How to lay vinyl tiles or vinyl planks in a shower?

[Phil_F]

 

are special adhesives and sealants needed for the shower recess when laying vinyl planks or tiles on a concrete floor. If so what products and processes are required. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Phil_F. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about vinyl planks in a bathroom.

Were you planning on using hybrid vinyl planks or self-adhesive vinyl tiles in your shower? This makes a big difference because not all vinyl products are suitable for wet areas.

Self-adhesive or standard vinyl tiles generally aren’t suitable for a shower recess. They don’t have a fully water-resistant surface, so any water that lands on them can seep through the joins and sit between the tiles and the waterproofing membrane beneath. This not only risks damage but may also mean the installation doesn’t comply with regulations for surfaces over waterproofing membranes.

Hybrid vinyl planks are usually water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They can work in areas like laundries or general bathroom floors where splashes occur, but they are not suitable for inside a shower recess. They should only be cleaned with a damp mop, not with standing water.

If your goal is a waterproof surface inside the shower, it’s best to look at tiles and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations for waterproofing.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Phil_F]

Mitchell

Thanks for your reply. To explain my predicament I add:

1. We had Polyfloor 300sq vinyl tiles laid through our 3x1 house in Capel about 2 years ago. Good job.

2. We commenced construction of a new bathroom at the rear (under the roof of the verandah) about 2.5 months ago.

3. I received a quote to do the bathroom flooring with 2 other small areas in the house with the same tiles.

3. I ordered the tiles straight away as the pattern we had had been discontinued but stocks were available. I have on site those 300x300x2mm tiles.

4. The concrete slab is poured with a cast-in floor drain, walls are up and plumbing presets and electrical wiring completed weeks ago. The entire room (~3.0m x 2.4m) has a continuous fall of 30mm and cross fall of 6mm to the drain. There isn't a set down for tiling.

5. I have been ready for vinyl tiling for quite some time.

6. Recently I was told that my tiles can't be used in the shower recess.

7. I have tried to negotiate with a number of flooring companies as to how to get the job done. e.g. I suggested that the shower cubicle (1.2 x 0.9m) could be tiled with a Luxury Plank Vinyl ( LPV) which I understand is an acceptable product). Or. Perhaps a white Ardit levelling screed could be in the wet area. All companies decline to do anything and have wiped their hands of me. Im am in the need of a tiler who is prepared to do the job in the immediate future.

Can you help by:

1. Supply an approved Plank tile for the recess and and other materials

2. Recommend a vinyl layer who can do the job.

Phil

[MitchellMc]

Products like Senso DIY 1524 x 225 x 6mm 1.71m² Puno Pure Rigid Lock Hybrid Vinyl Plank can be installed in the bathroom, but are not suitable for the shower recess @Phil_F. For the shower recess, I recommend you switch to something like the Johnson Tiles 900 x 150mm 1.35m² Grey Matt Brunswick Tile to complement the Hybrid flooring.

It's unlikely that a thin vinyl plank or tile would meet the requirements of the National Construction Code over a waterproof membrane in a wet area. There are specific standards for the type of covering that can be used over a membrane, and these must be rigid enough to protect it from penetration and damage.

Regarding a tradesperson for your project, in the Sydney metropolitan area, you can utilise the Bunnings Services Marketplace. The service by TooEzi will match your job with suitable tradies in your area. Alternatively, try a site like Airtasker or hipages. 

Mitchell