How to prepare laundry wall for panel?

peaches

Hi all,

just after advice on how to prep the laundry wall to install a wet wall panel/ James Hardie cladding. I’ve googled lots but haven’t found anything specific on a croncrete wall. Thanks

EricL

Hi @peaches

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about installing James Hardie cladding.

The cladding is usually installed onto the timber frame of a wall, but since you have a concrete wall have you considered just waterproofing the surface? Attaching the cladding to the concrete surface would technically give you an extra surface of protection. But it requires you to install a timber batten frame from which you can screw the panel onto.

The drawback to installing the cladding onto your laundry wall is that it will eat up space and make your laundry benchtop that much smaller.

But if you are looking for a reference, here is a quick link to the Villaboard Lining Installation Guide.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

peaches

Thanks for that Eric.

I think we might go down the tiling route instead. What would be the best course of action to prep for tiles?

EricL

Hi @peaches

I suggest checking with your local council first regarding the rules and regulations about waterproofing a concrete wall in the laundry area.

If the paint on the concrete wall is starting to come off, it will be necessary to remove it before you can begin preparing the wall for tiling. You can either sand it off or use a chemical stripper. But before you begin, I suggest protecting your benchtop and cabinetry with a thick cloth drop sheet.

The general steps that follow are to make sure that the wall is totally clean, free of dust and debris. Waterproofing is then applied and once cured is followed with an application of Dunlop 1L Multipurpose Water Based Primer. Once the primer cures you can then begin tiling. Please note that your local council might require a registered trades person to apply the water proofing.

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric