A spacious and luxurious bathroom shower is every homeowner's dream. Whether you are moving to a new house or already have a shower at home but need a bit of remodeling or renovation, tiling your shower ceiling may come to your mind. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of this? We've put together a guide for you.
Tiling your shower, to include the ceiling, means having a stylish, clean-looking shower space. Steam showers create extra moisture during baths; a tiled ceiling can help eliminate that. Moreover, having your shower ceiling tiled will prevent mold and mildew on your walls, thus making cleaning a lot simpler.
Every shower needs to be pleasant looking and tiling them is one way to achieve that. In this article, we will help you determine the different advantages and disadvantages of a tiled shower ceiling, things to consider when tiling, and the steps to follow when tiling your shower. Please continue reading to learn more about these.
What Are The Advantages Of Tiling Your Shower Ceiling?
Shower tiling will add style and color to your bathroom. There are a lot of benefits a tiled shower can offer, which may be why you want to tile your entire shower space.
Easy To Clean
A tiled bathroom from floor to ceiling is easier to clean. Tiles do not hold dirt, dust, and mold as easily as other materials, so cleaning will be much easier. You will have fewer problems with decay too.
Long Lasting
Tiles are durable and hard-wearing, so your tiles will last a long time. They are solid and sturdy, and only minimal rebuilding is needed over time.
Repels Moisture and Steam
Aside from the fact that tiles are water resistant, they repel moisture too.
Adds Style And Flawless Look
Designing your shower how you like is more accessible because of the many tile choices available. You can choose from different tile colors and patterns available on the market.
A fully tiled ceiling will also look more polished and seamless.
Investment Cost
Tiling your shower ceiling will likely be a high upfront cost but will help you save money in the long run. Tiles will last for years and need fewer repairs.
Added Waterproofing
Most people do not consider tiling their shower ceilings, only their floor and shower walls. But shower ceilings are also open to water impairment.
Tiles are water-resistant and will help ward off damage to your ceiling. Tiling your ceiling builds additional waterproofing into your whole shower space.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Tiling Your Ceiling?
Tiling your shower ceiling may be the best option when remodeling your bathroom, but we want you to know its downsides, too.
Upfront Cost
Tiling can cost you a lot of money since tiles may be costly. Though tiles are durable and long-lasting and may help you with fewer repairs in the future, it will still require significant cost in the beginning.
The total shower tiling price may range from $1,800 to $4,000.
For shower ceiling tiling, given you hire a contractor to do the work, it may cost around $500 to $2,000, depending on the size of your ceiling. The estimated cost of a contractor's quotation is between $7-$25 per square foot.
Your shower tiling cost may differ depending on some factors, like:
- What tile to use
- If you decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor
- Shower size
Difficult To Install
Tiles are generally heavy and will require hard work to install. If you plan on doing it without some tiling experience, you should seek a professional for the installation for best results.
Takes Time To Finish
Tiling your shower ceiling will take time to finish. The thin-set alone needs 24 hours of dry time. Thus, it will take longer than a day to complete.
What Kind Of Tile Best Fits Your Shower Ceiling?
Choosing the best tile for your shower ceiling is an exciting task. You can choose the color and design for that flawless look you want your bathroom to have.
Here are the best tiles to consider for your shower ceiling—
Ceramic
This type of tile has a non-slip quality and a variety of colors and designs you can choose from.
Click here to see this ceramic shower tile on Amazon.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are ideal for bathrooms because of their even finish. Their water-resistant attribute makes them a good choice for shower ceilings.
See this porcelain tile for bathroom on Amazon.
Quarry Tile
Quarry tiles are known for their low water absorbency and slide-resistant features. They are freeze-resistant, too, making them perfect for outdoor showers!
What Tile Size Best Suits A Shower Ceiling?
There are two standard measurements for a ceiling tile size:
- 23.62 x 23.62 inches
- 23.62 x 47.24 inches
In determining what tile size best fits your shower ceiling, think about how you want your shower to look. You may want to review these guides:
- Large tiles—These will make your space appear larger than it is.
- Small tiles—These will allow you to play around with any creative and distinctive patterns you want.
- Tiles with light colors—These give your ceiling a more extensive look.
- Subway tiles—It provides a broader and longer look for your ceiling.
How Many Tiles Do I Need For My Ceiling?
First, determine how many square feet your ceiling is. A 12-inch square tile can cover 1 square foot.
After determining the measurement of your shower ceiling, add 20 percent to account for cutting and unfortunate incidents.
Can You Tile Your Shower Yourself?
Of course! You can lessen the cost of your shower makeover with DIY tiling. If you have previous tiling experience, you can do it yourself.
Materials You Need To Tile Your Ceiling
Before you begin a DIY shower tiling, you must prepare all the materials you need for your project. These are the items you will need:
- Preferred tiles
- Adhesive
- Grout
- Tile spacers
- Tile leveling system
- Trowel
- Tile cutter
- Grout float
- Sealer
- Protective clothing and equipment
- Ladder
- Measuring tools
- Pencil
- Mixing bucket
- T-braces
Here is a guide you can follow—
- Determine your ceiling's measurement. We already discussed determining how many tiles you need for your ceiling. Cut up your tiles.
- Make sure that your ceiling is sturdy enough to hold the tiles.
- Arrange your tiles to check on the fit and design.
- Cut your tiles before you start your final layout.
- Put in adhesive and set one tile after another. Make sure that all tiles lay evenly.
- Dry it for one day, then proceed to the next step.
- Fill in the gaps on top with grout, then wipe away any excess.
- Apply a grout sealer to finish.
Make sure to purchase everything you need before starting your work.
Check out this video guide on installing tiles on a shower ceiling:
Tile Shower Ceiling Design Recommendations
Many ideas, designs, patterns, and tile colors may come to your creative mind when thinking of how you want your shower to look. To help you decide, here are some recommendations you may want to consider:
- Monochromatic—Use one color for your shower's floor, wall, and ceiling. You can use different shades of the same color for added character.
- Tone with your tiles—You can play with colors in matching your tiles together to achieve an artistic result. You can add a few decorative pieces for that aesthetic appeal.
- Combination of different tile shapes—Tiles appear in various sizes, and an assortment of varied forms for your tile ceiling will create an impressive appearance.
- Mix dark and light tile colors—To make your ceiling stand out, a mix of white and black colors is a must-try. You can work with matching other dark and light tile colors too.
Final Thoughts
A tiled shower ceiling brings many favorable points. From aesthetics to shower protection, tiling a shower up to the top is quite an investment.
Aside from the satisfaction it gives, an appealing shower will provide you with that private space you'll love. Take time to think of the best designs and colors you opt to give your shower space, and consider economical ways to finish your dream shower.
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