Another Plasterboard Tile Weight Dilemma

[elliott20]

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster.

Over the years I've used the good advice that I've read on this forum but with my current project I am a bit stumped.

I am renovating an ensuite, it's been a mission but everything was starting to go nicely, tray installed, walls Mapei tanked - then the tiles the missus decided on turned up and they are a bit heavier than expected!

The tiles are ceramic 600x300 x 10mm and weigh 17.5kg per s/m without adhesive.
The dilemma I have is that I left the largest wall (about 3sqm) in situ as it was in good nick. It's skimmed plasterboard, dot and dabbed to thermalite block - the rest is now mostly replaced with cement board.

So, do I:
1. Just go for it knowing the combined weight of tiles, adhesive and grout will push me over the weight limit by about a kilo?

2. Rip it down, batten out the wall with 19mm thick battens and fix either PB, cement board or 10mm STS? 19mm batten is the max I can go due to space, the tray being already fixed and not wanting to rip it all out, I've got max 30mm to play with if I take the plasterboard off.

Or 3. fix 6mm Hardieboard over the top of it all and try to mechanically fix it to the wall behind with extra long screws and loose a little bit of the shower tray width?

Or is there anything else I should consider?

Cheers.

 

[TimelessJohn]

Skimmed plasterboard but does it have a covering - emulsion, paint etc?
You know the weights for tiling on this surface so the choice is yours! No one can advise without seeing the quality of 3sq mt wall.

 

[Dan]

Just out of interest where did you get the tiles from?

 

[catherinebennett]

Hello

Here are my thoughts:

Going for it: This could work, but it's risky if you're slightly over the weight limit.

Ripping it down and battening out: This option is safer, providing a solid base for the tiles and keeping you within weight limits.

Fixing 6mm Hardieboard over: This could work if secured well, but be mindful of losing width on the shower tray.