Sheets and boards are very common substrates. However, for ceramic and natural stone tiling, it is critical that these sheets and boards are suitable for tiling. In order to be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of applied tiles, sheet and board substrates will need to be dimensionally stable, and appropriately primed and fixed as required by manufacturers’ instructions.
The recommendations provided in the latest update to the British Standard for floor and wall tiling, BS 5385-3: 2024, regarding the suitability of timber-based sheets and boards have evolved over time as industry experience has increased and new systems and materials have become available to use. For example, a principal change in BS 5385-3: 2024 now advises that for direct tiling on to plywood and other wood-based sheets or boards, an intermediate layer, such as an uncoupling membrane, reinforced tanking system or tile backer board should be used.
As a result of these changes, TTA’s Technical Committee is setting up a working group to review TTA’s ‘Internal Tiling to Sheet and Board Substrates’ Technical Publication, which was last updated in 2019. This review will take into account the revisions to BS 5385-3 made since 2019 regarding timber-based sheets and boards. In addition, the opportunity will be taken to update the paper with regard to the increased range in the types of sheets and boards now on the market, as well as industry experience and recommendations. The objective of this review is to ensure TTA continues to provide accurate, up-to-date guidance as the leading technical authority for the tiling industry.
Manufacturers and users of sheets and boards are invited to apply to join the working group by emailing technical@tile.org.uk or calling 0300 365 8453.
