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Bathroom Fitting

Is it wrong/ok to put wile tile on hardwood plywood

My bathroom fitter has told me (upon being asked) he plans to put wall tiles on top of hardwood plywood (on a stud wall). I am not if it is correct/OK/problematic as I have seen people using something called cement baker boards. Can someone please advise if this is acceptable or fitter is trying to save few quids while ignoring problems which might crop up after few weeks/months.
Many thanks in advance

8 Answers from MyBuilder Bathroom Fitters

Best Answer

Tiling on plywood is fine, I would just advise to use Bal bond before tiling and also use flexible adhesive

2018-11-15T18:15:02+00:00

Answered 15th Nov 2018

Hi , you are quite correct in your fears ! it definitely should be hardibacker or wedi board all 12mm and screwed every 300mm. Using ply would be prone to movement even using a quality flexible adhesive. Any experienced tradesman would say this.

2018-11-21T19:45:02+00:00

Answered 21st Nov 2018

I would advise not to tile on ply wood as wood is prone to movement once the moisture from the adhesive gets into it. Always use a tile backer board where you can.

2019-02-04T09:10:02+00:00

Answered 4th Feb 2019

It’s fine if he primes the wood first,, possibly couple coats of primer...

2018-11-15T18:15:02+00:00

Answered 15th Nov 2018

It's not a problem to tile plywood, however, plywood needs to be prepared first.
He need to use primer first or plaster..
I don't think he will do plastering, so the easiest way for him and cheaper for you - primer.

I would recommend to use 2-3 coats of primer before tiling.

2018-11-15T20:25:01+00:00

Answered 15th Nov 2018

This is fine as long as the ply is primed and flexible adhesive is used

2018-11-16T09:05:02+00:00

Answered 16th Nov 2018

Will defiantly be fine aslong as he primes it first. Defiantly need a few coats of prime. Flexi tile adhesive I would recommend aswell, something like Weber Trade S1 Rapid Set Flexible Tile Adhesive

2018-11-16T20:55:02+00:00

Answered 16th Nov 2018

Hi this fine as long as the ply is sealed & flexible adhesive & flexibal grout is used

2019-01-01T11:50:02+00:00

Answered 1st Jan 2019

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