How to Install a Tile Steam Shower Ceiling

Installing a tile steam shower ceiling is the best way to finish this ultra-relaxing home fixture. Ceramic tiles are waterproof, durable and relatively easy to install. You should already have the frame of the ceiling in place as well as the appropriate polyethylene vapor barrier followed by moisture-resistant cement fiberboard used as the tile backing. Once set in place, the ceiling tiles will join with the wall tiles to form a leak-proof canopy. Contrary to what you may have heard, a residential steam shower ceiling needn't be sloped as it takes over 45 minutes for condensed water to begin dripping. That's far longer than most private users will spend taking a steam. 

Step 1: Diagram the Grid

Lay out the placement of the ceramic tiles directly on the backing fiberboard. Select a pattern for the tile layout. Trace the first tile starting at a lower corner. If the wall tile is already in place, make sure you position the lowest ceiling row so that there will be a gap between the lower edge of the ceiling tile and the top edge of the uppermost wall tile. This gap is necessary for filling in the seam with grout. Use the carpenter's square and the straight edge to mark reference points on the backing board, making sure to leave an equal gap on all sides of every tile for grout. Note any tile cuts you have to make and take care of that beforehand.

Step 2: Set the First Row of Tiles

Mix up the ceramic tile adhesive. It should be pancake batter consistency. Use the notched trowel to coat the backside of the first tile evenly with adhesive and affix it to the backing board using the diagram as a guide. Press the tile firmly and twist it into place. Immediately set the first spacer at the inner corner of the first tile. The tile spacers you use will match the eventual grout gap width. Continue in this manner setting the first row.

Step 3: Set Remaining Tiles

Continue setting tiles row by row to cover the entire backing board. Set tile spacers at each grout line intersection point to maintain the proper positioning of each tile. Remember to follow the tile pattern you chose.

Step 4: Grout the Gaps

Once the tile adhesive has cured for 24 hours, remove the spacers. Mix up the grout according to the instructions. You'll fill the gaps between the tiles using the rubber grout float, a specialty trowel designed expressly for this substance. Have a bucket and large sponge ready to wipe away residue. Pack grout into the gaps, working in sections. Don't forget to grout the gaps between the ceiling tiles and the wall tiles. You can use an old toothbrush to smooth and shape the grout lines. Once finished, let it cure for another 24 hours.

Step 5: Seal the Grout

After the grout has cured, apply the grout sealer to prevent moisture from creeping into the porous surface. Use silicone caulk to seal any gaps between tile and steam shower door or anywhere steam might potentially leak out.