Would definitely not do a large format tile on the ceiling. Unless you’re doing something to frame in the shower such that the ceiling is discontinuous with the rest of the ceiling, I wouldn’t do tile at all as there’s no obvious stopping point. The large format tile on ceiling question was the only one I found within your post.

Susan, I understand your point on the need for a framing or other stopping point for the shower ceiling. There will be at least a partial wall on the right and I think I could do a tile edge trim just above the front where the shower doors (sliding) will be....certainly something I'll have to consider.

Hallett, right on the weight distribution....same concept goes with the sheetrock, such small nails/screws and holds the entire sheet up. I like the concept of having the same ceiling protection above as the walls inside the shower have since the steam will probably give the ceiling a pretty damp film.....so why not just put painted sheetrock on the walls in there too? No, let's pretend I didn't ask that!

I actually did intend to pose a question about the ceiling paint for the rest of the bathroom, primarily the ceiling since it would presumably get damper than most other painted interior areas. I was in Lowes today and the paint person said I should go first with a coat of Pva sheetrock sealer, prime with one of the mildew-resistant primers like KILZ, and then go on with my final color coat. I assume the question of tile on the shower ceiling for moisture protection.....I don't ever want to see my sheetrock finishing tape begin un-bonding.....would be more moot if I use the right paint. Are there any "out-of-the-ordinary" paints I should consider? I'm thinking in the line of epoxy-type garage floor materials. If my paint doesn't do the job, I may also be facing sheetrock refinishing/replacement and I don't want to go there in this lifetime!

We have large formst porcelain tiles on the ceiling in our shower. i was at first a little worried, but our tile guy clearly knew what he was doing. i think there is a special adhesive and he had special equipment to hold them in place til dry. theyve been up there for 2 years, and i have no worries about them falling.

With the right setting material, and the right tile pro, tiles on ceilings are doable. Find one that understands waterproofing, and bans mastic anywhere on their job sites.

I understand there is a special thin set that is to be used with the large-format tiles. I'm thinking I'll screw Dura Rock to the ceiling as a backer so there won't be any reason for the backer to fail.

I'm the "tile pro" so it will be me and research like you guys have helped with to thank if I fail or succeed!

I have done most of my own work over the years and believe I have done better than many "professionals" but with some exceptions. I just didn't have the manpower or tools to do a granite countertop installation. The Lowes-sourced contractor did fine. I had gutters installed at that house and I was VERY dis-satisfied. They didn't bring a level to the jobsite and I knew the eaves on my house had low areas and so I told them as much and loaned them a level. They didn't use the level and ran gutter fastener screws into my new Hardi-trim fascia. No problem there except I had to back some out and move them later to get the gutters sloped properly. I had one good concrete contractor and another who apparently thought it was OK to backfill some footers I had dug with grass clumps....and began machine-troweling too early and scalped out low places that held water from then on. I don't know why he seemed to think I wouldn't deduct my materials costs from his so-called turn-key quote.

John, we put in blocking for future grab bars (and took pics of the locations and measurements), put insulation in all walls and the ceiling (this is an interior wall shower), did Hardiebacker for the walls and ceiling, (taped and mortared seams) and then waterproofed it completely with Mapei AquaDefense (three coats). The bath guy who did our FLOOR said that he has tested AquaDefense over 24 hours in the bottom of a shower with no leaks. And then I did large format 12 x 24 tile on the walls and ceiling. I used Mapei Large Format Floor and Wall Tile Mortar in white, since the ceiling tiles are white and the wall tiles are gray. I did the ceiling BEFORE I did the uppermost row of wall tile, basically giving it a little bit of support around the edges. I did stand and support the tiles as they set up. (Doing the ceiling was not easy.) One dropped (thankfully into my hands) and we ended up propping them up with a spring-loaded shower caddy pole and piece of plywood that we cut to fit. They have been up since 2021 (part of the pandemic remodels all over the country) and are fine. We put ours in, because the previous drywall ceiling "rained" during showers in the winter (similar to how skylights can rain). We also moved the shower handle closer to the door (so not centered under the showerhead), and sealed all grout afterward. One comment: your Durarock doesn't look like it is installed correctly. You have to put it OVER the lip of the base as a best practice. It could just be that I can't see it well enough.

Mig, many thanks for the details! You are right about the Durarock installation. I think my install was per the shower pan directions but I need to double check...and I will do some research into how and when to install OVER the lip of the shower pan. I can see the advantage. It will be a super easy fix now but not so easy later!

I'll also check into your waterproofing. I would like for the backerboard to provide some protection if the tile grout lines ever develop a hairline crack but I don't want to interfere with the thin set adherence.

As per my first post, I still am considering sheet vinyl as a shower wall material. It's not the norm but I installed some years ago and really liked the waterproofing and it shed water like a duck's back. I have seen comments from some contractors who have also installed it. I think it would be more trouble-free than tile but I want to think about foolproof ways to mate it with the shower pan.