Basic Tiling Advice for a Complete Beginner

[ArnieUK]

Hi,

Im just about to fit a new bathroom all by myself (scary stuff as Im very new to all this).

I have stripped off the old tiles from the walls, and have a mixture of a rough surface where the old tiles were, and bumpy artex above a certain level (as the walls weren't completely tiled).

I want to fix the bath in the corner, and use the hose from the tap as a shower.
I've scoured the internet as to what I should put on the walls to make them water proof, and I've come across gypsum, green board, cement fibre boards, PVA seal etc etc.

I guess the best approach would be to have the walls plastered, so that they are even, but what of the previously mentioned water-proofing should I use ?! None of them seem to be easily purchased in any bog standard hardware stores here in the UK (Homebase, focus etc)
Would I use the same on the floors as well, as I intend to put down floor tiles, once I have put a covering of some sort over the wooden floor ?

Can I just tile over the walls as they are without re-plastering (baring in mind in a beginner) ?

I would be incredibly grateful if some one could give me some guidance.

P.S. I want to do it as cheaply as possible

 

[Moz]

Hi ArnieUK,

You have a big job on .....lol

regarding the walls I would fix tile backerboards on bare walls
see here
http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/3/tips/tips_hardibacker.html

saves me along write up ..

an use BAL WATERPROOF SHOWER KIT,on the wet area by the shower ,

Dont use the bog standard Diy sheds use a tile shop ,topps tiles are very good , you get PROPER ADVICE/HELP there

once you have the walls done comback for more advice

regarding the floors if you have a read up here
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=16

on the many posts there about the correct procedure for tiling in a bathroom ,
Hope this helps you

 

[ArnieUK]

Hi Moz!

Thank you for that, looked everywhere for something useful!

So would I apply that backer board to the entire bathroom (floors and walls, or just round the bath area ?

P.S. Where can you get BAL WATERPROOF SHOWER KIT from? Can't find it anywhere

 

[Moz]

Hi ArnieUK,
You apply the tile backer board on WALLS where you are tiling if the substrate /wall is uneven brickwork ,rough plaster/ plasterboard ,
tile backer board is like plasterboard but is made with cement ...an quite strong for hanging tiles too

BAL WATERPROOF SHOWER KIT,
http://www.bpindex.co.uk/manf.html?id=1060
you can get this waterproofer membrane kit from many good tile shops/topps tiles or they will sell you a similar good product but different manufacteur ,

 

[ArnieUK]

Hi Moz,

Thank you for your advice, am going to pay TopsTiles a visit today... but will get a quote from a tiler to see how much i am going to save by doing the work myself

Thanks again for your guidance

 

[Moz]

Hi ArnieUK

No problems , if you require any assistance /advice on doing the work yourself come back an ask here ....

btw it may work out cheaper to get a Pro Tiler to do the walls/ floor
but you do lose a lot of self satisfaction of not doing it yourself ....

let us Know how you get on

 

[gcol]

btw it may work out cheaper to get a Pro Tiler to do the walls/ floor but you do lose a lot of self satisfaction of not doing it yourself ....

How's it work out cheaper to get someone in to do the work for you???

 

[Moz]

If you prep the wall 1st an then supply tiles , adhesive an grout what the tiler recommends , you save having to buy all the tools ,etc

 

[ArnieUK]

Wouldn't the tools work out cheaper than the tilers labour costs ?

 

[Moz]

ArnieUK
Their are tilers tools an tilers tools ,
you may get the cheap an cheerful stuff an everything ok ....
for a one of job you probably will be cheaper doing it yourself ,