Plasterboard question.....

Hi,

We recently moved into a new place and decided that a new bathroom suite is needed. The tiles and grouting (floor to ceiling) are in pristine condition so we opted to keep these. I ripped out the toilet followed by the sink. I carefully removed two rows of tiles (chisel job) from around the top of the bath as this is where I would be putting mosaic effect tiles. Then I pulled out the bath. Unfortunately the plaster behind the bath is basically rubble and most of it has fallen off and it is down to the brickwork - an area of about 6ft * 3ft

I can’t seem to get a plasterer who will come round for such a small job so I’m wondering whether I can plasterboard that area?

If yes, should I attach a couple of battens and fix the board on top or do I need to ‘dot n dab’ the plasterboard before tiling on top??

What kind of plasterboard should I be using?

Thanks,

Nagsy

because you are only patching, your best option is to apply either a sand/cement render and skim or use a gypsum based backing plaster and skim.

these will bond better to the existing.

attempting to patch with plasterboard at this particular junction, may leave the area a little vulnerable and will probably end up proud of the existing.

if the entire wall was back-to-brick, then i would suggest dabbing some aquapanel or tile backer, then use mechanical fixings as a supplement once the adhesive had set.

As noseall says , you will be able to join all better with plaster or render .However ,with out seeing it you may have room to cut back a nice straght join and dab on board , if ya tiles and grouting are done correctly this will leave everything watertight .As for ya plasterers not coming out for small jobs ,they should be charging you on time taken , not how small the job is .Just cos the job is small does not mean you are in and out in 10 mins .What aera do you live in , i may be able to put you contact with someone.

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.
The area is a clean straight 6ft * 3ft (and an adjacent 2ft * 3ft) so I think straight joins and dab on board is possible.

I have never done dotndab (seems straight forward though) - would it be advisable to split the large area into two pieces and then attach?

I'd feel more confidant applying battens and then the aquaboard to ensure that its level - would a batten job be ok for this as well?

Do the large retailers (B&Q, wickes) sell the aquapanel?

Cheers.

Have you got a shower over the bath?

Hi,

I still haven't got round to starting this.
There is no shower in the bath.

Can I fix battens straight onto the brickwork and then attach the aqua-panel and get a decent tile job done on top?

Ta.