What is the best ceiling to put in a bathroom?

Author: Prof. Elijah Marvin  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Drywall/Greenboard Greenboard's core has a wax-like substance that repels water, making it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall. This makes it an excellent material for steamy bathroom environments. Installing green boards on your bathroom ceiling helps prevent mold growth and water damage.

What is the best material to use for a bathroom ceiling?

Ceiling panels in the bathroom can either be aluminum composite or PVC. Either option will require a framework before installation. PVC panels are waterproof, making them perfect for condensation issues in bathrooms. Aluminum composite panels are moisture resistant making them perfect for bathrooms.

What type of ceiling is best for a bathroom?

Water-resistant Fiberglass, cement board, tile, acrylic, and drywall are some of the best materials to consider when planning a bathroom ceiling. These materials help give your bathroom a refined, perfect, modern, and polished overall appearance. You can also use flat and semi-gloss paint to cover the bathroom ceiling.

What is the best waterproof ceiling for a bathroom?

PVC panels are a simple, no fuss solution for your bathroom ceiling. This waterproof cladding is resistant to both mould and mildew, lightweight for easy installation and requires very little maintenance. They're also the most versatile option in terms of appearance.

What is the best board for a bathroom ceiling?

The following are your best bathroom ceiling material options:
  • Drywalls. Drywalls are easily obtainable gypsum-and-paper material commonly used in home living spaces, except in high-moisture areas like bathtubs and shower stalls. ...
  • Fiberglass. ...
  • Gypsum. ...
  • Acrylic. ...
  • Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP)

5 BATHROOM CEILING MATERIAL IDEAS FOR SOLID FUNCTIONALITY AND GREAT APPEAL

What wood is best for bathroom ceiling?

When choosing wood for your bathroom ceiling, it's essential to prioritize water resistance. Opt for woods like cedar, teak, and cypress which naturally repel moisture, preventing damage and mold growth in the long run.

How do I moisture proof my bathroom ceiling?

Use water-resistant materials like PVC panels, cement board, or moisture-resistant gypsum board for bathroom ceilings.

Do bathroom ceilings need special drywall?

Regular Drywall, often referred to as whiteboard, is the standard wallboard used throughout most homes. However, it's not suitable for high moisture environments like bathrooms. On the other hand, Greenboard has been the best choice for bathroom walls and ceilings.

What is the best finish for a bathroom ceiling?

Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.

Which ceiling is water resistant?

Stone wool is a hydrophobic material, meaning it does not absorb water and does it not hold moisture. This makes stone wool ceiling panels not only humidity-resistant but also sag-resistant.

What kind of ceiling goes above shower?

Keep on Trend with These 7 Shower Ceiling Ideas For Any Bathroom
  • Shower Ceiling Tiles. One of the most popular shower ceiling ideas is tile. ...
  • Stone Shower Ceiling. ...
  • Wood Shower Ceiling. ...
  • Stained Glass Ceiling. ...
  • Bathroom Skylight. ...
  • Ceiling Shower Head. ...
  • Ceiling Bluetooth Speaker.

Do I need a vapor barrier in my bathroom ceiling?

Vapor barriers should only be used in areas where there is water or moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. The interior kitchens and bathrooms specifically need a vapor barrier installed during the building process.

Can I put PVC ceiling in bathroom?

PVC ceilings are not only visually appealing but also easy to maintain and clean. They are resistant to moisture, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Enjoy the benefits of your newly installed PVC ceiling for years to come.

Do you need green board on a bathroom ceiling?

Many local building inspectors will tell you to avoid putting water resistant drywall on your bathroom ceiling, and that's actually for your own protection. Greenboard weakens more than standard drywall does when it gets completely saturated.

What can I put on my bathroom ceiling to prevent mold?

Anti-mould paint is a specially formulated type of wall and ceiling paint that prevents mould from building up, even in areas with lots of condensation and air humidity. It can be a great first solution to stop mould returning once you've cleaned it away, creating a surface that repels condensation.

Should I waterproof bathroom ceiling?

To achieve a long-lasting finish, waterproof or water-resistant paint is essential for bathroom ceilings and walls. You could use mould-resistant paint or primer if your bathroom is prone to mould or has poor ventilation.

What is the best ceiling for a bathroom?

Drywall is a common bathroom ceiling material, but when it comes to areas with high moisture, like showers, greenboard is the better option. Greenboard's core has a wax-like substance that repels water, making it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall.

Is Kilz good for bathrooms?

A water-based primer-sealer-stainblocker specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments, KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer ensures a mildew resistant primer coat, essential for almost any bathroom renovation.

How do you prepare a bathroom ceiling?

Clean the Surface: Wipe down the ceiling to remove dust, dirt, and any mould or mildew. Use a mild detergent or mould-removal cleaner to clean the ceiling thoroughly. Let it dry completely. Sand the Surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots or areas where old paint is peeling.

What finish should bathroom ceiling be?

We always recommend a semi-gloss for extra protection from humidity and moisture. However, if you're worried about the dramatic transition from eggshell in one room to semi-gloss in another, you could always go in the middle with a nice stain finish, although, we stick to our semi-gloss recommendation.

What board to use for a bathroom ceiling?

Wooden Bathroom Ceilings

Pine tongue and groove cladding was the most common material used for this purpose. It was easier to install than a plastered ceiling and could be fitted straight to the joists if necessary.

How do you waterproof a ceiling above a shower?

Shower ceiling cladding is made from PVC. It is supplied in long “planks” that have a tongue along one edge and a groove along the other. This enables the panels to slot together to give you a waterproof surface.

What is the best paint for a humid bathroom ceiling?

The best specialty paint for your bathroom ceiling is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is not only highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew, but it also dries faster and often contains no VOCs. This paint is less odorous, making it easier to be around while waiting to dry.

What type of drywall to use for a bathroom ceiling?

Moisture-resistant drywall is ideal for areas prone to moisture and humidity. This drywall features a special paperless backing and an additional coating to prevent mold and moisture. Ideal for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms and utility rooms.

Do you need moisture board on bathroom ceiling?

If you want to enjoy the benefits of moisture resistance then moisture-resistant plasterboard is essential for a bathroom or any other wet area. However, if you are tiling boards then the tiles should provide sufficient moisture resistance.

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