Porcelain wall tiles onto Plywood??

[sludd]

Hi Guys

I'm refitting my en-suite and have ripped out the existing plasterboard in the shower cubicle. The tiles I am using are 400x400 porcelain and I wonder about using exterior grade plywood instead of plasterboard. the reasons are in case I need to change the tiles in the future (they'll come off plywood easier) and also to get a solid fix into the stud, given the weight of the tiles...

My question is whether this is likely to be OK and will the tiles adhere to exterior ply (as they do on a floor) - if so, what adhesive is best and should I prepare the plywood in any way beforehand.

 

[paul78]

aquapanel would be my choice, 'cement based' flexible adhesive and grout.

 

[Richard C]

Paul’s advise is spot on, forget the plywood; on anything but floors, ply is an old fashioned approach &, being wood, it's not dimensionally stable unless you thoroughly seal the back & edges & even then its susceptible to moisture ingress if you have a concealed shower valve & pipe work. Go for a good quality waterproof tile backer board which should not cost more, will take practically all the tile weight you can throw at it & will never fail providing you tile it correctly. Hang the tiles with a powder cement addy, suitable for the type of porcs you have.

Usual rider; only use quality trade addy/grout (especially with tiles that size) & avoid cheapo DIY shed stuff like the plague, even if the trade name appears the same!

 

[sludd]

Thanks guys - good advice

Is the aquapanel available at Wickes OK?

 

[Richard C]

Thanks guys - good advice

Is the aquapanel available at Wickes OK?

Yes but use 12mm