Can You Tile onto Plasterboard? A Comprehensive Guide

Plasterboard, also known as drywall or gypsum board, is a popular material for constructing interior walls and ceilings in modern buildings. If you're planning to tile a bathroom, kitchen or any other room in your home, you may be wondering whether it's possible to tile onto plasterboard. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful installation.

First, it's important to understand the properties of plasterboard. It is a porous material that can absorb moisture and expand when wet. This means that it is not the ideal surface for tiling directly onto. If you try to do so, the tiles are likely to come loose over time as the plasterboard expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity.

To overcome this issue, there are a few steps you can take to prepare the surface of the plasterboard before tiling. The first step is to prime the surface with a suitable primer. This will create a barrier between the plasterboard and the tile adhesive, preventing the adhesive from being absorbed into the plasterboard and helping it to stick better to the surface.

Next, you should reinforce the plasterboard with a layer of tile backer board or cement board. These materials are designed specifically for tiling and are much more rigid than plasterboard, providing a stable base for the tiles to adhere to. They are also waterproof, so they won't be damaged by moisture in the same way that plasterboard can be.

Before installing the tile backer board, make sure that the plasterboard is clean and free of any dust, dirt or debris. You should also make sure that any joints between the plasterboard sheets are filled and smoothed over to create a level surface. Once the tile backer board is in place, secure it to the plasterboard using screws or nails, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for spacing and placement.

Once the tile backer board is installed, you can begin tiling as you would on any other surface. Apply the tile adhesive to the back of the tiles using a notched trowel, and press the tiles firmly onto the surface. Make sure to use spacers between the tiles to create even gaps and ensure a professional finish.

After the adhesive has dried, you can grout the tiles to fill the gaps between them. Use a grout float to apply the grout, making sure to work it into all the gaps evenly. Once the grout has dried, use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess and polish the surface of the tiles.