Should You Tile All the Way to the Ceiling in a Shower?
So, you are finally ready to take the plunge and renovate your bathroom.
You have chosen your tile, and you are ready to start tiling. But should you tile all the way to the ceiling?
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is whether or not they should tile all the way to the ceiling in their shower.
While there are some benefits to tiling all the way to the ceiling, there are also a few drawbacks that you should consider before making your decision.
Should Shower Tiles End at the Ceiling?
Most experts agree that tiling all the way to the ceiling is a good idea in a shower. It can make your shower feel more spacious while helping keep water and moisture off of your walls and ceilings.
It also creates a more polished look in your bathroom. That said, there are a few drawbacks to tiling all the way to the ceiling that you should consider before making your decision.
One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can be more difficult to clean if there is any moisture or water build-up on the tiles.
If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your bathroom, it can also be difficult to see any dirt or grime that may build up on the tiles.
Benefits of Tiling all the way to the Ceiling
Moisture Resistance
Bathrooms are synonymous with moisture. From showering to baths to just brushing your teeth, water is constantly around in the bathroom.
Tile is a great way to protect your walls and ceilings from any of that moisture.
Tiling all the way to the ceiling will create a waterproof barrier that can help keep your walls and ceilings dry.
Modern Look
Tiling all the way to the ceiling can give your bathroom a more modern look. Good tiling gives your shower some crisp, clean geometric lines that can be a real eye-catcher.
If you love the look of a tiled shower but don’t want to go all the way to the ceiling, consider extending your tile up just a few feet.
This will give you many of the same benefits as tiling all the way to the ceiling without some of the drawbacks.
Waterproofing the Ceiling
One of the lesser-known benefits of tiling to the ceiling is that it can help waterproof your ceiling.
If you have ever had water damage in your bathroom, you know how important it is to waterproof your ceilings.
Tiling all the way to the ceiling can help prevent any water from seeping through.
Remember, though, that it is always a good idea to have a professional check your ceilings for any potential water damage before tiling.
Makes the Space Feel More Spacious
Tiling all the way to the ceiling makes your bathroom feel more spacious. This creates one continuous plane of tile from floor to ceiling.
This can be a real advantage in smaller bathrooms where every bit of space counts.
As much as we all love a luxurious spa-style bathroom, not everyone can afford the space. Tiling to the ceiling can be a great way to get that high-end look without breaking the bank.
Situations where tilling all the way may not be a good idea
Let’s face it; not every bathroom is the same. And that means that not every bathroom is suited for tiling all the way to the ceiling.
If you have a very small bathroom, or if your ceilings are low, tiling all the way may not be a good idea. You don’t want your shower to feel cramped or claustrophobic.
In some instances, the visual appeal of tiling all the way to the ceiling can be outweighed by practicality.
If your bathroom is constantly filled with steam from the shower, it may not be a good idea to tile all the way to the ceiling.
The tiles will quickly become covered in moisture and grime, which will be difficult to clean.
Consider extending your tiles up just a few feet if you are on the fence about tiling to the ceiling.
This will give you many of the same benefits as tiling all the way to the ceiling without some of the drawbacks.
FAQs
Why do I need to waterproof my ceiling?
Waterproofing your ceiling is important because it can help prevent water damage.
If you have ever had water damage in your bathroom, you know how important it is to take steps to waterproof your ceilings. Tiling all the way to the ceiling can be one of those steps.
Can I tile to the ceiling if my ceilings are low?
If your ceilings are low, tiling to the ceiling may not be a good idea. You don’t want your shower to feel cramped or claustrophobic.
How far above the showerhead should the tile go??
The tile should go a few feet above the showerhead, preferably up to the ceiling.
This will give you the most benefits from tiling to the ceiling. If the tile stops before the showerhead, it can be difficult to clean.
I have water damage in my bathroom. Should I tile to the ceiling?
If you have water damage in your bathroom, it is important to talk to a professional contractor before starting any renovations.
They will give you specific advice based on your unique situation.
I’m not sure if I should tile to the ceiling; what should I do?
If you are unsure about tiling to the ceiling, consider extending your tiles up just a few feet.
This will give you many of the same benefits as tiling all the way to the ceiling without some of the drawbacks.
Final Thoughts
So, should you tile all the way to the ceiling in your shower? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for added moisture resistance or want to give your bathroom a more modern look, tiling all the way to the ceiling may be the way to go.
If you are worried about water damage or have a very small bathroom, you may want to consider extending your tiles up just a few feet.
Always talk to a professional contractor before starting any renovations, no matter what you decide. They will give you specific advice based on your unique situation.
