Behind the tiles - basic question

[anta]

My father-in-law runs a small campsite and we're installing a new shower block. The cubical is partitioned with low density breeze-block dividing walls. We need to tile them, and also tile the concrete floor. Do we need plaster boarding or cant he tiles go straight onto the blocks? What about the floor? I've read a few posts saying that "tanking" is necessary. What is "tanking"?

All help appreciated
Ant

 

[gcol]

I'd be looking to apply a coat of render to the walls; then tile straight onto that.
A piece of advice - use grey grout for walls and floors. It'll not show up mould like white grout will.

 

[d3matt]

Tanking is a waterproof layer that you apply before tiling. It's a rubber membrane that you paint on. It works extremely well and is very easy to apply. I've just done two showers with the Dunlop kit from Screwfix. You use it to protect your walls/floor as one day your shower will leak or the grout will let through water.