crema marfil tiles

**davediy** · 18-02-2009

I'm reasonable ok at most diy but i'm thinking of tiling the bathroom with marble tiles. The wall are plastered and that seems sound. When i removed old tiles in the kitchen with a chiesel the plaster stayed on the wall. I intend to tank the shower area with MIRA waterproofer. I've only tiled a little in the past but all are still on the wall and look good - to me at least. Can you offer any advice and suggestions that can help?

**MICK the Tiler** · 18-02-2009

Is it crema marfil Marble or porcelain Dave?

**davediy** · 18-02-2009

they're marble 10mm thick. I have the choice of 2 sizes either 600 by 300 or 300 square. i fancy the bigger ones laid in brick pattern.

**beanz** · 18-02-2009

I think they'll be too heavy for plaster Dave. You'll probably need to over-board with Hardibacker or similar Cement board.

**grumpygrouter** · 18-02-2009

Definately would not fancy fixing Marble to a plaster wall!!!!

**davediy** · 18-02-2009

oh dear. I'm a bit cramped for space. would it be feasible to remove the plaster and tile direct either to the cement render under the plaster or chip off the render too back to the brick/block wall?.

**grumpygrouter** · 18-02-2009

Tiling to cement render will be fine. if you are going to chip away, ensure you make good the surface before applying any tanking and tiling. The flatter the surface the better for tiling.

**grumpygrouter** · 18-02-2009

Just expand a little, plaster is the weakest substrate for tiling onto accepting only 20kg/m2. Unskimmed plasterboard will accept 32kg/m2 and sand/cement render will accept roughly 40kg/m2. These weights include adhesive and grout.

**davediy** · 18-02-2009

thanks for the advice. Looks like i'll be getting the bolster sharpened and my lump hammer out. I presume if the render is sound i can level out with fresh render?

**grumpygrouter** · 18-02-2009

Yes Davy you can, or as an alternative you could use a quick set premixed type of render from the likes of Ardex AM100 or A45, or BAL quickset Render.

**davediy** · 18-02-2009

thanks again for all the info. Can't sat I'm looking forward to the task but marble does look so much better than pocelain tiles. Just for future refence is plaster generall y ok for porcelain tiling?

**grumpygrouter** · 18-02-2009

It depends on the thickness of the porcelain tile. The thicker it is the heavier it is, generally i would say no. Check out this link to give you an idea of weights etc ->

Tiles and Adhesive Weight Per Square Metre - THE TILE SOURCE