How to Ceramic Tile a Ceiling

Drywall, wood and acoustic tiles are all popular ceiling materials. But, if you want a fresh new look and and a challenging project, then try applying ceramic tiles to your ceiling. This process will take a bit more time than other ceiling installations; however, it will last a lifetime if done properly. Installing ceramic tiles on your ceiling means smoothing any texture first. Either scrape away the texture or cover the ceiling with cement backer board to get a tile-ready surface. Once the ceiling is smooth then it is ready to be tiled.

Tape measure
Chalk box
Tile adhesive
Toothed tile trowel
Tiles
Boards, 8 foot long 2-by-4s
Sledge hammer
Caulk gun with 30-year silicone caulk
Wet rags

Instructions

- 1
  Measure around the perimeter of your ceiling. Place pencil marks periodically around the perimeter, spacing them the length of one tile plus 1/2 inch. Connect each mark to the corresponding mark on the opposite wall with your chalk box.
- 2
  Spread tile adhesive between the starting wall and your first chalk line. Press tiles into the adhesive, leaving a 1/2-inch space between each tile.
- 3
  Have an assistant hold an 8-foot board flat against the tiles. Place another 8-foot board between a point 2 feet from one end of the horizontal board and the floor below. Gently tap the bottom of the vertical board with your sledge to wedge it into place. Install a second vertical brace 2 feet from the opposite end of the horizontal board.
- 4
  Cover the entire ceiling with tiles, leaving a 1/2-inch brace between each tile and carefully bracing the tiles with your boards. Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to cure. Remove the braces.
- 5
  Squirt a bead of caulk into the gaps between the tiles. Wrap a wet rag around your finger and wipe each bead to compress and smooth the caulk. Allow 12 hours for the caulk to cure.

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