Can you use small rocks to bulk out Under-Tile filler in shower?

Embaloo on 15/04/2022 - 16:13
Last edited 15/04/2022 - 16:13

Family are doing a patch-job on the bathroom, in the shower, wanting to keep costs low so DIY materials from Bunnings.

They can buy filler in tiny bags or massive bags, can they bulk it out the smaller amount with small smooth rocks?

I'm assuming it would be:
Lay some filler
Add rocks
Lay the rest of the filler
So there wouldn't be air bubbles

(Then tile and grout and sealer).

Project:Tiles were raised, and upon investigation, the concrete/filler underneath had turned to soft sand from water damage.
Just tiles around the edge.

Advice appreciated.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • elgrande on 15/04/2022 - 16:17
    +1

    Depends if you want to do it again in a couple of years.

    • Embaloo on 15/04/2022 - 16:18

      There is a chance the whole bathroom could get re-done in a couple if years 😬

      What would be the issues with it?

  • pharkurnell on 15/04/2022 - 16:54
    +5

    Do it once do it right.

  • AndyC1 on 15/04/2022 - 17:02

    If you want to have major issues use rocks and filler as you call it. But you need "bathroom screed" (use google to find it).

    You also need to ensure that the waterproof membrane is not damaged with your poking about as you will need to google how to repair it if it is broken or pierced.

    You will also need to use proper tile glue for a wet area and apply it correctly. Then you can finally grout the area, which I would advice using a grout with mold inhibitor. If you want to seal it you can, but in most cases the sealer is PVA glue, but costing allot more.

    I you have not tiled before I would get a tiler in as it sounds like you ar over your head with what needs to be done to ensure that you do not cause major issues in the future due to water leaks.

    • Embaloo on 15/04/2022 - 17:31

      Thanks for that!

  • wobblydrow on 15/04/2022 - 17:13
    +3

    Do not use any type of "filler" with or without rocks in a shower base. I used to be technical manager for company making sealants and filler and no product classed as a filler is designed to be a primary substrate for wet areas under tiling. The number one reason for significant water damage in houses is from leaking shower bases followed by failure of waterproofing in a shower cubicle.

    You need to use a waterproof substrate with a suitable waterproof membrane complying to AS 3740 over that prior to laying tiles. Just don't skimp trying to do it on the cheap, the consequences for your house could cost you multiple / tens of thousands to get fixed rather than a couple of hundred spent now. If you lifted the tiles and whatever was underneath was mush then the wrong installation has been done from the start. Your builiding insurance will likely not cover incorrect waterproof systems in the case of a leak. Depending what state you are in you may require a professional waterproofer, such as in QLD, that has a higher level of regulation when it comes to wet areas than some other states

    Have a look at this presentation as a guide

    https://asbc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Waterproofing…

    • Embaloo on 15/04/2022 - 17:29
      +1

      Thanks!! Very helpful! Convinced enough to not do it on the cheap. 😪

  • Muzeeb on 15/04/2022 - 18:23

    There's DIY
    Then there's this - DIWhy

    • AndyC1 on 15/04/2022 - 19:16

      I think DIYWhat the &&%^

  • i-Tight on 16/04/2022 - 06:27
    -2

    Just do it the cheap way your proposing , save yourself $200 odd in materials given you will be redoing it again in a year or so. No need to be overly concerned about it, as it will fast track your bigger plan to renovate and address any issues that become apparent.

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