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Tiling

Would plasterboard be able to take the weight of tiles exerting an average weight of 28kg per sqm?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.03 PM

Hi All I was planning on fitting some 150x600mm split face mosaic tiles until I found out about the potential weight load bearing issue of the plasterboard they were to be tiled to. The boards have not been skimmed so should be able to take 32kg per sqm but as the average weight of the tiles is 28kg per sqm (according to the supplier) and the adhesive will likely add about 4kg per sqm the walls will be right at their limit and likely exceeded in places where the variable thickness of the tiles are at their highest. If i was to proceed, is the only sensible option to fit tile backer board to the plasterboard at the locations where the tiles are to be fitted? Or would it be possible, in addition to adhesive, to screw some of the tiles to the wooden uprights of the timber frame to take some of the weight off the plasterboard? If only the lower half of the walls were tiled would that make any difference? The house is a new build that is currently dry lined throughout with 2400 x 1200 x 12.5mm plasterboard that has been fixed to the timber frame at 400mm centres. Split face tiles would be fitted in dry areas only, living room and bedrooms. Many Thanks Stuart

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4 Answers

KD Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5

Wellington

Hi Stuart. I fit a lot of large format tiles, porcelain etc. If I was doing the job I would fit a backer board up first and fix it through to the stud work behind. I would normally use Wedi Board from Topps Tiles, the guys in your local branch will be able to recommend what thickness wedi is best. I recently used 12.5mm board and I believe that took a total weight of 50kg per sq mtr. Hope that helps.

Answered16 August 2019

Homes by Sean Rea

Rating: 5 out of 5

Norbury, London

Hi, ok best thing to do is replace the plaster board with 12.5mmply wood, use ardex tanking solution to protect the wood and water proof any wet areas, so then it's ready for tiling a much heavier load, and is water resistant plus your saving on overall costs of materials ;)

Answered6 September 2019

Anonymous user

Hi yes you can use use plaster board the weight on plasterboard is 32kg but there is a product called aquapanel that will take up to 50kg also known as hardi backer board these are a concrete based board for floors are 6mm thick and walls 12mm Hope this helps

Answered17 August 2019

david wood building and bathrooms

Rating: 5 out of 5

Shipley

If you are tiling in non wet area and concerned that the plasterboard is not strong enough I would pva the 12.5mm plasterboard. . .then skim with a bonding coat , . .pva once again and tile. . .split face mosaic tiles come on mesh backing sheets , I'm presuming when you say tile dimensions 150x600 are referring to sheet size. . .with split face tiles on mosaic sheets the adhesive does not have to be a thick bed as it will come through the tiles . . Use small notch trowel and use a good quality flexible adhesive. . Use of backer boards are mainly for wet areas.

Answered31 August 2019