Hi
I have just finished installing a Topps aqua dec shower tray and the floor and walls are boarded with hardie Backer [ 12mm walls & 6mm floor] I am just about to lay the Homelux matting to both walls and floor and I need to know how much of the walls and floor I need to cover. My questrions are:

1. In the actual raised shower area [this is a raised area 1.7m x 1.2m] - Do I have to put the matting from floor level to ceiling or is it sufficient to go 1m high or even just 100mm above the shower tray? I have seen pictures where the whole area is covered.

2. Regarding the floor: I am going to cover the whole shower area and was going to finish about 200/300mm past the step. Will this be OK or will it be necessary to cover the whole of the remaining bathroom floor [1.7m X 3m total]?

3. The Topps tiles guy recommeded that I use Bal Rapid Set Flexible Adhesive to lay the matting but I used this to lay the Hardie Backer on the plywood floor and I found that it was not easy to work with [not being a tiler by trade it did not spread so easily and I found it quite gritty].....I just feel that this was not the best recommendation.

I have read that Bal Fastflex is better.....do any of you professionals have any recommendations on this?

4.Also, are there any 'read mixed' adhesives that could be used for this?

5. Lastly, What do you recommend as the best adhesive to use for the ceramic wall tiles [over Hardie Backer and plasterboard] and for Travertine floor tiles over Hardie?

Would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks.

To answer your questions....

1. Yes, floor to ceiling
2. For that small area, do the whole floor
3. Are you using a mechanical mixer? You may of mixed it too dry. Mapei is easier to work with.... and cheaper!
4. NO!
5. For you, I would recommend Mapei Keraflex maxi.......use a 8mm notched trowel for walls and thick solid bed trowel for floor

Thanks for the info. When you say a mechanical mixer? I used one of those tools for mixing plaster in the drill. I think you are probably right; the mix was too dry. I will try the Mapei and see how I get on. I was actually using a 6mm notched trowel and really that this was also part of the problem. Is a 'solid bed the same as a 'U' notch trowel? I did read that spreading the mix first with the flat side of the trowel helps. Would the 6mm trowel be OK for the walls? the tiles are 360 x 275.

Many Thanks

Im not sure on how they recommend applying adhesive before the Homelux matting, so I cant help you there........ I always use Mapei Mapegum.

As for the trowel..... yes solid bed is the u-notch. Yes, applying adhesive to wall (or tile) first, then trowelling gives much better coverage.

Use an 8mm notch trowel for walls, much more forgiving and better coverage (unless your walls are perfectly flat!)

Good advice above. Go with the 8mm trowel for the wall tiles, (6mm is ok for the mambrane) Not a bad Idea to spread with the flat blade of the trowel before you spread with the teeth, but it sounds like you might be mixing it a bit dry or not mixing it up enough.

Go into a tile giant and have a word with the guys in there, they will be able to recommend the right (powder) adhesive for you, Mapie is a better brand IMO and a better price.

Originally Posted by Rich

Good advice above. Go with the 8mm trowel for the wall tiles, (6mm is ok for the mambrane) Not a bad Idea to spread with the flat blade of the trowel before you spread with the teeth, but it sounds like you might be mixing it a bit dry or not mixing it up enough.

Go into a tile giant and have a word with the guys in there, they will be able to recommend the right (powder) adhesive for you, Mapie is a better brand IMO and a better price.

But Mapei is even better

Hello eagle eyes...

Guys

Thanks for the advice...all noted and I will proceed with yur recommendations.....will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

4mm trowel is better for the membranes.. mix it wet and to dry and it will not float flat as you apply the membranes.. is a bit like wall papering..

peel the membrane back to check you are getting the correct adhesive coverage..