Hanging a Tile Ceiling With Adhesive

Use a level to check your ceiling for imperfections and areas where it is not level. If you find that the ceiling is smooth, you can begin applying your adhesive right away. If not -- for example, if the ceiling is textured -- you are better off installing a backerboard first. Measure the dimensions of your ceiling.

Cut a piece of backerboard with a razor. Have an assistant hold the backerboard in place against your ceiling while you screw it in place; follow the directions provided by the backerboard manufacturer, as not all boards are the same. Repeat this process until the ceiling is covered in backerboard and completely smooth.

Draw a grid on the ceiling using a level and a yardstick. This gives you a guideline on how to place your tiles straight.

Mix a batch of tile mortar, according to the directions on the package. Scoop mortar onto your trowel, then spread the mortar onto the middle of the ceiling at a 45-degree angle. Spread on mortar in an area about 2 to 3 square feet in size.

Press your first tile into the ceiling with a slight twisting motion, pressing it firmly into the mortar. If need be, lightly tap it into place with a mallet to ensure that it sticks.

Press spacers around the edge of the tile, unless they have spacers built-in. These ensure that your tiles are evenly spaced from one another.

Continue pressing tiles into the mortar and adding spacers along the edges. Once the entire area is covered, spread more mortar onto the ceiling, then repeat the process until the entire ceiling is tiled.

Remove the tile spacers. Mix a batch of grout, according to the instructions on the package. Spread the grout across the tiled ceiling using a grout floater; this gets it into the cracks between the tiles. When the grout forms a hazy film over the tiles, buff it off with a clean, dry towel.