Substrate Selection
A sound, stable and rigid substrate is an essential prerequisite for all tiling installations. When choosing a substrate the following points must be given consideration;
- interior or exterior
- environment - wet/dry
- domestic/commercial - light or heavy traffic
- strength
Whatever substrate is chosen, ensure it is correctly fixed in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.
Plasterboard
In New Zealand the most common wall substrate is Plasterboard.(GIB) It is a great product, easy to handle, only basic tools needed for installation and affordable. It comes in numerous sheet sizes, thicknesses and compositions. When using Plasterboard only moisture stable GIB Aqualine should be used in wet areas. It is the green board.
GIB Aqualine has its limitations:
- 10mm board Maximum 20kg m² Tile trends today are for large full bodied tile, generally they well exceed 20kg m²
- 13mm board Maximum 32kg m²
Check out our FAQ page for a guide on how much tiles weigh
Click here for Gib Aqualine specifications
Compressed Fibre Cement board
Fibre Cement board(villaboard) for wall tiling projects is a great choice. Villaboard is ideal for high impact zones and 9mm board fixed to stud work at 400mm centres supports ≤
60kg m²
- 6mm board fixed at 400mm centres maximum 15kg m²
- 9mm board fixed at 600mm centres maximum 30kg m²
- 9mm board fixed at 400mm centres maximum 60kg m² Ideal for heavy natural stone
- Its strength is also its weakness, cutting can be more difficult then other substrates, care should be taken not to inhale dust during installation. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
Check out our FAQ page for a guide on how much tiles weigh
Click here for Villaboard specifications
Extruded Polystyrene
A product offering great insulation properties. It is very very lite and easy to handle and cut. Sheets are also waterproof, and when sheet joints are sealed a waterproofing membrane is not needed. There are also great preformed objects.
- Suppliers products in New Zealand are limited compared to European suppliers
