What kind of soap dishes? Do you have a pic?

Here is a pic of one of the soap dishes. Hope this works.

No, that's done properly IF the proper waterproofing is in place behind the tile. How did your tiler construct the shower so as to be waterproof? Did he use a vapor barrier behind the cement board or did he paint on a topical waterproofer onto the cement board?

Robin, as far as installation of the corner shelf is concerned, your guy did it right. Whoever told you it should be installed on the face of the tile, doesn't have clue one of what they're talking about.

Why would more water get behind that once it's grouted than any other tile? Because it runs horizontally? But it has the slope in the back so water won't pool at the back on any grout lines. Doesn't make sense to do it any other way than the way the handyman has done it. I just googled and see some examples of it done the other way - it makes them look like after thoughts to me.

These shelves are MADE to be cut in. The edges that these pieces sit on are what gives them their strength. Set them in the face of the tile, and then the only strength they have is the bond of the thinset. Especially in the case of a trip or fall, I don't know that I'd want to have to trust it, whereas good chance if it's cut in, it'll hold you if you grab for it.

Whew! Glad to hear those comments! Thanks for setting my mind at ease. The person who told me that was a salesperson on the phone when I called to order them. I had forgotten about soap dishes because we use body wash, not soap. Dh sid that we should have them anyway in case we sold the house.

One down and two to go.

Robin

You still need to find out if the shower was properly waterproofed before the tile was installed. Water will get behind tile and grout.