Plasterboard walls

[AUSTINUK2004]

Hi, I've recently bought a new house and have opted to do a lot of the internal work myself (risky I know being new to the world of DIY). I have decided to tackle the bathroom first.

Currently the bathroom is a mess and needs a complete overhaul. The walls are plasterboard, some of which is covered in tiles and others paint. I am looking to try and maintain as much of the old plasterboard as possible to cut down on costs.

I was just enquiring as to what you experts should suggest. I have read numerous forums, some of which say PVA, some of which say primers and others waterproofing, and I am still confused.

It will be a simple bathroom, shower over a bath etc and I am looking for suggestions and product names if possible.

Many thanks

[Sir Ramic]

more details needed. You say that some walls already have tiles? Are you removing these or are you matching them up?. If you are having new tiles, what sort? size? Porcelain? ceramic ? etc
If you have a blank canvas to start from then life is easier for you.
For the shower area i would install some sort of tanking or backer boards. If you are removing tiles you may find that you damage the existing boards anyway so why not replace with backer boards.
As much detail as possible please and we will be able to give you the best advice for your situation.

[Dave]

hello austin , welcome........as above we need more details please...then we can give better advice.........

[sWe]

Hi Austin. You need to provide a bit more info, as the others have said, but I can say something about the following:

Originally Posted by AUSTINUK2004

I have read numerous forums, some of which say PVA, some of which say primers and others waterproofing, and I am still confused.

PVA is wood/fabric glue. It is not water resistant, which means it will deteriorate when exposed to moisture. A surface with PVA on it is not suitable for tiling, even in dry areas.

One little clarification: Something which is water resistant is not necessarily waterproof.

Adhesive manufacturers pour millions into product development, and they design their products in systems. Much knowledge can ge gleaned by reading product specs and instructions. Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your chosen products. If you don't, you're the one who's going to be stuck with the bill if the products don't perform according to specification.

Also, I'd recommend you waterproof. Buy cheap, buy twice, you know...

[AUSTINUK2004]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. With regards to the areas which are tiled, they will be removed and new tiles put in place. The new tiles are ceramic, the range is called matisse blanco they are 310mm by 480mm and quite heavy

I wasn't intending on changing much of the plasteboard but after reading other forums, it sounds like the plasterboard falls away once the tiles are removed (or with the tiles).

If this is the case, it it worth replacing the whole room with water resistant backer boards or just the area around the bath/shower.

Thanks

[sWe]

It's definatly worth replacing all plasterboard in a bathroom with backerboard. Backerboards do not deteriorate when the get exposed to moisture, and if you do not waterproof the surfaces, the substrate will be exposed to moisture.
You also lessen the risk of mold propagation, as plasterboard usually has a cellulose based skin. Wet/damp cellulose = black mold = allergenic and expensive to get rid off.

Backerboard also supports heavier tiles than plasterboard.

[Dave]

It really depends on how often the shower is used compared to the bath as

well.....i would use backer boards around the bath/shower area if you are ripping

out anyway.

but the rest of the room , plasterboard will suffice( use moisture

resistant plasterboard)....as for the tiles i would use a cement based adhesive for

those tiles , something like BAL single part flexi and grout with a good anti-mould

grout, maybe BAL microban or similar...........

Also think about installing an extractor fan to reduce moisture content in the

bathroom..( get an electrician to do this).....

I don't think it is necessary to use backer-boards throughout a domestic bathroom

good luck and let us know how you get on..............

[GazTech]

Welcome to the forums....Gaz

[AUSTINUK2004]

Thanks for all the advice - much appreciated. Does anyone know of any suppliers of cheap backerboard and moisture proof plasterboard?

So far I've only managed to extend my pricing abilities to such locatons as B&Q, Wickes etc

If its any help, I live in the Lancashire area.

Thanks again.

[GazTech]

[quote=AUSTINUK2004;75703]Thanks for all the advice - much appreciated. Does anyone know of any suppliers of cheap backerboard and moisture proof plasterboard?

So far I've only managed to extend my pricing abilities to such locatons as B&Q, Wickes etc

If its any help, I live in the Lancashire area.

Thanks again.[/quote]See David or Jim @ Topps Preston, tell him I sent you he will give you a good deal on Hardiebacker....Gaz

[Dave]

You will also be able to get the moisture resistant plaster board at wickes and

they too sell backerboards............if you want to get it all in one store.......i

[AUSTINUK2004]

Hi Dave

I've checked the Toolstation website you suggested but it doesn't comment on selling moisture resistant plasterboard or the backingboard.

Cheers