Creating Window Sill/Boxing On Which to Tile

[ambient]

Having removed the old tiles in my kitchen I'm now left with a void/cavity below the window as shown in the photo below.

We're planning to have the window area tiled like before but I first need to create a 'boxing'/'frame'/'base'/flat surface (sorry not sure what to call it) on which I can tile and have some questions regarding this...

I was planning to use the existing 'baton' (see photo) and adding a couple of extra batons either side on which I can lay a thick sheet of plywood over the top. I was then going to add a further thick sheet of plywood vertically below to enclose the void and secure it all together with screws/nails. I was also going to PVA the ply to seal it before hand.

Does this sound ok, will this structure be secure? Is plywood the right wood to use? Can I tile straight onto plywood?

I've really tried and literaly can't find anything on the internet regarding this. Any help appreciated.

Untitled

• ambient
• 23 Nov 2010
• 1

 

[joinerjohn]

Cut a couple of pieces of 12.5mm plasterboard and dot.n dab them into the void, one on top of the other. Perfect for tiling onto. Take the existing batten out first though (not really needed if you go this route).

 

[ajrobb]

I'd be tempted to fill it with a weak mortar mix.

 

[ambient]

Thank you both for your replies...

Cut a couple of pieces of 12.5mm plasterboard and dot.n dab them into the void, one on top of the other. Perfect for tiling onto. Take the existing batten out first though (not really needed if you go this route).

Interesting idea however the mortar that you can see in the photo is completely uneven and loose and so I can't see how I might secure or level the plasterboard without a baton.

I'd be tempted to fill it with a weak mortar mix.

This would certainly level and provide a flat surface however it would leave the window sill very low in comparison to the bottom of upvc window. By using the plywood and baton I was hoping to raise the level of the sill.

Is there anything wrong with my original suggestion?

 

[joinerjohn]

Get rid of most of the loose stuff first. Mix up some drywall adhesive, dob it on. Put your plasterboard strip on top. level it up. Put some more of the drywall adhesive mix on that then put another piece of plasterboard on top of that. You have enough time before the drywall goes off to level it up and fill in the front edge (which one assumes you'll be tiling as well ????.
No need at all for battens.
Job done, put kettle on , have a cuppa etc etc.

 

[ambient]

Really appreciate your replies, will give the plasterboard a go, thanks joinerjohn.