I'm having a shower steam room built, and I'm looking for some advice on tiling the ceiling. I've bought some large 24x48 tiles, but I hear these might be tricky to install overhead. My previous shower had 12x24 tiles, and I suggested using that size again. However, my contractor said the larger tiles would still be too heavy and recommended going with mosaic tiles instead. Should I push for the 12x24s or go with the mosaic option?
3 Answers
It's a good idea to listen to your contractor's concerns about the weight of the tiles. Tiles can vary a lot in heaviness, and if your contractor feels uneasy, it might be best to consider his advice. Maybe negotiate for the 12x24s by offering to cover any additional labor costs if necessary.
Steam room ceilings should really be sloped to prevent condensation from dripping on you. Have you thought about that? Maybe discussing a compromise could work, like a blend between the sizes you’re considering. There's a middle ground between the huge 24x48 and the much smaller mosaics!
If you still want to use the 24x48 tiles, one approach could be to create a sturdy base first. You could attach plywood to the ceiling joists, then use cement board, and finally apply the tiles with heavy-duty adhesive. Just keep in mind that I can't guarantee the success of this method, it’s just a DIY idea.