What Is the Best Bathroom Ceiling Material?

A question asked by everyone who has contemplated a renovation or remodelling is this: “What is the best bathroom ceiling material?” For obvious reasons, the cost is one of the deciding factors – but not as much as durability.

Unlike other parts of the house, bathrooms have high-moisture levels and warm to hot temperatures. These are factors that can test the resistance of ceiling materials from water splashes and moisture. Prolonged exposure to a wet environment can only lead to one thing – damage.

On the plus side, there are several options when it comes to materials. As sure as the sun will rise, each brand will proclaim why they are the best and only choice for your bathroom. It is, of course, impossible for all of these materials to be equally superior.

Which One Is the Best Bathroom Ceiling Material?

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes stipulates that the bathroom ceiling height should at least be 2,100 mm (6’10.5”) in any area where a person would normally be in a standing position. It’s intent to ensure that there is enough clearance to avoid collisions with protrusions such as lighting fixtures. On the practical side, it should be enough to minimize water splashes.

Still, moisture could accumulate. Over time, this leads to water damage – the degradation of bathroom ceiling materials, causing them to warp or break. As such, the one feature that you should consider is water and moisture resistance.

The following are your best bathroom ceiling material options:

1. 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.

For bathrooms, you are better off choosing green, blue, or purple ceiling boards.

Green Board. As its name implies, it has a green covering that makes it moisture resistant, compared to regular drywall. However, it is not waterproof. As long as it does not come into contact with water, it should last a long time. Apart from being used for bathroom ceiling, some people also use it as a tile backer in high moisture areas like laundry and utility rooms.

Blue Board. An upgrade over green boards, blue board – also called plaster baseboard – has a surface paper with special absorption qualities. More importantly, it has a high resistance to water and moulds. Used mainly for veneer plastering, it is also an excellent choice for bathrooms.

Purple Board. For a more superior moisture resistant drywall, purple boards are yet another material you can use for bathroom ceilings. Similar to blue boards, it also has excellent mold-resistance characteristics. Additionally, it can better withstand water splashes compared to all types of drywalls you can use in the bathroom as ceiling materials.

Regardless of the type of drywall, remember that condensation leads to water droplets forming on the surface. You can add a layer of protection by coating the ceiling with waterproof paint. Semi-gloss is a popular choice and has better waterproofing qualities. However, imperfections on the ceiling may become visible when there is a glare. You can avoid this by settling for satin.

2. Fiberglass

Another material that is widely used in bathrooms, fiberglass is affordable and has good water resistance. Labour cost is not that expensive as well because it is rather easy to install. From wall to ceiling, not only does it look nice but also has a long service life. They do not sag or sustain damage due to ageing. Not that it matters much in bathrooms, but this material is non-combustible and has excellent sound absorption characteristics.

There are different types of fiberglass ceiling tiles, one of which is made from polyester resin – a liquid resin polymerized into a solid material. From a manufacturing standpoint, fiberglass can easily be shaped. More importantly, for the consumers, it has the characteristics that make it durable. It can even be reinforced further by applying multiple layers.

If you choose to use fiberglass bathroom ceiling tiles, one thing you do need to discuss with the contractor or installer is controlling dust particles. Its microfibres contain a binding agent made of formaldehyde. During installation, these tiny particles can even penetrate a dust mask, irritating the respiratory system. A specially rated vacuum cleaner is needed to remove the tiny particles. Additionally, they need to seal the bathroom to prevent fiberglass dust from contaminating other parts of the house.

3. Gypsum

Gypsum board, also usually referred to as drywall or plasterboard, is based on plaster and relatively inexpensive. They are easy to install and have excellent characteristics that make them suitable for use in houses and buildings – resistance to fire, sound attenuation, and generally non-toxic.

Over the years, gypsum board manufacturers have switched to using synthetic gypsum as opposed to natural gypsum. One reason for that is to reduce pollutants.

For the bathroom, gypsum ceiling panels come in a variety of sizes. Specifically, you should choose the water-resistant ones. On the one hand, they can resist moisture – which effectively curbs the growth of mold and mildew. However, they are susceptible to abrasion and could get damaged from impacts.

4. Acrylic

Made of resin material, acrylic sheets are becoming popular among homeowners. One reason is the diverse range of designs, patterns, and colours – from transparent to solid. A basic bathroom ceiling setup, for example, uses T5 LED lights installed above transparent or translucent panels.

5. Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP)

Any ceiling that requires low weight and high structural rigidity can benefit from ACP. Because of these characteristics, it is often used for external cladding of building facades, and others. Moreover, it also provides features such as high resistance to moisture and fume. They are easy to clean and will last a long time. For design choices, there is plenty – ranging from lowkey to European or simple modern.

Plentiful Choices of Bathroom Ceiling Materials

Besides the above-stated bathroom ceiling materials, there are also plenty of others not mentioned. At any rate, the ones mentioned are the most popular choices.

Acrylic is colourful, chic, but that may not be your cup of tea. Aluminum composite panels are durable – but design-wise, it may have limited interior architectural choices. For all-around options, fiberglass, gypsum, and drywall (green, blue, and purple) can fit practically any bathroom theme.

Ultimately, it comes down to one non-negotiable requirement – a bathroom ceiling material has to be moisture-resistant, at the very least. Do consider high-end brands that also offer water-resistant features, among others.