EZI-GRID TILEBACKER vs VILLABOARD

[EXKIWI]

By now some of you have worked out I'm about to renovate my bathroom, starting with retiling the walls especially the shower recess, and also I've never done it before so my questions will be basic ones.

Have scoured this site and found lots of useful information.

I've also googled every term I could think of.

One interesting point of contention I've discovered - just looked up Mitre 10's (http://www.mitre10.com.au/serviceAdvice/tipsHints.asp#ans7) diy page and found a faq response (http://www.mitre10.com.au/serviceAdvice/tipsHints.asp#ans7) regarding using Hardie's EZI-GRID (http://www.jameshardie.com.au/Products/FlooringAndUnderlays/EziGridTileUnderlay/FAQs/#Q9) in place of Villaboard (or similar) as base for tiles in wet areas. On checking the Hardies (http://www.jameshardie.com.au/Products/FlooringAndUnderlays/EziGridTileUnderlay/FAQs/#Q9) site it clearly states that the product is only suitable for floors. Anyone used EZI-GRID as a WALL cladding and what was your experience?

Thanks in advance for any advice / comments.

Michael G

[Cliff Rogers]

Versilux is the go if you intend to tile over it.
Villaboard is for a painted finish. It has special rebated edges to allow for plastered joints.

You can get their Wet area construction design manual here.
http://www.jameshardie.com.au/Applications/WetAreaConstruction/TechManual/default.htm

It doesn't mention the Versilux but you get the idea.

Versilux is a bit thinner than Villaboard & is cheaper.

Versilux manual is here.
http://www.jameshardie.com.au/Products/InternalLinings/VersiluxLining/TechManual/default.htm

[airmech953]

I have just finished my bathroom reno in Melb and used 6mm villaboard on the walls under the tiles. The hardie wet area construction manual is very useful. I fixed the villaboard using csk sheet screws not nails to avoid damage to the plaster sheet on the opposite face of the wall - NO glue in wet areas. Very happy with the final result.

Dave