Hello, I'm looking to tile small tiles on a wall made of horsehair plaster or something similar. Can I tile directly on it, or do I need to install some sort of sheet on top of it first?
Hello @mito30
Yes, I believe it will be necessary to install a tile cement sheet over the horsehair plaster and anchor it to the timber stud of the wall. It's important to ensure the underlying structure is sound before anchoring the sheet to the wall. Please note that old plaster can sometimes have asbestos in the finishing coats, though the horsehair itself is not asbestos. It's possible that asbestos may have been used in previous restoration projects. I strongly suggest having the material tested before drilling.
Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @mito30 Though it is possible to tile directly onto plasterboard there are a few things to consider. Is the surface suitable in that the weight of the tiles and adhesive doesn't pull it off? Can the plasterboard overall support the weight. If so, then preparation is critical including priming. If you Google search the topic, you will get mixed results. Personally, I wouldn't take the risk. I would either replace the plasterboard with the same thickness in one or two layers of tile underlay or blue board. Alternatively fix single sheets directly to it using a suitable adhesive like liquid nails, but then fastened through to the studs. If you decide to remove the plasterboard, then taking @EricL advice on checking if asbestos is present would be wise. Though it was rare to use this type of plasterboard, it can't be ruled out completely. Nailbag
Good Morning @mito30
I would go the route of testing and then removing the old horsehair plaster. You need something structualy sound for the tiles to adhere to and horsehair by the very age it was manufactured may have imperfections, certainly not smooth in it. Testing the horsehair plaster for asbestos is hightly recomended. I havnt come across it but its high on my list of cautions.
Removing the plaster instead of covering it over will give you back space and also stop any issues down the track.
Dave
Thanks for the suggestions @EricL @Nailbag @Dave-1
Sounds like replacing the plaster with fibre cement sheeting (I assume that is the correct material) is the best solution but honestly, I'm not confident in doing so (cutting the plaster, joins, flat level finish, etc) and prefer the more straightforward approach of installing a sheet on top of it. 😅
I've been searching on bunnings and can see many James Hardie products like Hardieflex, Tile Underlay, and Villaboard. Are they all fibre cement, if so what's the difference. Also, there's 4.5mm and 6mm thick sheets. Would it be okay to use 4.5mm as it's lighter to work with?
Thank you 😄
Hi @mito30
They are all one and the same. 4.5mm will be fine, glued and brad nailed on to the plasterboard and fastened into the studs. Since you're covering the plasterboard, you can either use a stud finder or the old fashion tap in a nail to find them roughly 450mm or some maybe 600mm centres. Remember to take into account the possibility of asbestos first.
Nailbag
Just to give you a general idea of the differences between cement sheets, the HardieFlex, Villaboard, and tile underlay are all fibre cement sheets, but they’re designed for slightly different purposes. HardieFlex for example is more of a general-purpose sheet and tends to have a rougher, unsanded finish, so it’s not ideal if you’re aiming for a clean, flat wall. Tile underlay is primarily intended for floors and, while it can sometimes be used on walls, it’s not really designed as a wall lining system. Villaboard, on the other hand, is specifically made for internal walls, with a smoother surface and recessed edges that make it easier to achieve a consistent finish, and it’s also well suited to wet areas and applications where you’ll be tiling over the top.
I recommend going with Nailbag's advice and making sure to have your walls tested for asbestos before you begin your project.
Appreciate it @Nailbag. To clarify, the sheet needs to be brad nailed to the studs AND also along the plasterboard, while also glueing the sheet to the plaster? Do I need to use fibre cement nails/screws?
Thanks for explaining the differences @EricL. Do you know if bunnings can cut to sizes I need and to also fit in the car?
Yes brad and glue. Bunnings don't cut cement sheeting to size, nobody does Nailbag
No worries, thanks @Nailbag
Hi @mito30,
Just confirming that cutting cement sheet is not something we do in-store. However, our team can likely help you out with a straight-edge piece of timber, and you'd be able to cut the sheet yourself in-store with a Score and snap knife. Alternatively, we could organise a delivery for you, or we have courtesy trailers which are free-to-use.
Mitchell
