Porcelain tile/wall question

**david123** · 24-07-2008

Hi there.
I have a job at the moment which is tiling with 600x300 porcelain tiles.
The wall is a metal frame with plasterboard, and does have a little more movement than a traditional stud wall. Is this sort of wall suitable for porcelain tiles this size?

The customer was supposed to buy ceramics! Being a bathroom fitter I have done countless bathrooms with ceramics but never porcelain, therefore I don't have specialist drills and cutters. She has said she will pay extra but i'm not sure what to do. How difficult are they to cut/lay.
I have a rubi ts60 and an electric cutter.
Help! (thanks).
David.

**Dave** · 24-07-2008

Hello David and welcome to tilers forums.........

You will need a flexible cement based adhesive and grout........you will need to find out if the tiles are glazed or not incase they need sealing.....

As for the hole cutters then try these they are very good and a great price...

Drilling hard porcelain wall tiles with 365 drills diamond holesaws granite cutting marble floors

good luck...

**david123** · 24-07-2008

Hi, thanks dave.
Do you know if the wall is suitable due to the metal frame having movement?
Thanks.

**whitebeam** · 24-07-2008

Hi David, I would only go with the weight of plasterboard for the tiles, the metal frame could be 50mm if used internally and boarded both sides. Try British Gypsum on 08705456123 ask for tech they should able to answer your question. Don't see why the metal frame is moving though, is it a new build...?

**Dave** · 24-07-2008

The frames can move if the spacing of the uprights exceed 450mm... i have seen these walls erected with 900mm spacings before.......a second skin of plasterboard will take some of the flex out.......

**gonk31** · 24-07-2008

if you are gonna overlay the plasterboard consider hardibacker or similar as this is a water resistant board to give a bit more protection from water damage