I am remodeling a shower area that has a low ceiling (7ft 6 in). The previous owner had tiled the ceiling. Is it recommended to tile a lower-than-normal ceiling, or would it be OK to use moisture-resistant drywall, texture and paint? Also, I intend to ventilate the bathroom with a high CFM fan. Thanks!
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Tiling the shower ceiling beats moisture-resistant drywall, texture and paint.
Thanks TOMCHARK. Can you clarify? Tiling would be better because of moisture control, or because of additional work for drywall, etc. ?
The reason I ask is that the CDO (Chief Design Officer - aka my wife) has mandated a charcoal-grey tile, and my concern is that a completely charcoal-grey enclosure will seem like I'm taking a shower in a cave. Alternatively, a properly sealed and painted drywall ceiling can be painted white, giving a lot more light to the area.
Thoughts?
A tile ceiling would be better for moisture control. See if the CDO would select a lighter shade of tile for the ceiling, maybe a white, from the same line.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Thanks fellas! I was informed last night by the CDO that a tile ceiling would be "cool." That -- plus your comments about moisture control -- has me on-board with the tile ceiling option.
Charcoal gray? Visible waterspots won't bother her, or will she clean the shower every few days? Maybe a lighter gray would be more practical.
my concern is that a completely charcoal-grey enclosure will seem like I'm taking a shower in a cave.
Put a wet-area can light in the ceiling; direct downlighting in a shower stall is very dramatic and gets rid of the 'cave' feeling quite nicely.
Tile on the ceiling is standard in high-use shower rooms in public areas, such as school locker rooms, athletic clubs, swimming pool change rooms, etc. It will resist moisture better than most other materials. I'd recommend ½" CBU as a substrate. Tape the joints before you lay the tile. Do make sure to use thinset instead of mastic.
Dinosaur
A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...
But it is not this day.
Now you have got all the answers from Ed, Wayne, Dino, etal.
With dark color tiles water spots and soap scum tend to become more noticeable. That said please read the following.
When it comes to design questions between family members, here in BT there are a few unwritten rules.
Rule #1. Any BTer who is worth his salt would not give you an opinion on a design decision between DW and yourself.
Rule #2. Pay no attention to anyone who agrees with you when dealing with matter of such nature.
Rule #3. Always do what DW says to keep her happy so your life would be less miserable.
Rule #4. If she changes her mind after it's done, then that's another story.
Hope this helps.
Update:
Lighting has been installed in the shower area to illuminate the cave. Indeed, very dramatic.
Dino - I was planning on using 1/4" HardieBacker for substrate, based on ease of installation (lighter than 1/2" HB). The trusses that I will attach to are ROCK-SOLID, and I have cross-braced for even greater stability. Can I use 1/4" HB, or do you recommend 1/2" based on experience? What is CBU? Not familiar with the acronym.
Three things I know:
1. The previous owner of this house was a retard.
2. I submitted to the CDO several years ago. In the language of Ultimate Fighting, I "tapped out" regarding design.
3. My back is sore.
CBU = cement backer unit or cement board or durock. Nasty, heavy, gritty stuff to work with, but an excellent material. Hardie is a good substitute.
1/4" hardie wouild work well for the ceiling, but it has to be backed up with sheetrock. It should not be attached directly to the studs.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
You might want to check out some of the gelcoat and acrylic models that have integral ceilings. I'll bet you can find one to go in your 7'6" of overhead.
My plumber installed two Aker units, one a tub/shower, the other a shower only. Each had an integral "ceiling," and we boxframed down from the truss chords to have a soffit above.
Gene Davis, Davis Housewrights, Inc., Lake Placid, NY
The ceiling in our downstairs bath is about 7'6". It's MR drywall. Did have some very minor problems with mold before I replaced the fan with a larger, quieter one. (Replacing a downstairs fan without tearing out the ceiling is interesting -- kind of like orthoscopic surgery.)