How to Build a Steam Shower Ceiling

Steam showers are a wonderful treat after a hot day in the garden or a long day at the office. Because the heat is coupled with moisture, there is no chance of drying out your throat or sinuses. There are many ways for the do-it-yourself homeowner to transform an ordinary shower into a steam shower. Ceramic tile is the easiest product to use when building the ceiling needed for a steam shower. The only odd-shaped necessity is the wedge-shaped two-by-four that needs to increase in thickness by ½-inch every 12 inches. This creates a slope so the condensation won't compromise the strength of the thin-set mortar. You will need to cut as many as needed to place them 12-inches apart to cover the entire ceiling.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Wedge-shaped two-by-fours (length and number needed will vary depending on the width of your shower)
• Variable speed drill
• 1 ¼-inch drywall screws
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• 6-mil polyethylene
• Scissors
• Staple gun
• Skill saw
• Backer board
• 6-by-6-inch ceramic tiling
• Wet saw
• Tile chippers
• Thin-set mortar
• Mortar trowel
• 1/8-inch tile spacers
• Grout
• Grout trowel
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Soft cloth
• Grout sealer

Instructions

1. Cut the wedge-shaped two-by-fours to the width of the steam shower ceiling. Cut as many as it takes to cover the entire ceiling on 12-inch centers. Drill pilot holes with the 1/8-inch drill bit where the wedge meets the ceiling joists. Secure the wedged two-by-fours to the ceiling with the 1 ¼-inch drywall screws. Use the 3/8-inch drill bit to create counter-sink holes for the drywall screws.

2. Cut the 6-mil polyethylene to the size of the ceiling with the scissors. Staple the polyethylene to the wedge-shaped two-by-fours. This is a vapor barrier.

3. Measure and cut the backer board with the skill saw. Secure it to the ceiling with 1 ¼-inch drywall screws.

4. Measure and cut the ceramic tile to fit the ceiling. Be certain to leave 1/8 inch around the perimeter of the ceiling for the grout. Mix the thin-set mortar according to package instructions. Apply it to the backer board and place the tiles on the ceiling. Use the 1/8-inch spacers between the tiles. Let the mortar set 24 hours.

5. Remove the spacers and mix the grout according to the instructions that came with it. Apply the grout into the grout lines by tilting the grout trowel slightly. Clean off excess grout with the sponge and clean water. Wring the sponge out often.

6. Allow the grout to dry to a haze and polish it with the clean soft cloth. After 72 hours, apply the grout sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.

• The wedge-shaped two-by-fours are crucial in the protection of the tile, grout and thin-set mortar.

• Clean off as much of the excess grout with the grout trowel before cleaning with the sponge.

• Do not mix the mortar too thin as this will compromise the strength of the mortar.

• Use caution when using a wet saw. The blade can cause injury.

• Do not breathe the dust from the backer board, as this can cause lung injury.

Resources

• Steam Showers and Baths - Simply Soothing