How to Make Tile Stick to the Ceiling

In the past few years, the home improvement community has embraced tile as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional floor, wall and ceiling applications. Although the idea of sticking tile to a ceiling may seem daunting, it is quite straightforward. Using specialized mortar, such as thin-set, makes installing tiles on a ceiling almost as simple as laying tile on a floor. Tiled ceilings are ideal in areas where there is a higher level of humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens or basements.

Measuring tape
Chalk line
T-square
Thin-set mortar
Notched trowel
Tile spacers
Wet tile saw
Tile scriber
Tile nippers
Grout
Rubber trowel
Damp cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the ceiling, using a measuring tape. Multiply the width of the room by the length to get the area of the space. This determines how many tiles you'll need.
- 2
  Snap a chalk line across the ceiling, from one wall to the wall across from it. Snap another line that runs perpendicularly. Use a T-square to ensure a perfectly perpendicular angle.
- 3
  Mix the thin-set mortar according to the instructions on its package. Only mix as much as much thin-set as you can apply to the ceiling in a half-hour. This will prevent it from drying out and turning brittle, and ensure your ceiling tiles stay put.
- 4
  Spread a layer of thin-set mortar, using the notched trowel. Spread enough to cover the space of several tiles at a time. Use the flat edge to spread the thin-set mortar first, and use the notched end to make grooves in the mortar. These spaces will allow the tile to stick to the ceiling, using suction.
- 5
  Lay your first tile, using the chalk line as a guide. Use both hands to apply firm and even pressure upward. When pressing upward, a slight wiggle will remove any air bubbles in the thin-set mortar and allow the tile to set securely.
- 6
  Add plastic tile spacers on all sides of the tile.
- 7
  Spread thin-set mortar and install tiles until you have covered the entire ceiling.
- 8
  Cut to size any tiles that do not fit at the end of a row or against walls, using a wet tile saw. Use a tile scriber and tile nippers to cut any necessary curves into the tiles to fit around ceiling fixtures, such as lights or fans. Allow the thin-set mortar to cure for 24 to 36 hours. Refer to the instructions on the package, as the time may vary.
- 9
  Remove plastic tile spacers from in between the tiles once the mortar is cured.
- 10
  Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package.
- 11
  Spread the grout into the spaces between the tiles, using a rubber trowel. Immediately wipe away any excess grout from the tile surface with a damp cloth. Allow the grout to cure according to the instructions on the package.
- 12
  Remove any leftover haze on the tile surface, using a damp cloth and a circular motion.

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