What to Put on Ceiling Above Shower? [5 Options]

The necessary materials usually put on above the shower ceiling are fiberglass, ceiling tiles, polystyrene ceiling tiles, metal ceiling, and Paint. These are the materials that will perfectly fit your ceiling bathroom.

Remodeling your bathroom may cost you money. One of the most critical processes in renovating your bathroom is choosing the ceiling to fit your style.

As homeowners, you spend time inside your bathroom, and being comfortable inside is essential. It means that your bathroom design should feel like a sanctuary where you’re going to do your matters.

Using a flexible material, durable and able to withstand moisture and heat is one critical process to achieve the best bathroom design results.

Moreover, one place that needs attention in your bathroom that is often forgotten is the ceiling. You may not spend too much time looking up in your ceiling while you are in the bathroom; hence, it must be well polished.

Today, there are varieties of ceiling materials that claim to be suitable for your bathroom. However, how would you know which materials fit your desired shower room?

Before buying any ceiling material, you should consider its primary features like its durability, mold-resistance, and material cost.

So, if you’re looking for a guide that may help you pick the right and quality ceiling material for your shower, this article is for you!

Shower Ceiling Options

Below are the types of Ceiling materials for your shower room.

Fiberglass

The first one on the list is the Fiberglass ceiling. Fiberglass is probably the most basic bathroom ceiling material used in every household.

Since it is water-resistant and affordable, many of you use it to install this type of ceiling because of its visual appeal inside the shower room.

The great thing about this material is you can purchase a pre-cut fiberglass material, making it easier to install on your own. Plus, a fiberglass ceiling can withstand for long years.

Ceiling Tiles

A ceiling tile is an excellent choice since they are waterproof, noise reluctant, and easy to clean.

However, a ceiling tile is prone to high moisture, mold development, and cracking; that’s why you need to keep it clean always.

Also, keep in mind that ceiling tiles are not the same as wall and floor tiles. It is much lighter than other tiles, and you may also install it in a suspended ceiling system.

Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles

It is a ceiling tile that is a convenient replacement for your old ceiling tiles in the bathroom. The advantage of this tile is you don’t need to spend too much money. However, it would help if you were careful because the polystyrene ceiling has high-risk flammability.

Metal Ceiling

Metal ceiling is durable, easy to clean, and practical bathroom ceiling material for your shower room.

It is easy to clean, and it brings your bathroom to a newer vibe than before. However, there is a possibility when it gets damaged; you need to replace the entire ceiling.

Paint

A painted ceiling is also one of the used materials for the bathroom. It is also convenient, inexpensive, and you can do the job on your own.

Keep in mind that a painted bathroom ceiling is prone to peeling after months. It peels because the water vapor is coming from the shower condense upwards, making the painted area soft and moist. 

However, if your shower room has ventilation, this peeling mechanism can be prevented. 

The advantage of using Paint for your ceiling is that it can transform the entire look of your space by changing it annually. The best paints that you need to consider are:

Flat paint – It can hide your ceiling imperfection, and it also reduces glare inside your bathroom. 

Semi-gloss Paint – This kind of Paint is shiny to look at, and it is partially moisture-resistant. However, this type of Paint will not cover the imperfection of your wall.

What Is The Best For The Bathroom Ceiling?

From different varieties of ceiling materials, there is only one tile product that will catch your attention. Fiberglass ceiling tiles are typically the best seller ceiling for your shower room. It is designed with polymers and offers you different advantages for your ceiling.

It is also a type of ceiling which is environmentally friendly material. Fiberglass ceiling tiles are designed with light materials that can be mounted directly to the ceiling without aging damage.

Additionally, these materials are fireproof, and it has excellent sound absorption features.

Also, fiberglass ceiling is considered to be the lower-cost alternative of modern materials like carbon fiber. Typically, it offers relatively easy installation and low maintenance.

Its variety of production techniques and designs should consider knowing first before installing it into the shower room.

You need to follow the procedure carefully to help you preserve the tile and give you the desired appearance you want. 

By choosing the proper fiberglass ceilings, you will provide you with an elegant, efficient décor in your shower room.

Do I Need To Waterproof The Shower Ceiling?

