Shower Refurb

I have read lots about hardiebacker boards for shower areas where tiles will be used. I also read about tanking the area....i thought that if i put hardiebacker onto the studs and then position the shower tray against this with a silicone seal around the joint, then tile to 3 or 4mm above the shower tray i would then grout all tile joints and silicone the bottom join. Would this be sufficient?

If i look at tanking the walls - how does this work? do i install the tray with silicone joint and then tank the walls with membrane (any membrane or a special one?)?

One the short wall of the shower enclosure i have already fitted the moisture resistant plasterboard ( http://www.diy.com/departments/gypr...sterboard-l2400mm-w1200mm-t125mm/35762_BQ.prd ) - should i rip this off and put hardiebacker there too?

If the moisture resistant plasterboard is ok to tile onto - should i skim it first or can tile adhesive be put straight onto the board?

thanks in advance for responses (for useful ones anyway!)

Oh, yeah and do i need special fixings to fix the 12mm hardiebacker? How do i cut it to size too?

i have seen the special cement board screws for fixing.

i am still a bit confused as to the best way to proceed.

Am i likely to get problems if i use the water resistant plasterboard (with taped joints) and then tile adhesive directly on top of that? I am now looking into a damp proof paint to coat the plasterboard.

I am using the hardie backer where i intend to put the shower because it appears a bit more sturdy than the plasterboard.

Again, with the hardie backer - am i ok to tile adhesive straight on to that directly?

I have read about people still tanking the area for the shower, but this seems overkill if the products (hardie backer and water resistant plasterboard) are designed and made specifically for shower/bath areas???

Hardie backer and MR plasterboard are moisture resistant. i.e. they won't degrade when wet. They are not waterproof. If you want waterproof (which you should in a shower enclosure) you should consider tanking.

This is the kit I use on all of my installations.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-shower-waterproofing-kit/78484#_=p

Thanks b17nns. It does seem to be the stuff!

I was looking at other water proofing things and wasn't sure if they would work as well as that kit. Something like this...

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Bitumen-Damp-Proof-Membrane-Liquid-5L/p/151458

Eddman said:

Thanks b17nns. It does seem to be the stuff!

I was looking at other water proofing things and wasn't sure if they would work as well as that kit. Something like this...

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Bitumen-Damp-Proof-Membrane-Liquid-5L/p/151458

Click to expand...

I've no idea if that is a suitable surface to tile onto. Personally I'd spend the extra £40 for a proven product.

B17NNS said:

I've no idea if that is a suitable surface to tile onto. Personally I'd spend the extra £40 for a proven product.

Click to expand...

Personally I would say if its bitumen based it is no good to tile onto, the o.p would be best advised to go with your advice and use a proper tanking system, the age old adage of " pay cheap pay twice is coming to mind if using that bitumen gear "

For what it's worth I used decorative ABS sheets ( 8 foot by 4 foot ) for the walls of my "open plan" ( no cubicle ) shower to ensure no water could reach the wall structure or the floor structure.

i bit the bullet and got the mapei shower tanking kit i was also fearful oft ehbuy cheap, buy twice adage!!!

thanks for responses