Tiling a shower - how do we prepare the walls?

[SquidgyMaltLoaf]

Builder says the shower needs tiling (walls on three sides) before plumber can install the shower. We are doing the tiling (gulp... Can't afford for them to do it). We've had various advice from having to purchase a tanking kit, to just tiling straight onto the plasterboard. Can anyone give me a definitive answer please?

No, it's down to a number of factors I'm told. Safest is to tank, but if your walls are good and you're using large tiles, you shouldn't have to, just tile straight onto the walls. I'm buying bigger tiles than planned and probably won't tank now as a result.

can I suggest shower panels? No grouting, much easier to do, look good.

Can't afford them special - otherwise would be a good idea!

Yes, you can tile straight onto the plasterboard, but you will have to size the wall first (pva glue diluted 50 50 with water, then paint onto the wall with a large brush), then put the tile adhesive straight on top.

I've just done my shower, and used wickes waterproof tile adhesive. Take you time in doing it, try and do large expanses at once, that way the tiles are more likely to be level. Use a generous amount of tile adhesive on the walls. Use silicone to seal the internal corners.

I've just got a tiler to tile the bathroom yesterday and he used PVA. I've came across some articles that say PVA is not recommended for tiling, especially in the bathroom. Is this correct? I'm now worrying about tiles falling off the wall!

He said the adhesive is very strong and waterproof. I'm not sure if he was referring to the PVA or the tile adhesive.

@soaccidentprone Did you use PVA to prime the wall first? Are your tiles still intact after all these years, especially around the shower area?

Any experts here? Tilers?

I definitely wouldn't tile straight on to plasterboard! No adhesive/grout is completely waterproof and you'll see damp coming through pretty quickly. I know this because we did it in our first house and quickly regretted it!

Am in a rush but have a Google for Schluter Kerdi boards - properly waterproof boards and great to tile on to. Use Mapei grout if you can as well. It's the best.

The boards are a bit expensive but you'd only need them in the shower area where the water can really get in. And cheaper than paying someone to re-do the tiles in a few years.

I’ve just refitted my sisters downstairs shower room after long term sealant failure around her shower tray. That was tile over plasterboard and had done so much damage, I had to replace timbers in the stud wall as moisture had travelled up the absorbent plaster board nearly a meter high and rotted them away, everything wash mush under the tiles, it was horrendous! Any board that’s not waterproof, especially plasterboard is a definite no no in a shower/wet area and I’m surprised your builder hasn’t mentioned it? Definitely replace it with a moisture resistant board, there are cost efficient versions available (I use moistsure or jackoboard) and be sure to tape the joins properly and used a good quality flexible tile adhesive especially if the board is fixed to timber framing. Please be careful not to cut corners on waterproofing it’s false economy 👍

ps. Better to prime any surfaces that need it with SBR instead of PVA 👍

If it's not already boarded your best bet it to board with hardibacker, aquapanel or other water resistant panel.

@Canyerjustfixthis, the tiler applied PVA. I'm now very worried he did a bad job!

*@foodanddrink^ Tiles coming loose would more than likely be due to a number of factors not just having used PVA to prime. It was the norm to use it until better alternatives were developed and many tilers still insist on using it as they've never encountered any problems in doing so, IIWY I wouldn't worry unless it's just one of a number of issues you've had with your tiling. Personally I wouldn't risk using it especially considering all the effort needed to get a tile job looking good.

@Canyerjustfixthis, thanks. You are an expert on this.

So in the earlier days, most tilers used PVA to prime?

I wouldn't worry unless it's just one of a number of issues you've had with your tiling.. What do you mean by this? I've rubbish at DIY do no clues at all!

*so

@foodanddrink
So in the earlier days, most tilers used PVA to prime?
Yes if the substrate needed priming. I'm sure many jobs will have been done without any sort of priming. I used it myself up until about 10 years ago.

I just meant if that's the only thing you've been able to fault the tiling on then nothing to worry about but if you'd seen other things that have concerned you such as the type of adhesive used or the way it was applied then I can understand your concerns. If you didn't take any notice then I would put it to the back of your mind and enjoy the new bathroom

Oh and none of my tiles ever fell off

@Canyerjustfixthis Thanks! It's great to know none of your tiles fell off even using PVA. Such a relief!

This is the only issue I'm worrying about.

I went into the bathroom to use the toilet and had a quick glance of the bottle, I think it's Uni Bond PVA adhesive, primer and bond.

Sorry, just one more quick question. Is tile adhesive brown? I remember seeing this brown paste, just wondering if it's tile adhesive? I've no clues at all!

Only adhesive I use comes in grey or white but I haven't seen every type available by a long way so can't answer your question, sorry.

The PVA is fine, if it also mentions that it's waterproof then it'll be every bit as good as SBR and you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Thanks, Canyerjustfixthis.