DIY Tiler needs Help!!!

**tolly** · 12-06-2009

Hello, I do plumbing work as a job and am looking to tile my own bathroom at home. Firstly, It's a new build and the builders have used chipboard under flooring on top of the joists in the bathroom. I plan on "aquapaneling" the floor and walls of the bathroom to provide a good surface for me to tile onto.

So, my first question is...Seeing as i'm using aqua panel and sealing the joints inbetween the aquapanels can i leave the chipboard and put the aquapanels ontop of it, or should i remove the chipboard and put ply down?

Also, What would be the best product to seal the joints inbetween the aquapanel's, Just a waterproof tile adhesive or a silicone sealant?

regards, matthew

**Matt** · 12-06-2009

When using aquapanel, it is best to lay them on a bed of flexi adhesive (Only needs to be thin) and screw them at 250mm centres. Leave 3 - 5mm between the boards and stagger the joints. Fill the joints with flexi adhesive and use the aquapanel joint tape.

Personally, I would remove the chipboard and put down ply.

**tolly** · 12-06-2009

right, thanks matt.

I just went down to a small local tiling shop and they said instead of using expensive Wickes aquapanel use the 6mm "HardiBacker" so i think i'll use that now. He also gave me a couple of leaflets which had instructions on how to use the HardiBacker.

I've already got the 20kg of BAL single part flex adhesive and 5L of the BAL bond SBR primer to prime the chipboard with before bedding on the backer board with adhesive, so i think i'm sorted now.

**Matt** · 12-06-2009

Was it the Knauf Aquapanel that they had in Wickes? The Aquapanel is supposedly very similar to the Hardi. Both are cement boards and do the same job. I don't really have any experience with Hardi, but I know alot of the guys on here swear by it

Which ever you use, just keep in mind the 6mm is for floors and the 12.5mm is for walls

**tolly** · 12-06-2009

yes it was the Knauf gear they had it Wickes. I think i will go for the HardiBacker though and i will make sure i use the 1/4" on the floor and 1/2" on the wall's.

cheers

**Matt** · 12-06-2009

Originally Posted by tolly

yes it was the Knauf gear they had it Wickes. I think i will go for the HardiBacker though and i will make sure i use the 1/4" on the floor and 1/2" on the wall's.

cheers

Good luck with the job mate

Let us know how it turns out

**Tiler Dave** · 12-06-2009

I swear by using hardi backer boards. the are so light in weight compared to knauf boards. easier to use, and easier to cut and shape.
Stick to hari backer boards and u wont go wrong matey...

**Daz** · 12-06-2009

Hi Matthew,

A few things to check mate...

How firm is the floor, i.e. is there any deflection? sticking 6mm Hardi or Aquapanel is not going to stop any bounce in the floor so you will need to sort that first!

Is the chipboard screwed or nailed? It needs to be screwed!

What areas are we talking about, as that may have an influence on the prep too?