How to fix powder room walls after removing tiles?

AllyL

I am needing some advice regarding the walls of my powder room/ vanity room, I have pulled the existing vanity out and all the tiles off the walls, but the walls between hallway and vanity room and vanity room and toilet were plasterboard, so they are significantly damaged after trying to pry tiles off them. I have been googling and doesn’t seem like plaster board should have been used. Im not sure what board I should be replacing it with that is suitable for waterproofing and tiling and if I need to get anything in particular.

EricL

Hello @AllyL

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your powder room.

What you’re seeing there is actually very common, so you haven’t done anything wrong, tiles bonded to plasterboard almost always tear the face off when removed. Plasterboard itself isn’t ideal behind tiles in areas that see moisture, which is why it feels like it “shouldn’t have been used”; in modern practice, you’d switch to a proper tile backer or wet-area lining instead of trying to patch what’s there.

For your situation, the cleanest approach is to cut the damaged plasterboard out and replace it with a purpose-made substrate. At Bunnings, two solid options you’ll come across are fibre cement sheeting like James Hardie Villaboard, or Gyprock CSR Aquachek Plasterboard. Fibre cement boards are very commonly used and are designed as a stable, moisture-resistant base for tiles, but they still require a separate waterproofing membrane applied over them before tiling. On the other hand, a product like Gyprock CSR Aquachek Plasterboard is a gypsum plasterboard with a treated core, face and back, making it resistant to moisture and humidity. Meaning you don’t necessarily need a full membrane system over the face (though joints still need sealing), which can simplify things a bit.

Given this is a powder/vanity area rather than a full shower, you’re in a slightly lower-risk category, but it’s still worth treating it properly so you don’t end up with moisture issues down the track. Either of those board types will give you a much more solid and tile-friendly surface than plasterboard, and they’re both compliant with Australian wet area requirements when installed correctly.

One small tip that will make a big difference: before you sheet the wall, take a moment to check the studs are straight and pack them if needed, getting that wall perfectly flat now will make your tiling far easier and give a much cleaner finish.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to install plasterboard

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric