Can You Tile Onto Plasterboard?

05/12/2024

When renovating or building a home, one common question many people ask is, “Can you tile onto plasterboard?” This query is especially prevalent when planning spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. In this blog, we’ll explore whether you can tile directly onto plasterboard, the steps involved, product suggestions, and special considerations for wet areas such as bathrooms and showers.

Can You Tile Straight Onto Plasterboard?

The simple answer is yes, you can tile straight onto plasterboard, provided that the plasterboard is in good condition, properly secured, and capable of bearing the weight of the tiles. A tile backer board or fibre cement board would be a much better ‘belt & braces’ system for added security, however, plasterboard can be used.

Whether you’re tiling a kitchen splashback or a full bathroom, ensuring that the plasterboard is properly primed and, in wet areas, waterproofed, will guarantee a professional finish that stands the test of time.

Can You Tile Directly Onto Plasterboard in Wet Areas?

Tiling directly onto plasterboard in areas like bathrooms and showers comes with additional considerations. While you can tile straight onto plasterboard in a bathroom or shower, it’s crucial to protect the plasterboard from moisture. Wet environments can compromise the integrity of standard plasterboard, leading to issues like mould growth or tile delamination.

For wet areas:

Apply Tanking: A waterproofing solution, like a tanking kit or tanking and waterproofing tape, should be applied to the plasterboard surface in areas prone to heavy water exposure, such as inside a shower. You could also consider a Wetroom Kit; the Schluter KERDI-SHOWER waterproofing kit is a prime example.
Consider a water resistant tile adhesive: water-resistant tile adhesives and shower tile adhesives, are specially created to meet the demands of moisture-prone environments.
Conduct moisture testing: A digital hygrometer is an instrument designed to provide accurate moisture readings of substrates prior to installing floor coverings, the Tilemaster Hygrometer Moisture Tester is a great example product.
Use a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM): using a liquid DPM is crucial for protecting your structures from rising damp, seepage, and other moisture-related problems.

By taking these steps, you’ll create a robust barrier against water, ensuring the durability of your tiles and the substrate beneath.

Key Considerations

Tile Weight: Plasterboard has a weight limit, typically around 32kg per square meter for standard plasterboard. This is roughly equivalent to a ceramic tile with a max thickness of 12.5mm (or a natural stone with a 10mm max thickness). You also need to ensure that the weight of your tiles, tile adhesive, and tile grout combined don’t exceed this limit.

It’s worth noting that as an alternative a tile backer board, like the 12mm HardieBacker board, a popular fibre cement board, can take up to 200kg per square meter, is water resistant, suitable for external use, and doesn’t require priming before tiling; making it an excellent alternative to plasterboard. Another alternative to plasterboard is an XPS tile backer board, these types of board can also provide excellent thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and durability, making them ideal for various applications - the PREMTOOL XPS Tile Backer Board being a great example that is lightweight, rigid and extremely easy to install.

Wet Area Precautions: While you can tile straight onto plasterboard in a bathroom or shower, extra waterproofing measures are essential for these spaces.

Read more about waterproofing:

Read more about using tile backer boards:

How to Tile Onto Plasterboard

If you’re ready to start tiling onto plasterboard, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:

Inspect and Prepare the Plasterboard: Ensure the plasterboard is securely fixed to the framework or studs and is free of damage. The plasterboard you’re tiling onto should be dry, flat, cleaner, and securely fixed for good adhesion.
Setting Out & Marking: Whenever you tile you should start by setting out your tiles from the centre of the wall (either from the centre of a tile itself or the join between two tiles - whichever is easiest and avoids tedious small cuts of the tiles). This is no different for tiling onto plasterboard. It may be worth investing in a laser level for tiling, so that you maintain the midpoint as you work your way up and stay level as you tile out to the edge of the wall.
Prime the Surface: Applying a suitable primer with a brush or roller is essential, especially if the plasterboard is uncoated. A good primer will improve adhesion between the tiles and the plasterboard. All board joints and internal corners should be reinforced using a suitable joint tape before tiling. It is also advised to apply a thin coat of adhesive onto the tape. If you’re using a ready-mixed adhesive like the BAL White Star Plus, then priming priming may not be required, but always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
Choose the Right Adhesive: Use a high-quality tile adhesive suitable for your tile type. For larger or heavier tiles, a strong, flexible tile adhesive is recommended. If you’re unsure of which tile adhesive to use, contact our team of experts.
Apply Waterproofing for Wet Areas: As mentioned, bathrooms and showers require additional protection. Apply a tanking system to waterproof the plasterboard before tiling.
Start Tiling: Begin tiling from the bottom upwards, using a notched trowel to spread the tile adhesive evenly. Use tile spacers for consistent grout lines.
Allow Time for Adhesive to Set: Once the tiles are in place, allow sufficient time for the tile adhesive to dry before grouting.
Grout and Seal: After the adhesive has set, apply tile grout between the tiles, ensuring all gaps are filled. In wet areas, also consider using a tile sealer to further protect against water.

Read more:

Knowledge of how to tile onto plasterboard, or if it’s worth using a tile backer board instead, is essential for your tiling project preparation. By following this guide, you can approach your tiling confidently, ensuring you have the right tiling tools at your disposal.

Should you need any support with your order, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] or call 01604 859800.