Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Granite tile on ceiling of shower

This is my first post...I hope I'm doing it right! I have been asked to install 12x12 inch polished granite tiles on the ceiling of a tub/shower surround. The ceiling will have Durock applied prior to installation. Will the 12 inch granite hold with thinset due to its heavy weight? Or will I have to build some kind of bracing? I can see them dropping off due to gravity and the weight. Any ideas would be much appreciated?

Mark

No replies, not surpised. If one fell off with someone in the shower, anyone the replied would be included in the lawsuit. So here goes.....yes, use thinset, a thick mix. Yes, support it after installation with a brace and some plywood. Yes, increase your liability insurance.

I took out a shower last summer, mud walls/ceiling, but small tiles(4"), originally installed in the late 40's, not a, loose tile in the whole bathroom, what a bear to tear out(6000lbs). If you feel you can do it that way, do it!!!

You kind of answered what that little voice inside was telling me....thanks for convincing me that this is a bad idea. This is not a project for my house, just someone else who wanted it, I called the lady back and tried to talk her out of the Granite ceiling. she however has her heart set on it so I advised her to find another tile installer. I can make plenty of money doing more basic jobs. Thanks for your response Bill.

Mark

Sorry if I scared you off this job. There are ways to do it right, but caution is the keyword here. Overkill is what is needed. And a fan in the shower ceiling would be a good idea. Of course it must be a 'wet location' approved fan. I have never, up to now, been sued for any job, and have been in business for 22+ yrs. Not to say I have not had a few irate customers, but I was almost always able to work things out. Nuff said!!!