Wall Tiling – Plaster / Solid Walls / Skimmed Plasterboards

For wall tiling applications it is essential that the wall itself has sufficient inherent strength to hold the proposed tile and the adhesive being used.

The following chart lists the accepted maximum loadings for a variety of wall substrates. In all cases, it is advised that where wall boards, of any type, are used that the manufacturer be consulted for further guidance.

Wall Substrate                                                 Maximum tile weight
(plus adhesive and grout*)

Gypsum plaster                                                       20kg/m²
Plasterboard (gypsum) unskimmed                   32kg/m²
Plywood (exterior grade)                                      30kg/m²
Gypsum fibre boards                                             40kg/m²
Tile backer boards                                                  40kg/m²
Glass reinforced cement sheets                           50kg/m²

*Typically the weight of the adhesive and grout is 2-4kg per m².

Wall types vary considerably but all have the same basic need to be structurally sound, strong, smooth and level.

It is important to understand that tile adhesives are not designed to be a method of overcoming surface undulations and unevenness.

The specifications for various substrates and their stability are listed below. Should any other substrates be encountered, please contact the UltraTile Technical Department.

Instructions

A plastered wall must be at least four weeks old prior to tiling to ensure adequate strength build up and suitable dryness. Prior to tiling ensure the plaster is dust free and is not showing any signs of efflorescence. Weak or friable plaster should not be tiled onto. Densely finished, polished or shiny plaster should be ‘roughened’ up to provide a good mechanical key. A stiff bristle brush should be used.

Priming

Class as porous and refer to chart on pages 10 & 11 in the UltraTile Brochure.