Adding tiles to a bathroom or kitchen is the perfect way to upgrade the appearance of your home without spending too much time or money. Plus, it’s an easy DIY task, so anyone can get stuck in!

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when tiling onto plasterboard. Stick with us as we walk you through the process.

Is plasterboard suitable for tiling?

Yes! Plasterboard is suitable for tiling, as it provides a smooth, even surface for a clean finish.

However, you must make sure that the plasterboard is in good condition first before thinking about applying tiles. Cracks, holes, and damp patches can weaken the adhesive bond between the tiles and the plasterboard, causing them to lift or fall off prematurely.

The plasterboard must be able to handle the weight of your tiles. Opt for lightweight tiles like ceramic tiles, with a maximum thickness of 12.5mm. The plasterboard itself needs to be at least 12.5 mm thick too.

Preparing plasterboard for tiling

Before doing anything, let’s get your plasterboard in tip-top shape so you can enjoy a tiled wall that lasts.

Fill any holes, dents, or cracks with filler before moving forward to make sure you have a smooth surface to work with.

Clean the surface

First things first, clean the plasterboard with a mild detergent or soap and water to remove any grease, dust, and grime.

Use a moisture meter to make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Make sure none of the plasterboard screws are peeking out. You can use tape to cover up any joints and paint over it with a thin coat of adhesive.

Apply a bonding agent

Since plasterboard is so smooth, you’ll need to apply an SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) bonding agent or BAL APD primer. This agent creates a stronger bond between the tiles and plasterboard, so you won’t have to repair any loose tiles anytime soon.

Don’t skip this step, especially if you’re tiling an area with high moisture levels. Use a brush or roller to add the bonding agent in one smooth process, coating the entire surface.

Use a waterproof membrane

For areas like bathrooms and kitchens, use moisture-resistant plasterboard or a waterproof membrane— it helps to prevent mildew and dirt buildup, creating a secure bond.

Simply roll or paste the membrane over the surface of your plasterboard, pressing it down so there are no air pockets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a clean and long-lasting finish.

Level the surface

If you’ve noticed any other bumps or dips in the surface of your plasterboard, you’ll need to level it out before proceeding.

Use a straightedge to check for uneven spots and use a thin levelling compound to smooth out the surface. You can spread the compound across with a flat trowel, filling any bumps or depressions. Any small issues can be corrected with tile adhesive.

Gather tools and materials

Once you’ve completed the preparation for your installation, gather the following:

Tiles (ceramic)
Tile adhesive (ready-mix or powder)
Tile spaces
Tile grout
Tile cutter
Trowel
Rubber grouting float
Level
Measuring tape and pencil

A step-by-step guide to tiling onto plasterboard

Now, it’s time for the fun part. Soon enough, your walls will look sleek and beautiful, elevating any space in your home.

1. Plan the layout

Before you do anything, plan out where your tiles will go and how you want them to look.

Find the centre of the wall by measuring its length and width and locating the middle point. Once you’ve found it, mark this area with a pencil—this will act as the starting point for laying the first row of tiles.

Then, begin to dry lay the tiles on the floor according to how they’ll be applied to the wall. From this, you’ll be able to figure out how many tiles you need and if any edges need cutting to fit.

Use tile spacers to measure out and plan a width of 2mm to 5mm for the grout lines between each tile.

Apply the adhesive

Grab your notched trowel and begin spreading the adhesive across the plasterboard. A general-purpose adhesive should suffice for lightweight tiles.

Choose a ready-mix adhesive or a powder-based option that’s designed for plasterboard and follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply it to the plasterboard. If you’re using powdered adhesive, make sure to mix it well before using it.

Start by spreading the adhesive on around 1m² of the wall at a time so it doesn’t set before you apply the tiles. Hold the notched trowel at a 45-degree angle when spreading the adhesive, using the notches to create ridges for a stronger bond.

Place the tiles on the wall

Once the adhesive is in place for the first few tiles (remember only to add as much as you’ll be able to cover before it dries), begin placing the tiles from the centre and work outward.

Press the tile firmly against the plasterboard and slightly twist it into place to create a secure bond— you can also tap them in place with a rubber mallet. Use tile spacers to leave enough room between each tile for the grout lines and check the alignment as you go.

When you reach the corners of the wall, you may need to cut the ends of certain tiles so they fit (it happens, don’t worry). To do this, use a tile cutter or saw, keeping your eyes and hands protected with safety glasses and gloves.

Once the tiles are in place, allow them to set for at least 24 hours.

Grouting the tiles

After you’ve allowed the adhesive to set, mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions— the result should be a smooth, paste-like material.

Then, spread the grout diagonally across the tiles with a rubber float, working it in between the cracks. Fill in the gaps all the way and wipe off any excess grout with a damp sponge, so you don’t end up with a messy finish.

After the grout has dried, buff off any grout haze left on the tiles with a soft cloth and seal the grout to prevent stains, dirt, and moisture damage.

Ready to start your tiling project?

We hope this blog has proven that tiling onto plasterboard doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you have high-quality tools and materials (and a can-do attitude!)

At Beesley and Fildes, we can help you out with one of those things. Our selection of plasterboard offers excellent durability and longevity, serving as the perfect base for wall tiles.

Shop now and get started on your tiling project! With affordable prices, you can’t go wrong.