What flooring and wall sheeting is used in bathrooms under tiles?

[damien-22]

Hi, looking to complete a bathroom renovation, starting from scratch and removing everything back to frame. 

Will be fully tiled, floor and walls all the way to ceiling. Using a a tile over tray system which will be attached to the joists. 

Question is, what material is used for flooring underneath floor tiles? Yellow tongue and villaboard on top of that? Or just yellowtongue? Or can villaboard be used alone? Is it strong enough?

Second question, what material is used to sheet walls, just villaboard?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @damien-22,

If the floor has joists, then you'd be looking at compressed fibro. Villaboard is used exclusively for your walls. 

You might like to have a read-through of this guide: How to plan a bathroom renovation. Also, whilst you're in the planning stage, check out our Top 10 most popular bathroom projects for inspiration. There are some great ideas implemented by our members that you might like to feature in your own bathroom.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[damien-22]

Thanks for the reply!

is there a minimum thickness that needs to be used for flooring sheets and wall sheets?

also, can these two products be tiled over? Or does something else need to be applied on top of the sheets before tiling can begin?

[EricL]

Hello @damien-22 

I know that you can tile over the James Hardie 2400 x 1200 x 6mm 2.88m² Villaboard Lining and its perfect for use in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. If you are using the BGC Fibre Cement 2700 x 600 x 19mm 1.62sqm Lightweight Durafloor Flooring It uses the same tongue and groove technology as traditional sheet flooring such as Structaflor and it can be used in interior wet areas.

In this particular situation where correct installation is critical because it's your bathroom, I suggest engaging the services of a registered builder. In this manner the installation will be up to code and is covered by the builder's guarantee.

Before any tiling can be done, waterproofing must be applied in accordance with the rules and regulations of your local council. It's best to double check as regulations might require you to use a registered waterproofing professional to apply the waterproofing.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[damien-22]

Hi, in regards to the BGC fibre cement sheet, should the floorboards be removed and attach the fibre cement sheet to the joists?

or should this be installed on top of the floorboards ?

also, what fasteners should be used to install the BGC sheet?

thanks!

thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @damien-22 

If the timber floor has been damaged by moisture or is structurally unsound, then it would be best to remove it. Keep in mind that placing the BGC fibre cement sheet over the timber flooring increases the bathroom floor height which will affect the height of your bathroom appliances and door. 

If the height difference proves to be too much of an issue, then removing the timber floor would be the way to go. The BGC fibre cement sheet can be fixed in place with Galvanized Fibre Cement Nails or Buildex Fibre Cement Screws.

Here is a link to the Fibre Cement installation:  BGC Fibre Cement - Durafloor Installation

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric