What's the best surface to tile on??

[Steve Evans]

I've spent some time reading this forum and thanks to everyone who has posted for the information I've found really useful so far.
I have the following dilemma and would like some feedback from the experts.
I'm currently completely refurbing my bathroom, the walls are back to bare brick, apart from some cement rendering that is really stuck and would do more damage to remove. The question is what is the best surface to use for heavy tiles about 30cmx 50cm. The bath is an all enclosed stand alone unit, so I don't have issues with water from showers/baths etc.
Broadly speaking I think I have 4 options:
1) Dot and dab with plasterboard (never been a big fan of this it seems to be pushed by the trade because it's quicker and easier). Not sure if it's a good idea in a potentially damp bathroom. Also not sure if the plasterboard will take the weight of the tiles.
2) Plaster the room in the traditional way with browning & finish.
3) Use Hardibacker (or similar) on the walls and tile on this. When I looked at the info on this it seems it's only recommended for tiles up to 25cmSq. It seems that it's also not recommended for dot and dab and so I may need to batten out the whole bathroom.
4) Cement render......but I was put off this by the plasterer as he said it has a tendency to crack.

So the question is ......what's the best option?? I'm not too concerned about cost. I just want the tiles to stay on the walls and not crack.
Cheers Steve

 

[top tiler]

if it was my b;room i would render

 

[GazTech]

Render is by far the best surface to tile onto...Gaz

 

[Gazzer]

Ahh the days when most of my jobs were on render ......happy days with Bal CTF.
So yes Render is tops for me too.

 

[Droopy]

Without doubt, render.
But if it's between Plaster and Plasterboard, then Plasterboard for a few reasons.
Quicker
Easier
9 times out of 10 it's flatter
Holds more weight; 32kg/m2 V 20kg/m2
No need to wait 4 weeks for it to dry
oh, and it's cheaper.

Just tank the wet areas and you'll be fine.

 

[Fekin]

 

[Branty]

And if your plasterer can't render without it cracking, get a new plasterer.

 

[Steve Evans]

Many thanks for the replies guys.....render it is then. I'll speak to the plasterer and see if he wan't to do the job in render.....if not it looks like I'll be looking for someone else. I notice a couple of you are not a million miles away from Manchester. Can anyone recommend someone who could do the rendering?
One other question......is it OK to tile directly onto the render or will it need priming? If it does then what's the best product to use?
Cheers Steve

 

[top tiler]

steve go straight onto the render with powder adhesive no need to prime

 

[Steve Evans]

Well I took your advice and all the walls are now rendered, so whilst I'm waiting for them to dry out I'm looking at the next stage. I've read many posts and the more you read the more choices there seem to be. So any advice on the following would be appreciated.....
The floor tiles are porcelain 600mm x 600mm going on to 18mm ply floor with wire under floor heating. Understand I need a flexible adhesive & grout, but which one and what's a good primer to use?

The wall tiles are actually 300mm x 600mm again made of porcelain and going onto newly rendered walls. I would prefer to use a flexible adhesive here just in case there is any movement (unless there is a reason why I shouldn't). What is a good adhesive to use here? and I understand from a previous post no primer is required. Also any recommendations on grout?
Cheers. Steve.