KERDI-BOARD can be used to simply and easily build stable and self-supporting partition
and knee walls.
With KERDI-BOARD you can quickly create anything from simple partitions to entire toilet and
shower facilities that are ready to tile, unlike using masonry or stud framing with
sheathing which is time-consuming and often requires more preparation before tiling can
begin.
The minimum board thickness required for these installations is two inches.
We used a table saw to cut our panels since this gives us quick clean cuts for the thicker
boards.
Check out our Working with KERDI-BOARD video for all of the details on cutting, fastening,
and waterproofing your KERDI-BOARD application.
When creating partitions or knee walls, the KERDI-BOARD has to be adhered to the permanent
structure in a way that provides lateral stability.
You can do this by sandwiching the partition between adjacent KERDI-BOARD panels, fixed
buildings elements or similar.
You can also use the KERDI-BOARD profiles, such as the KERDI-BOARD-ZB U-shaped profile
as demonstrated here.
The profile is screw mounted to the wall with appropriate fasteners prior to installing
the partition wall. You can also use the KERDI-BOARD support profiles on the floor and ceiling,
including the KERDI-BOARD-ZW angle profile.
Keep in mind that partitions are not to be considered load bearing, meaning they do not
support the structure above.
The KERDI-BOARD-ZB has already been installed on the wall and the floor.
KERDI-FIX or thin-set mortar can be used to install the panels.
Thin-set mortar allows you more adjustment during the installation process, but KERDI-FIX
is quick and simple to use as well.
The KERDI-BOARD-ZW or KERDI-BOARD-ZB can also be used within the joints between adjacent
panels to improve stability.
All points of contact must have thin-set mortar or KERDI-FIX applied for proper support.
The panels are easily positioned with the help of the support profile.
Clean any excess KERDI-FIX or thin-set mortar from between the adjacent panels so that it
does not interfere with waterproofing or tile installation later on.
Finally, the KERDI-BOARD-ZFP plastic profile may be used to improve the fastening of hardware
to the structure….
… And the KERDI-BOARD-ZA can be used as a finishing profile providing a nice, clean
finish along with support of the wall structure.
Check the wall to make sure that it is level and plumb while the setting material is still
plastic.
Now, let’s take a look at a knee wall application.
If a wall is being created with multiple sheets of KERDI-BOARD, offset the joints to improve
stability during installation. In this case we also oriented the two panel layers perpendicular
to each other.
Make sure that all surfaces and joints are bonded with thin-set mortar or KERDI-FIX.
Thin-set mortar allows you more adjustment during the installation process, but KERDI-FIX
is quick and simple to use as well.
All points of contact must have thin-set mortar or KERDI-FIX applied for proper support.
Check the wall for level and plumb while the setting material is still plastic.
Finally, these walls must be waterproofed in wet areas.
KERDI-BAND and KERDI-KERECK corners can be used to fully waterproof partitions and knee
walls.
The KERDI waterproofing accessories are installed with thin-set mortar.
Apply the mortar with a one-quarter inch by three-sixteenths inch V-notched trowel, or
the Schluter-KERDI-TROWEL, which features a one-eighth inch by one-eighth inch square
notch design.
The mortar should be mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch.
Embed the membrane using the flat side of the trowel or a dry wall finishing knife.
Two inch overlaps are maintained at all seams and penetrations in the KERDI-BOARD.
There are various sizes of KERDI-BAND to accommodate different partition or knee wall designs.
Tiles can be installed onto partition and knee walls using Schluter thin-set mortar
or unmodified thin-set mortar once the bonding materials used for construction have cured
enough to stabilize the assembly.
You will notice these assemblies are significantly stiffer after setting and grouting the tile.
Imagine the possibilities—creating partitions and knee walls quickly and easily that are
strong, self-supporting and customizable to your design!