DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

First a technical question -
I've read everything on this forum about tiling onto plasterboard, and have I understood it correctly in thinking that it's ok to tile straight on to 'raw' plasterboard ? (Using the appropriate adhesive). There's mention of using PVA and latex primer, but those suggestions do not sound as if they come from those who really know what they are doing. I've just 'built' the room and bought (really expensive) honed & filled travertine tiles so want to get it right.

Secondly a styling question -
I've got 600 x 400 tiles but I am in 2 minds how to deal with external corners. Do I use the corner beads, or simply have a tile edge showing ? Because the tiles are large, the edges will be regular and neat, but would they look better with a proprietary edging? I'm keen to know what a 'pro' would recommend, especially as I'd need about 12 lengths at about 13 quid each !

Thanks, Nigel

Hi Nigel, its fine to tile directly onto plasterboard. The use of a diluted pva first is to stop the plasterboard drawing all the moisture out of the tile adhesive. It can just be painted on the walls your tiling. Id suggest you do this for the sake of a little time and effort, you don't want odd tiles falling off and the tiles breaking!!...as for the tiling trim, this is down to personal taste. You either use it or you don't. Its expensive but does make the final finish look better and protects the edges of the tiles on external corners.

Are you tiling a whole room?
have you ever tiled before?

Thanks for the advice.
Yes, I'm tiling the whole room, including shower stall (and yes - I've used Aquapanel !).
I've tiled before with 6x6 ceramic tiles, so this should be a new experience.
Again, following the forum advice, I'm going to Topps tiles tomorrow, mainly to buy some adhesive and sealer, but partly to download an assistant !

I always reckon that so long as I've got the prep. correct, I can figure out the task as I go along. Using tiles worth almost 20 quid each should help me concentrate !

Anybody got any golden advice before I start on using travertine (apart from to seal them before sticking them to the wall, keeping the edge faces clear of sealer) ?

Cheers, Nigel