The Shower Tile Installation Mistake Everyone Makes

Imagine that you've just finished installing a gorgeous, tiled shower. The walls are a stunning mix of colors and patterns, and everything feels fresh and modern. But as you look up, the tile ends abruptly, with a strip of bare, painted wall that stretches up to the ceiling. Maybe you chose to leave it that way to save time or cut costs, as tiling to the very edge takes more material and labor. It might even seem like a harmless design choice — that upper portion of the wall doesn't seem to take that much abuse from the swinging of the showerhead. Right? 

Not quite. In fact, that seemingly innocent gap is a costly DIY shower tiling mistake that can create a world of trouble for your bathroom. Tiling up to the ceiling is not only a matter of appearance, but an act of damage protection for your home. Paint and drywall are not designed to handle wet environments well, and showers create steam, which rises and condenses on exposed walls. Unless you conceal the drywall, this moisture, along with splashes, soaks into the wall, making it expand and shrink to the point of cracking. Mold and mildew outbreaks also become a possibility. 

The exposed drywall is an ideal place for mold and mildew to take hold, and if that happens, it could result in costly repairs and even potential health risks. To make matters worse, water damage is stealthy. You may not realize that there's a problem until it's too late, though you may notice signs like bubbling paint or discoloration. When you skip tiling this vulnerable area, you're practically inviting trouble into your house. Plus, it's also a shower design mistake that makes cleaning harder. 

Going all the way up with your tile negates these risks and inconveniences. Tile is designed to tolerate moisture if you install it correctly; it's also durable and easy to clean. Extending it to the ceiling forms a sealed, protective shell against steam and splashes that might otherwise sneak into the walls. Although you may have to spend more time and money, the investment will pay off in the long-term, as you'll save on mold remediation, drywall replacement, and repainting. And there's an added benefit: a fully tiled shower will give your bathroom a more luxurious feel, elevating the style and value of the space.