Alternative to battens for support? - TilersForums.com

[Al Getaroundtuit]

Good morning all.
I was contemplating screwing a batten to my walls before tiling, but don't really want to compromise the waterproofing membrane I have painted on.
However, I have just come across this on a supplier website;

"Mapei Super Flexible Adhesive has excellent resistance to tile slip so usually battens are not required when fixing."

Is this a risky strategy though?

I've seen the fancy metal rails the professionals use but I cant justify the cost for home DIY projects.

Thanks.

 

[Dumbo]

Firstly what size tiles are you using

 

[Al Getaroundtuit]

Hi JCR thanks ft the reply. They are 600 X 300 porcelain
9mm thick. (Wickes - Aspen Carbon grey)

 

[Bopster]

No adhesives gonna stop that slidding, I’d just start with the bottom row and level as you go

 

[Dumbo]

Mark a level datum line on the wall and measure down to the floor and cut your tiles to suit . When you have fixed the bottom row put a long straight edge along the tiles to make sure they are not crooked ideally a long spirit level.

 

[Al Getaroundtuit]

Thanks Bopster. The thing is that the floor at the shower wall isn't level due to the fall of the wet room type shower tray.
So would I just cut my first tiles with a slope to match?
Thanks.

EDIT; I think JCR has just answered my question before I posted this! Thanks.

 

[Al Getaroundtuit]

I have one of those cheap Stanley laser levels with a clamp on so I could use that to check my levels (as well as a 6ft level).
Thanks for the advice. Appreciate the replies.

 

[widler]

Horses for courses really, I’ve done it both ways , Batten and off the floor , I find a batten much easier than faffing about cutting the bottom row in first

 

[One Day]

Rather than screw or nail through the battens, just prop them with small pieces of wood.
Say the gap from floor to batten is 200mm then cut the wood props at 210mm and prop it in.
Works for me. Fast and doesn't compromise waterproofing with the added bonus that you can tweak your levels easily.

 

[Al Getaroundtuit]

Thanks for the tips!