We are refitting our bathroom. This was part of a 1982 loft conversion. The walls are 4 x 2 stud work with plasterboard which has been skimmed. The original 8"x 6" 4mm tiles are stuck fast, sound & level. Sorry about mixing imperial and metric.
We intend to create a shower cubicle (presently an electric one over the bath) We have chosen but not yet ordered a 600 x 200 10mm tile.
I have found an old post regarding the weight bearing of skimmed p'board as 38k sq m. I have a sample of a tile of that size/weight and it is 1775g.
At 8.3 tile to the sqm = 14.75k I believe we are within the tolerance even though the weight per sqm of the old tiles & new adhesive is not known.
Believe me if the old tiles came off the walls would come with them. We would appreciate input that I am OK with my calculations and also the best way to prepare the walls, there has not been a shower there before and the grout is not epoxy. If we need to "tank" what exactly is that?
Also which adhesive to use? Should the whole tile be buttered? I assume as the old tiles are non porous then it is best done in stages to allow to dry properly?
We intend to place a moulding around the base of the walls, as in skirting board, but UPVC, There is very little wall that would need this due to shower tray, bath, vanity unit etc. Should we tile and then place the skirting over (my feeling) or skirting first & then tile? We are very lucky in not have much in the way of un-eveness anywhere.
Thank you.
