Skip to Content

Can You Put Ceramic Tile on Ceiling? (How To)

Adding tiles to your bathroom ceiling will not only make it look more glamorous but also make it easier to keep the space clean. Installing them will take some effort, which is why people wonder if it’s a good idea.

Ceramic tiles are great for acting as a waterproof barrier that is durable and will last many decades. Because you can buy ceramic tiles in different colors and designs, they make lovely additions to any bathroom.

Installing a tile on the ceiling

Additionally, tiles on the ceiling can make a room feel more spacious, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms that are in need of renovation.

Should You Put Ceramic Tile on Ceiling?

Man putting cement in the ceiling

We know that tiles on the bathroom ceiling can look amazing and add flair to any bathroom, regardless of the decorative themes you incorporate in your home. But just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is a good idea…right?

Typically, ceramic tiles on the ceiling are a very good idea because they’re well-suited to wet environments. Tiles, in general, are easy to clean and they can last an impressively long time. Bathrooms with ceiling tiles will also experience fewer problems with decay and mold.

Water tends to end up all over the bathroom when you shower, so bathrooms with showers will especially benefit from tiles on the ceiling. Most paints are not waterproof, and if you can have an entire bathroom made of tiles, you’ll find it easier to maintain a mold-free, easy-to-maintain bathroom.

What Tools Do You Need to Put Ceramic Tile on Ceiling?

Tools for ceramic tiles

Installing tiles on the ceiling is a tough task, but it’s not impossible. It can be very difficult if you don’t have the right tools, though, so it’s important to get all the necessary items ready so your project goes as smoothly as possible.

You’ll need tools such as a sharp and reliable utility knife, a level to ensure you’re installing your tiles perfectly aligned, and an extra sticky thinset that will keep your tiles securely in place. Of course, you’ll need cleaning supplies too, so you can easily and quickly clean up the area you’ve worked.

You will also have to get a pencil or chalk to mark the ceiling’s center and draw perpendicular lines. If you don’t, you may just install the tiles in a crooked line and mess up the look you wanted to achieve.

An old bucket will do for the thinset, and a notched trowel will help you spread it on your tiles. Painter’s tape will also come in quite useful when you need to keep the ceramic tiles in place and small plastic spacers are good for keeping the tiles separated.

What Preparations Do You Need to Install Ceramic Tile on Ceiling?

Man putting cement in the ceiling

Making preparations is necessary for any project, and it’s crucial for a task as tough as putting tiles on the ceiling of your bathroom. Without adequate preparation, you’ll find that the project is far more complicated and frustrating than it should be.

To install ceramic tiles on your bathroom ceiling, you’ll need to have the right thinset, which is an adhesive mortar consisting of a water-retaining agent, fine sand, and cement. You’ll also have to cover the floor with something like cardboard to protect it.

Before you get started, make sure that you also have all the tools you’ll need ready and close at hand so you don’t have to struggle to find what you need while you’re putting the tiles on the ceiling. Also, the thinset needs to be mixed before you begin.

How to Install Ceramic Tile on Ceiling

confused man standing

Once you have all your tools ready and have made the preparations you have to, you can start installing the ceramic tiles on your bathroom ceiling.

Installing your ceramic tiles will require you to get your thinset ready and spread it over the tiles as you put them in place. You will likely need a reliable and stable ladder and the thinset you use should be extra sticky and of the non-sag variant. 

Although this kind of thinset is more expensive, it will keep your tiles securely in place until it’s cured. That way you won’t have tiles falling off and breaking.

Here follows easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions on how to install ceramic tiles on a bathroom ceiling, starting from mixing the thinset:

Step One

First, mix your thinset by following the manufacturer’s instructions to the point. Don’t skip any steps or your thinset may not work as intended. Before applying it to the tiles, give the mixed adhesive a few stirs to ensure it’s mixed well. Thinset that isn’t mixed well with everything incorporated properly won’t make your tiles stick effectively.

Step Two

Spread the thinset evenly over the tiles you want to install using a trowel. Make sure you apply the thinset all over the tiles and then push the tile onto the ceiling and make sure it sticks properly. Use a level to make sure you’re installing the tiles evenly.

Make sure you wipe off any thinset that escaped from under the tiles when you pressed them securely in place. To avoid difficulty, apply a few tiles at a time and make your way across the ceiling.

For extra security, tape the sides of your tiles with painter’s tape so they won’t fall before the thinset has cured. You can place a ‘T’-shape support underneath the tiles for added support.

Step Three

Repeat the second step until you have covered the entire ceiling with your tiles. You need to leave the tiles for at least 24 hours so the thinset can dry completely.

Step Four

Once the 24 hours have passed, you can remove the support and the painter’s tape. You will now have to apply grout to seal and cover all the gaps between the ceramic tiles.

Step Five

Once you’ve finished step four, you can start the process of cleaning up. This won’t be a lot of fun, but when it’s done, you’ll have a stunning bathroom to be proud of. 

Related Articles

Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Epoxy? (How To)

Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Drywall? (How To)

Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Hardwood? (How To)

Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Linoleum? (How To)

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 24, 2022.

Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Formica? (How To)