This shelf is exactly what I was looking for. I had originally special ordered another product (...This shelf is exactly what I was looking for. I had originally special ordered another product (not a name brand) from another vendor, and was told 30 days. That was within my timeline, but 30 days became closer to 80. I found this on the Home Depot website, and they promised 4 days with free shipping. It came in two days. The other order was cancelled.
The shelf arrives partially assembled, with the glass already in place, but adjustable via two nylon screws if your mounting measurements are slightly off. They shouldn't be, as the template is dead on. I spent a lot of time making sure the template was in exactly the right place and the whole installation took about 30 minutes. It could have been done in 15 but I'm an engineer and insist on precision.
The towel bar does not come assembled, so you can mount the shelf with or without it. The instructions *do not* address how to attach the towel bar, so you have to use a little intuitiveness to figure it out. On the bottom of the shelf frame are two small finials. You remove these with a 5/64 hex driver, install the towel bar, and tighten the hex screws. You're done with that part. DO THIS BEFORE MOUNTING THE SHELF!
Tape the mounting template to the wall exactly where you want the shelf. I took one of the mounting screws and made a simple indentation in the wall through the paper. I then drilled two 1/16 inch pilot holes in the right side where I had a stud, and two 3/16" holes in the left side where I had to use compression (molly) mounts. DON'T bang the molly receivers into the wall. They will compress and become useless. Instead, they have a phillips head and are easily screwed into place. Mount the wall brackets, then put the completed shelf assembly in place on the wall after loosening the two 5/64 hex screws that will hold it in place. Tighten the two hex screws. Place the shelf retainer in position (no tightening screws but it holds in place just fine. You're done.
My installation took about 30 minutes and could have easily been done in 15 but I wanted the towel rack mounted and the instructions don't address that step. I also wanted precision on the mounting as I'm an engineer, so I took a bit of time taping the template to the wall. Once certain, I took a screw and made impressions on the wall through the paper template. I then drilled two 1/16" inch pilot holes on the right where I had a stud, and two 3/16" holes on the left where the compression (molly) mounts were to be used.
To attach the towel bar, you have to remove two small finials on the bottom of the frame with a 5/64 hex driver. The towel bar slides into place and you tighten the two hex screws. DO THIS BEFORE MOUNTING. You really can't easily get to these screws once the shelf is up.
Once the mounting brackets are secured to the wall, loosen the two 5/64 hex screws on each side of the frame where the shelf attaches to the brackets. Hang the assembled shelf on the wall, tighten the two hex screws and you're done.
The shelf will hold up to 30 pounds, but it's meant to be decorative and only somewhat functional as a place for storage. You could put a hair dryer or a boom box on it, but it won't look as nice. Mine has only hand soap, glass jar candle and a square box of kleenex. I'm fortunate to have a closet pantry where all of my other toiletries are stored.
Bottom line is this is a very nice Delta product. Mine is in polished nickel while my faucets and mirror frame are brushed nickel, but it looks fine and the slight contrast doesn't bother me. I love it!
by Buffaloe51
Buffaloe51, Thank you for taking the time to leave us your detailed thoughts on the Cassidy 18 in. Glass Bathroom Shelf with Towel Bar in Polished Nickel. I am so pleased that you are happy with this product and that it is meeting your expectations. Your tips will certainly be helpful for other customers looking to purchase this product. Your attention to detail probably paid off as it sounds like you have a near perfect install on your hands! I'm sure it was an excellent addition to your space. We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Best, Corinne with Customer Care