Tiling on uneven wall - advice please?

[Cornish Maid]

We have a small flat which we rent out. Just changing to a new tenant and he has asked about possibility of us installing a shower before he moves in, to which we have agreed. Currently bath only has 3 rows of tiles around it, so we need to tile out the shower area to protect the walls. Walls have a "rustic" and very uneven textured finish (old converted building and no doubt done to cover a multitude of sins!). We don't want to go to the extreme of chiselling off all the texture to give a level finish for tiling, but not sure what our options are. Need to do a pretty quick job as tenant looking to move in within next 2-3 weeks.

Could we batten and line it to give a flat finish to tile on? If so what type of boarding do we use and how do be ensure its protected enough to prevent water ingress pushing off the tiles? Will normal grout take to plywood OK. Is there anything other than tiles we could us? Really confused how best to tackle this so any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Richard C]

Could we batten and line it to give a flat finish to tile on?

Yes

If so what type of boarding do we use and how do be ensure its protected enough to prevent water ingress pushing off the tiles?

Waterproof tile backer board

Will normal grout take to plywood OK.

Don’t use plywood as a tile base, it’s not suitable in wet areas & will fail if not tanked. Use waterproof flexible adhesive & grout of the correct type for the tiles; use quality trade products not cheapo DIY stuff

Is there anything other than tiles we could us?

Yes but you will still need a flat base; a Google search should throw up the alternatives.

Really confused how best to tackle this so any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

It would probably be best to get in a pro tiller.