Shower – Attach Shower Rod with Glue

Glue on towel bars are getting pretty common. The link I have is just an example. Never used it. Basically you just need a bar with a flat backing. You can use glue or a more powerful adhesive to keep it down (Loctite makes a construction adhesive for fiberglass).

I would google "glue on towel bar" to see choices. There is tons of stuff.

As for installation, this ranges all over the place. Some come with their own install pads - where you glue down the pad and slide the backing over the pad.

Just know that the stronger you glue it down then less chance your shower enclosure will be able to be "cleaned". So if you go with a construction adhesive (99%) secure then please make sure it is where you want it for the long haul.

Shower tiles are not a place to cut corners. If they are porous then you will have a host of issues. Basically you will breed mold faster and the tile install won't last as long - mold gets in cracks and pops tiles out or at least loosens bonding. You need to get a non-porous stone, plastic, glass, or porcelain.

If going with 12x12 tiles you will need at least 1/16th of an inch given they are uniform - and perfectly cut 12x12 are not cheap. So you are looking at 1/8-3/16. Which means you need sanded grout.

For cheap I suggest you go on craigslist or whatever is equivalent locally (even try job leftovers at tile store). The bottom 3 feet of your install needs to be a good tile - you will need about 34 sqft. You can get decent porcelain for $2 a sqft and even cheaper if it is a job leftover or end of stock. You can still use your ceramic up top. And when switching tiles I usually put in a narrow trim of glass mosaic in between - will need 3-4 sheets.