Many builders and homeowners are curious about whether they can finish walls made of aerated concrete blocks without plastering first and just lay tiles directly on the surface. This question is particularly prevalent in projects where every step matters and budget and time are critical.
Because of their lightweight and insulating qualities, aerated concrete blocks are well-liked; however, because of their porous nature, there are questions about whether or not they can offer a stable base for installing tiles. Some contend that it is possible to tile directly on these blocks with the correct preparation, even though plastering is frequently advised to create a smooth and even surface.
The benefits and drawbacks of tiling aerated concrete blocks without plastering will be discussed in this article. We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks, the prerequisites, and the things you should think about to guarantee a long-lasting and fruitful tile installation.
- Possibility of laying
- Choosing tiles
- Choosing an adhesive
- Preparation for laying
- Video on the topic
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Possibility of laying
When performing repairs in a foam block home, homeowners frequently inquire as to whether tiling can be done on foam blocks. Yes, but over time, material fragments may start to fall off along with the tiles because of the base’s increased fragility. Plaster or specialized tile adhesive can be used after a primer to avoid this situation.
The need to install tiles on foam blocks typically occurs when the bathroom and kitchen’s enclosing structures are completed. Not only is this room noticeably more humid than the others, but there’s also a chance that water will seep onto the foam concrete, causing the blocks to crumble and possibly even sprouting mold. It should be noted that ceramic flooring can also be installed in these types of spaces; however, foam block installation should only happen after the walls are completed.
Choosing tiles
An essential detail to consider when installing tiles on foam blocks in the kitchen or bathroom is selecting the right finishing materials and space. Therefore, if you choose the option with ceramic cladding that extends to the ceiling, you can visually shrink the space and give the impression that the ceiling is lower. Consequently, it is advised to install tiles in small bathrooms or kitchens, leaving at least 30 to 40 centimeters above the floor. Select materials with cold tones that are smooth. Warm color-schemed tiles are a great choice for enclosing foam blocks in large bathrooms and kitchens.
The area and height of the furniture and other items (such as plumbing and household appliances) in the rooms should determine the size of the tiles.
- if there are many interior elements, it is worth choosing large tiles or plain light mosaics;
- for a small bathroom in a minimalist style (with the installation of only the most necessary, without a washing machine and hanging cabinets), the ideal option is a small square tile measuring 100 x 100 mm;
- for low rooms, vertically located rectangular tiles are suitable, for low rooms – square-shaped products.
It’s not always the best idea to lay tiles directly on aerated concrete blocks without plastering first. Because aerated concrete is porous, it might need to be specially prepared in order to guarantee good adhesion and avoid moisture problems. Even though plastering can be skipped, it’s still important to take extra precautions, such as priming the surface and using the appropriate adhesive, to make sure the tiles stay in place and the surface holds up over time.
Choosing an adhesive
Consider the adhesive’s increased elasticity before purchasing tile. Additionally, consider features like resistance to high humidity when selecting a tile-laying technique for the bathroom on foam blocks. Tiles that withstand high temperatures should be preferred for the working wall in front of the kitchen stove.
Compositions based on a standard cement-sand mixture, like CM9, are appropriate as finishing materials for dry rooms (corridors, living rooms, or offices). Mosaic adhesive is unique among specialty tile adhesives because it is specifically made for bonding mosaics to walls. White cement, which is a component of the composition, gives this material its own shade and increases the cladding’s strength.
Preparation for laying
Prior to cutting foam blocks for tiling, you should determine how level the wall is. Almost no additional finishing is required if the foam concrete was laid correctly. Should there be notable deviations, the contractor will need to put in a lot of effort into priming the foam block and preparing the base.
The foam block is perfect for waterproofing the walls and ceiling of damp rooms because it absorbs moisture very well.
The next step is priming the blocks. For this, specialized materials are used, a wide range of primers is presented. When finishing bathrooms, it is worth additionally waterproofing the walls, in the kitchen such work is not required. Having finished with the preparation, they proceed directly to the question of whether it is necessary to plaster the foam block under the tiles – as a rule, they choose the option with plaster, more expensive, but also providing increased strength of the walls. For these purposes, tile adhesive is quite suitable. Having plastered the surface on which the tiles will be laid, they proceed to the main part of the work.
| Question | Answer |
| Can you lay tiles directly on aerated concrete blocks without plastering? | Yes, but it"s recommended to apply a primer first to ensure better adhesion and durability. |
| Is plastering necessary for tiling on aerated concrete blocks? | No, plastering is not strictly necessary, but it provides a smoother and more stable surface for tiling. |
It is possible to lay tiles directly (without plastering) on aerated concrete blocks, but there are risks involved. Aerated concrete’s high absorbency and uneven surface can cause issues with tile adhesion, even though it might save time and money.
It is usually preferable to apply a plaster layer first in order to guarantee a stable and long-lasting finish. This enhances the bonding between the tiles by producing a smoother, more even surface. Plastering also reduces the absorbency of the aerated concrete and prevents moisture problems by sealing it.
If you choose not to plaster the surface, use a high-quality adhesive made especially for porous materials and be extremely cautious when preparing the surface. This strategy can be effective, but in order to prevent future problems, it needs to be carefully planned and carried out.
