using heavy tiles on a partition wall Advice and information on tiling and fixing tiles to a variety of surfaces

[4D]

Hi
I live in a new build flat and would like to tile an internal wall with heavy split face slate mosaic tiles.
the tiles are thick slate, and are very heavy.

I am worried that the weight of the tiles will affect the wall and may even cause it to crack or pull the whole thing down!!

the plasterboard is supported on aluminium studs.

any advice gratefully received.
the overall wall surface is about 12 metres square

these are the tiles I want to use...
Google "toppstiles.co.uk/tprod8764/section1313/Uncalibrated-Slate-Linear-Split-Face-Mosaic.html"

thanks!
4D

[chris_on_tour2002]

12 metres square? or 12 square metres?

12 metres square would be 144 square metres - a huge wall!

unskimmed 12.5mm plasterboard can take 32kg per square metre. skimmed/plastered finish will bear 20kg/sqm. if it's painted it will bear less still.

if it is painted or skimmed and you are concerned then i suggest that you replace the existing plasterboard with fresh 12.5mm and tile directly onto it.

[4D]

good advice thanks.
the wall is skimmed and painted.

would sanding / scoring the painted surface help with tile adhesion?

cheers 4D

[chris_on_tour2002]

given the weight and size of the area to be tiled i'd be inclined to replace with fresh plasterboard. you don't necessarily have to remove the existing plasterboard, you could locate the joists and overboard. just make sure that you use drywall screws of sufficient length to hit the joists.

at least this way you'll know your're covered.

be mindful that there may be pipes and cables running thru the joists.

[4D]

ok will give it a go

thanks again!