Tiling

Encaustic (cement) tiles on wetroom wall - which backer board?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.48 PM

Hello, I would love some advice; we are looking to create a wetroom, using encaustic tiles. We plan on using these tiles on the floor (which is a build up of concrete, underfloor heating and screed), and also on the shower corner wall to make it a feature wall (which is of timber frame construction), and for the rest of the wetroom, we are going to be using a normal porcelain tile. I am struggling a bit to find out what I need to put up on the shower wall that will hold the encaustic tiles - they are heavy so the backing board needs to be able to support their weight. Would anyone have any info on what tile backer board do you recommend for wetroom walls to hold the weight of the encaustic tiles (approx 41 kg per sq m)? For the non-feature walls (rest of the wetroom) we are looking to put on some porcelain tiles, which is much thinner and lighter than the encaustic tiles, so this can be just a normal moisture board I think - but the issue in my head is the height difference between the tiles; Encaustic tiles depth: 1.7cm Porcelain tiles depth: 0.7 cm I would love some advice on how I can proceed with this. I want something that can hold the weight of the encaustic tiles for the shower corner, and then something that's a bit 'prouder' than the suggested shower corner for the rest of the wall, so that we don't have a 'step' between the two? Many thanks!

Chancery Properties and Management Ltd

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Cardiff

Hi Glanmenai, For this type of job I'd reccomend using cement-board along the stud wall, a cement based adhesive and aim to use a decent membrane system as opposed to a a paint-on waterproof cover. The difference in depth could be reduced whilst applying the adhesive, aiming to reduce the difference, however you could potentially line the walls using a marine ply or even other ply to ensure a flush finish. One top tip I have for any wet room is never to skimp on the membrane. I highly reccomend the kits sold by brands such as Impey! Best of luck!

Answered17 August 2022

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JTS

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Birmingham

Hi Cement tiles are very porous, hence not ideal for a wet room. You can seal the tiles so the tile becomes less porous, but it’s not an ideal solution. Over time the tile will soak in water like a spong and cause the joint to fail. Fortunately most other tiles are suitable for a wet room ceramic and porcelain. Use mapegard membrane and decent adhesive.

Answered29 August 2022

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