traventine wall tile in shower

[simon arlidge]

I have 300mmx3000mmx12mm travertine tiles for floor and wall (filled with a matt finish not the high gloss)in the bathroom - i have put up the plasterboard (different name in states?)and now want to tile the shower sides. Can i just apply the tiles straight to the plasterboard or do i need to seal the plasterboard first? Also, I have noticed that many tiles are laid without a gap and butt together. How do i seal this in a shower situation?

While i am here I intend to lay the floor tiles over 18mm plyboard (on top of 19mm wood planks on joists). Do i just lay the tiles on a bed or do i have to seal the plyboard with something? thanks simon

[bbcamp]

Simon, you should have a backerboard (cement board) over a plastic vapor barrier on the walls in the shower stall. You can use a waterproofing membrane over plasterboard, but that will depend on what's available to you. Membranes are usually an entire system, so check around to see what's available and we can discuss how to install it. Bottom line: don't install your tiles directly on plasterboard in your shower.

You need to install some sort of backer board on the floor, too. Tiling directly to plywood is a risky proposition, and I'm sure you won't want to go through all of this again if you can prevent it.

P.S. There is a method for setting floor tile on a mud bed. It will add 3/4" to 1-1/4" to the height of the floor. Not an easy job for a DIYer.

[simon arlidge]

Many thanks Bob - will check this membrane out and get back but i'm starting to think this may be a job for a pro..?

[John Bridge]

Hi Simon,

You in England? Check out Schluter Systems. Use the Kerdi products in the shower and Ditra on the floor. You'll still have to meet Bob's requirements for the structure of the floor.

http://www.schluter.co.uk/143.aspx