I've spent some time reading this forum and thanks to everyone who has posted for the information I've found really useful so far.
I have the following dilemma and would like some feedback from the experts.
I'm currently completely refurbing my bathroom, the walls are back to bare brick, apart from some cement rendering that is really stuck and would do more damage to remove. The question is what is the best surface to use for heavy tiles about 30cmx 50cm. The bath is an all enclosed stand alone unit, so I don't have issues with water from showers/baths etc.
Broadly speaking I think I have 4 options:
1) Dot and dab with plasterboard (never been a big fan of this it seems to be pushed by the trade because it's quicker and easier). Not sure if it's a good idea in a potentially damp bathroom. Also not sure if the plasterboard will take the weight of the tiles.
2) Plaster the room in the traditional way with browning & finish.
3) Use Hardibacker (or similar) on the walls and tile on this. When I looked at the info on this it seems it's only recommended for tiles up to 25cmSq. It seems that it's also not recommended for dot and dab and so I may need to batten out the whole bathroom.
4) Cement render......but I was put off this by the plasterer as he said it has a tendency to crack.

So the question is ......what's the best option?? I'm not too concerned about cost. I just want the tiles to stay on the walls and not crack.
Cheers Steve

if it was my b;room i would render

Render is by far the best surface to tile onto...Gaz

Ahh the days when most of my jobs were on render ......happy days with Bal CTF.
So yes Render is tops for me too.

Without doubt, render.
But if it's between Plaster and Plasterboard, then Plasterboard for a few reasons.
Quicker
Easier
9 times out of 10 it's flatter
Holds more weight; 32kg/m2 V 20kg/m2
No need to wait 4 weeks for it to dry
oh, and it's cheaper.

Just tank the wet areas and you'll be fine.

And if your plasterer can't render without it cracking, get a new plasterer.

Many thanks for the replies guys.....render it is then. I'll speak to the plasterer and see if he wan't to do the job in render.....if not it looks like I'll be looking for someone else. I notice a couple of you are not a million miles away from Manchester. Can anyone recommend someone who could do the rendering?
One other question......is it OK to tile directly onto the render or will it need priming? If it does then what's the best product to use?
Cheers Steve

steve go straight onto the render with powder adhesive no need to prime

Well I took your advice and all the walls are now rendered, so whilst I'm waiting for them to dry out I'm looking at the next stage. I've read many posts and the more you read the more choices there seem to be. So any advice on the following would be appreciated.....
The floor tiles are porcelain 600mm x 600mm going on to 18mm ply floor with wire under floor heating. Understand I need a flexible adhesive & grout, but which one and what's a good primer to use?

The wall tiles are actually 300mm x 600mm again made of porcelain and going onto newly rendered walls. I would prefer to use a flexible adhesive here just in case there is any movement (unless there is a reason why I shouldn't). What is a good adhesive to use here? and I understand from a previous post no primer is required. Also any recommendations on grout?
Cheers. Steve.

I'll cast my vote for render.

Level and float it off in the usual way then gently key it, making sure there are no 'burrs' on the surface.

The floor tiles are porcelain 600mm x 600mm going on to 18mm ply floor with wire under floor heating. Understand I need a flexible adhesive & grout, but which one and what's a good primer to use?

The wall tiles are actually 300mm x 600mm again made of porcelain and going onto newly rendered walls. I would prefer to use a flexible adhesive here just in case there is any movement (unless there is a reason why I shouldn't). What is a good adhesive to use here? and I understand from a previous post no primer is required. Also any recommendations on grout?
Cheers. Steve.[/quote]

Sounds like your doing a great job as it is.

Quite a few of the underfloor kits have a primer included. for example the 'Warmup' ranges have a primer which is green in colour and dries a darker green, so you know when you can walk on it.
There are a lot of tile adhesives that you can use, and every tiler will have their favourites.

My personal preference would be Mapei Keraquick mixed with Latex Plus to give maximum flexability and rapid drying time (you can walk on 2-3 hours) floor
on the walls I would use Mapei Keraflex Maxi.

The grout would need to be flexable, so I would go for the Ardex range of grouts, as they have agreat consistency and are easy to use and clean.

hope this helps

Tile55, many thanks for the information. Mapei it is then. Cheers Steve.

The floor tiles are porcelain 600mm x 600mm going on to 18mm ply floor with wire under floor heating.

Over your uncoupling membrane of course........


..

Originally Posted by wetdec

Over your uncoupling membrane of course........


..

Could you enlighten me? I was looking at using the 'Warmup' loose wire system as I'm only covering 2-3m2 and it's an irregular shape. It just says prime the floor, stick down wire and tile over.....No mention of an 'uncoupling membrane'. Cheers Steve

I've a done floors with porcelain on ufh before the uncoupling thing, Now it seems normal practice to use ditra/durobase

Just like to say thankyou for the advice. I finished the bathroom last year and 6 months on it still looks as good as when it was finished. No issues with movement,cracks etc.
One thing I do know now is that I couldn't make a living from doing this as it took me far too long. Attached a couple of pics and thanks again.

Nice looking job. you should be proud of it

Originally Posted by Steve Evans

Just like to say thankyou for the advice. I finished the bathroom last year and 6 months on it still looks as good as when it was finished. No issues with movement,cracks etc.
One thing I do know now is that I couldn't make a living from doing this as it took me far too long. Attached a couple of pics and thanks again.

Steve, that looks really good.

And even after 20 years of setting tile I feel the same way some times.

looks good mate,

renda every time!!

i prefer plaster board but thats my preferance

Strongest bond would be sand and cement render

Originally Posted by gooner59

renda every time!!

In an ideal world I would prefare to tile on only render, as long as I did the rendering

Nice job and thanks for sharing the pics...

a flat one

Looks like you all got it covered, & the render will help with the structural integrity.. I'm just too late really

i would have said render but the main issue we have now is keeping properties from losing heat and not using excess energy so i would say wedi or the likes now.

Originally Posted by AstonTiling

a flat one

whats that?? ive heard rumours about em..

there like hens teeth ;O)