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IMPORTANT CHANGES TO BS 5385-1 WALL AND FLOOR tile

tile Standards | BS 5385​


As part of the five-year review of British Standards and reflecting changes within the tile industry since 2009 – BS 5385 Part 1: 2018 has now been published. One significant change made was to exclude the use of plywood as a background material for the direct fixing of ceramic wall and natural stone tiles.

Tiling Standards

Clause 6.1.2.7 Other sheets and boards (see also 6.2.3.3) now states:
“The use of sheets or boards that are subject to movement from changes in moisture content should be avoided. Plywood and other wood-based sheets or boards should not be used for direct tile”.

A significant uplift in the use of tile backer boards and a wide variation in quality of plywood available on the market has provided a solid case for the removal of plywood from the standards.

David Wilson, UK Head of Technical Services a member of the TTA Technical Committee said: “Previously it was recognised in BS5385 Part 1: 2009 that tile direct to plywood was possible, providing this was restricted to small areas and be “installed in such a way that they provide a [dimensional] stable and rigid background” the quality of plywood for tile purposes has decreased significantly with cheaper imports flooding the market.

“While higher quality external grade plywood is still available – it is significantly more expensive.

“It is important to consider though that that wood is a hygroscopic material which means that its moisture content will change dependent upon any changes in the environmental conditions on site. Therefore, dimensional stability of wood-based boards cannot be assured there is always a risk to installing ceramic or natural stone tiles onto plywood or other wood-based sheets,
Another technical consideration for wall tile is weight restrictions. Just as a side note at this point, if you don't have a clue what any of this is, then consider a tiling course, and research it well before paying any money. Plywood is deemed to have a maximum weight of tile per m² of 30 kg compared to proprietary tile backing boards which generally are capable of supporting heavier weights per m² of tile (As per table 3 of BS 5385-1: 2018).

British Wall and Floor tile Standards BS5385-1​


“A competitive tile backing board market means that prices are more attractive to tile fixers and contractors. This combined with the additional features and benefits of providing background for tile which are dimensional stable and resistant to moisture and thermal movement. “

However, while plywood is not recommended as a background for direct wall tile, it can still be used as a structural board when overlaid with a suitable tile backing board, particularly where installation of mechanical fixings is required e.g. for mesh backed natural stone where it is not possible to remove 75% or of the mesh backing.

Other changes to BS standards.

Previously in internal dry wall areas it was recommended that tile https://www.tilersforums.com/forums/tile-adhesive/ should cover a minimum of 50% coverage spread evenly over the back of the tile. However, driven by necessity, with the increase in the size and types of tiles i.e. larger formats and thin ceramic panels, now available of the market, BS 5385-1: 2018 advises: “Tiles with a surface area of less than 0.1 m², but which weigh more per square meter than 70% of the background’s capacity to carry the weight, should be solidly bedded e.g. the maximum weight of tile that can be supported by Gypsum plaster = 20 kg; whereas 9 mm thick porcelain tiles, which weigh approximately 18 kg/m², weigh more than 70% of 20 kg (14 kg) therefore, they should be solidly bedded regardless of their size”

British tile Standards included within the scope of BS 5385-1: 2018 are large format ceramic tiles, ceramic panels i.e. tiles with a surface area >1m² (any edge length >1200 mm) and thin tiles

i.e. ceramic tiles and panels with a panel thickness of ≤ 5.5 mm. To reflect this, additional changes have also been made in the minimum recommended grout joint width, dependent on the tile/panel size, e.g. the minimum grout widths vary by tile facial area – an example as follows:
  • For tiles with a facial area of less than 0.1m² with no side > 600mm long, a minimum joint width of 2mm is required.
  • Tiles with a facial area 0.1m² to 1m² with no side>1200mm long, a minimum joint width of 3 mm is required.
And
  • Joints between ceramic panels should be increased pro-rata to panel size (e.g. for a 3m long ceramic panels the minimum required joint width between these panels is 5mm.
Not included in the scope of BS 5385-1: 2018 are:
  • Natural Stone Slabs i.e. stone which is more than 12mm thick,
  • Agglomerate stone,
  • Metal, plastic resin, mirror or glass tiles of a similar construction
Note from Admin: We have collated most of the threads regarding tile standards. Having one thread on the subject should help those out seeking advice regarding British Standards in Wall and Floor tile BS 5385
 
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OP
C

Concrete guy

It's not great to be honest, but it's serviceable and fit for purpose.

Whilst it could look better, legally there's probably not a great deal you can do about it. As all the law will look at is if the install has been done and is fit for purpose.

It's unfortunate that a contrasting grout has been chosen as this highlights the problem further.

If it bothers you that much I'd be inclined to fit a small cove or similar to the ceiling to disguise the problem.
 
OP
H

hmtiling

Thanks for your honesty, is it law to start with a full tile as they have stated?
British standards aren't regulations but guidelines. It is in those guidelines to waterproof wet areas though and I'd wager they haven't. Throw that back at them. The threat of posting all over social media usually works with big firms too. Good luck
 

Chelly

TF
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British standards aren't regulations but guidelines. It is in those guidelines to waterproof wet areas though and I'd wager they haven't. Throw that back at them. The threat of posting all over social media usually works with big firms too. Good luck
Thanks, I was tempted to post on social media but was worried it may harm my case :)
 

GAZ5518

TF
Esteemed
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Unfortunately setting out issue...Not really much can be done other than add a small cove detail
Or remove top course and slither/ introduce a listello border then larger cut... or .... rip out and start again
The darker grout does emphasise it
Have definitely seen worse
 
OP
D

Dumbo

As @hmtiling
Said ask them if they have waterproofed the walls before tile as that is in British standards also as @Boggs
Said I have tiled an awful lot of bathrooms where I haven't tiled a whole tile of the bath , and yes do not get confused as to what british standards are they are a code of good practice and not even building regs .
 
OP
D

Dumbo

And yes they should of siliconed the corner where the tiles meet also have they siliconed next to the bath
 

Chelly

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And yes they should of siliconed the corner where the tiles meet also have they siliconed next to the bath
They have white siliconed the tile/ bath join however it seems to be peeling away a little. There is translucent silicone in the corners however one side seems to be yellowing?
 
OP
D

Dumbo

They have white siliconed the tile/ bath join however it seems to be peeling away a little. There is translucent silicone in the corners however one side seems to be yellowing?
It's no good siliconing over grout in the corners, this joint is meant to be free of grout and https://www.tilersforums.com/forums/tile-adhesive/, this is a movement joint , British standards therefore they should know this (hint of sarcasm ) . I would of done that in a colour match silicone but that would be more expensive that generic cheapo silicone .
 

Chelly

TF
Reaction score
10
It's no good siliconing over grout in the corners, this joint is meant to be free of grout and https://www.tilersforums.com/forums/tile-adhesive/, this is a movement joint , British standards therefore they should know this (hint of sarcasm ) . I would of done that in a colour match silicone but that would be more expensive that generic cheapo silicone .
Cheers this for the info this is a great help!
 

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