What to Put on Ceiling Above Shower?

It is confusing to select the material to put on the ceiling in the shower area because of the moisture and damp atmosphere in this place. People want to add a material that resists moisture and looks stylish and modern to enhance the overall bathroom interior.

What to Put on Ceiling Above Shower? You can put waterproof shiplap, gypsum, ceiling tiles, fiberglass, cement board, drywall, acrylic sheets, and PVC covering on the ceiling above the shower. Some people prefer to install glass panels, aluminum composite panels, and metal ceilings to resist moisture and mold, depending on the interior and usage of the shower area.

The right choice of ceiling material makes the bathroom look spacious and avoids mold accumulation. However, it is better to consider the cost, installation, and interior before selecting what to put on the ceiling.

Waterproof shiplap

Shiplap is long vertical or horizontal wooden planks that are used on walls and ceilings. Waterproof shiplap has become famous on shower ceilings because it can withstand moisture and steam from hot showers.

It can last long if you seal it properly and use high-quality finishers that make the surface waterproof. Shiplap ceilings look attractive and enhance the decoration of the place, especially if you have a wooden interior. 

The installation is easy because it is lightweight and does not require much hard work. In addition, you can paint it with mold-resistant primers to increase its durability and prevent mold and mildew growth.

Gypsum

Gypsum boards, also known as plaster of Paris, are well-known materials for the bathroom ceiling to cover the vent ducts and cracks on the existing material.

This material is moisture-resistant and less expensive, as you can get gypsum boards from any interior or furniture shop.

It can provide sound and heat insulation and is ideal for putting above the ceiling in warm locations. In addition, it can add uniformity and a smooth appearance to the shower roof and is durable in moist places.

Ceiling tiles

Different tiles, such as marble, ceramic, and stone, are used on the bathroom ceiling because they do not allow water and humidity to absorb into the roof.

Tiles give a luxurious and classy look and are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and qualities. They are different from the floor tiles and, therefore, a little expensive.

They are easy to clean because of the finishing materials on the surface and are sound and heat-resistant.

However, the installation is a bit tricky, and it needs specific sealing material for grouting or filling the gaps, which avoids cracks and mold.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a commonly used material for the shower ceiling because of its water-resistive nature and sound absorption properties.

It is affordable and easier to install, as you can install the fiberglass panels or tiles yourself without hiring a professional and save labor costs.

They can last for a long time and do not warp or sag over time because of the high-quality materials used to manufacture fiberglass tiles.

I have installed fiberglass tiles in the shower area of my second bathroom, which adds an appealing and smooth appearance to the overall space. 

Cement boards

I have installed cement boards on the ceiling and the tiles on these boards because it provides better support as background material.

The cement boards are not waterproof, and moisture can penetrate them; therefore, I used plastic sheets before installing the boards.

It will prevent the humidity and steam from getting into the roof, and you can put other materials or paints on its surface.

Drywall

Drywall, especially green board, is another famous option for shower ceilings, as it resists moisture and humidity, and you can apply water-resistant paints on its surface.

They are available in different textures, such as orange peel, comb drywall, popcorn, and knockdown textures, that looks captivating in this place.

You can select different textures to cover the rough surface and imperfections of the ceiling. However, choosing a good-quality sealant for the drywall board is better to avoid mold and humidity.

The green boards are coated with waterproof finishers and wax to withstand long-term exposure to a damp environment; therefore, they are more expensive than traditional drywall.

Acrylic sheets

Acrylic sheets are used for shower and bathroom ceilings, especially if LED lights are installed on the roof. They come in transparent and a variety of colors and designs to match the interior.

You can install attractive panel lights and brighten the entire space. In addition, these sheets are less expensive than glass and tiles and are easy to cut and install, which can save the installation cost.

They can last longer in a humid environment and are scratch-resistant, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.

In addition, they are easily removable, and you can clean them thoroughly after a few months to avoid damage to the LED lights because of moisture.

PVC covering

PVC, known as polyvinyl chloride, is another preferred material for locations where humidity and moisture level is high.

They are easy to install and do not require a curing period to dry or use the shower area. In addition, the PVC cladding is more flexible than fiberglass and glass paneling, and you can install them yourself without asking a professional.

You can paint them with any suitable color to have a uniform look in the bathroom, and they are also used to cover the cracks and gaps in it.

Glass panels

Glass panels in the shower ceiling can protect it from moisture and mold but are a little challenging to install because of their heavy weight.

It is better to hire an architect or professional to renovate it with glass panels, as you can hurt yourself if you do it all alone.

They are expensive, but you can select false glass that looks the same and makes the small shower area look spacious and large.

Glass panels are insulators of heat and are durable; therefore, it is worth it if you are investing in the glass ceiling.

Aluminum composites paneling

The aluminum composite panel has two aluminum sheets with a core of polyethylene that is sandwiched between the two sheets. You can select different textures and designs for these panels, such as metal, marble, and plain sheets.

They are not much heavy and are less prone to moisture absorption, which makes them an ideal choice for shower ceilings.

They are strong and rigid and can last long despite their low weight. In addition, installing the aluminum composite panels in the bathroom can enhance the modern appearance of this place.

Metal ceiling

Different metal materials, such as copper, chrome, galvanized iron, and brass, are used as the bathroom ceiling. You can polish the surface with a high-quality finisher to make it look shiny and attractive.

You can clean and maintain them easily, and the sheets can hide the wiring connection and cracks in the roof. Another benefit of installing them is the low price and easy installation and removal.

The tin tiles look traditional and are resistant to mold and rust accumulation due to excessive water use in the shower area.

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