How to Mount Tiles on Ply or Hardboard?

I would say ply - it's less bendy (even for 1/4" thickness) and will paint better - hardboard sucks up paint like a b**tard. B&Q (and others) often have 1/4" and 1/2" ply (or whatever in metric) in handy smaller sizes.

Gripfill ("No more nails" etc) should do an excellent job with less chance of falling off - you probably have less surface area than a typical square tile so the extra adhesion would be worth it in my view. Probably more tolerant of slight flexing in the back board.

You could also hot glue them on (there might be a very small risk of the heat cracking the tile, but I think it's fairly unlikely - but best considered if the tiles are "irreplaceable", or use Araldite.

Good question... Yes, I would, but I've never tried what you are proposing so hang around and see if anyone else suggest differently.

HTH

Tim

Would silicone not stick them .Less messy .??

You will probably find that with any thin boards, as the glue/cement/sealant dries the board will take on a curve

Working in a school, I have had to prepare boards containing tiles peoduced by pupils. I have stuck these onto 9mm ply, unprimed, using 'Fix and Grout' type adhesive and subsequently grouting between the tiles. One has been displayed on a wall for at least 3 years with no problems.

Malcolm

Sticks like sh*t by evo stik on 1/4 inch pl

-- davemo

I'd use ply and Gripfill.