It is recommended that you must have at least three to six inches of waterproof material installed above your shower head. So, if your shower head is installed just below the ceiling, you may need to tile the ceiling to pass the recommended features.

Why do you need to waterproof your shower ceiling?

It is because if your shower head sits well below the ceiling, you need to install a waterproof tile to protect your ceiling from moisture.

If you neglect to protect your ceiling, it may get damaged quickly, and you’ll be able to spend money again to fix it.

Moreover, the best time you install a waterproof ceiling is to do an accent wall in the shower.

Do I Need a Cement Board For The Shower Ceiling?

Yes, it would help if you had a cement board for your shower ceiling. It keeps your wall dry and lasts longer.

The best bathroom ceiling materials depend on its factors, including cost, durability, and material.

If you’re wondering what you should put on your shower ceiling during your bathroom renovation, you need to consider using a cement board.

Even though a bathroom ceiling should have 80 inches minimum in height, it is still prone to water splashes that cause moisture and unwanted heat.

Therefore, choosing the right bathroom ceiling is very important. It would be best to carefully choose the material that will give you the best result.

Since there are many bathroom ceiling materials on the market, the selection can be overwhelming to you. If you find it difficult to choose, you may consult a professional or a tile expert.

Should I Use A Green Board On A Bathroom Ceiling?

The answer is no.

A green board weakens your standard drywall when your wall gets saturated since your bathroom ceiling tends to collect a significant deal of moisture that makes the typical weak point of the material.

If you’re planning to install a green board to your ceiling, this material will fail.

Installing a green board takes a lot of processes; simultaneously, it will still fail. You need to use more than 12 fasteners to most of the ceiling joists without modification.

It is why this material is not recommended for you to use. Hence, it is generally much more comfortable to go with different materials like a standard drywall or paint finish.

How To Waterproof Ceiling Above Shower?

To install your waterproof ceiling, you need a sealing solution that will grip appropriately to your wall. Knowing the steps on how to waterproof your ceiling is a vital process.

It is because it will help you finish the job correctly.

1. Prepare The Ceiling

Determine first the source of the water damage before you put a waterproofing material in your ceiling. Remove any damaged drywall or wood in your ceiling, and if you’re done doing this step, you may proceed to the next one.

2. Measuring And Cutting

In the measuring process, use a tape measure and measure the ceiling’s length and width where you need to put a waterproof.

Moreover, if your area is rectangular, it is much easier to waterproof than a circular shape.

Always wear a safety mask and Google while cutting the drywall to keep you safe, and remember just cut the necessary size of your drywall using a knife or a handsaw.

3. Replacing The Drywall

To replace your drywall, first remove the old ones and make sure that there’s nothing left. Then you may insert a new piece of drywall into the opening then secure it using drywall screws.

4. Waterproofing

The last step is waterproofing. To install it properly, you may find the area you’re going to put a waterproofing material.

You may attach it using a staple gun and make sure that you cover the entire area.

How To Protect The Ceiling Above The Shower?

To protect your ceiling above the shower, you may use moisture-resistant Paint with a brush and apply it generously.

Although you may need to pay more money, considering that paints have antifungal agents that protect your wall against molds and another surface of your shower room.

Generally, when you’re renovating a room or an area, make sure that you have enough money for it. So you can avoid problems during the process.

Summary

In summary, your shower ceiling is the surface that is usually neglected. Since we don’t give much time looking above your shower room, but including it in the process during the renovation is a must.

Installing a ceiling for your shower is a good idea. The ceiling also adds attractions to an area. Having a clean and neat ceiling will surely make the atmosphere more convenient and comfortable to use.

Lastly, if you plan to replace your shower ceiling, you might need to consider its factors. So, considering the ceiling materials’ factors will help you decide if it will perfectly fit your bathroom area.

 At the same time, you can guarantee that you will choose only the best quality of ceiling for your shower area.

Resources

Image credits – Photo by Paul Trienekens on Unsplash

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I have over 20 years of experience in construction. For the past 12 years, I've been mostly devoted to bathrooms, where I have my own business. I've seen almost every problem, so I believe I can help you. Read more