Hi all, great forum!

Been lurking for a while and using the search function but can't find the answers i'm after.

I've got a small (2.2m x 1.2m) ensuite to tile with natural stone (slate) tiles and wondered if i could ask a few questions please?

Three of the walls are 18mm WBP ply (2 will be the shower sides) and the other is plasterboard. I've read that i need to prime the ply with BAL bond SBR but should i bother with the plasterboard and where is the easiest place to get BAL products? Are they sold online or do i need to get to a Topps Tiles?

Or should i tank the shower walls instead?- it's not a power shower, just an electric one.

What would be the best adhesive for sticking slate tiles onto ply?

do i need to seal the tiles before applying them or is it ok to seal once they are up?

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions straight off!

Cheers,

Roy.

BAL website will give you a local stockist... just type in your postcode Building Adhesives or call one of the sales team on 01782 591160 and they will not only be able to tell you your nearest stockist but the nearest one that will have stock of the specific products you are after

Before we go any further..can you tell us what size etc the slate is....?

Hi Dave and Paul,

Thanks for the replies.

The slate is 300mm by 300mm and between 3 -5 mm thick

Cheers......

Right...firstly i don't think ply is a suitable substrate for walls...it can expand with thermal and moisture.....I would cover it with a tanking membrane using a rapid setting flexible adhesive....then tile onto the membrane using a cement based adhesive as well....something like BAL single part flexi will give you plenty of working time......work clean and wipe any adhesive that gets onto the tiles as you work.....leave to set and then clean the slate with clean water.....leave to dry...then seal with a suitable sealer....follow instructions for drying times etc.....then grout and clean up.......

also it best to wipe the back of the tiles with a damp sponge before fixing to remove any surface dust etc........

good luck......

Thanks again Dave,

I know it's not ideal, but the ply was sort of forced on me as the bathroom is in a dormer and there was no easy way to plasterboard the whole lot without battening out and losing even more internal space. Will let you know how it goes and try and get some pictures up.

Roy.

Good Luck Roy..... you may want to have a look at www.powerspeconline.com to help you along.... let us know how you get on!

cheers Roy..pics would be good..........

any probs just shout out mate...there is always somebody around......