often built with specific methods to accommodate ceramic pieces. This can help ensure it stays secure over time.
But you can totally attach stuff to tiles without ruining them. That’s what I’m trying to figure out!
But seriously, what’s the advantage of setting it in versus just placing it on top of the tile?