Backerboard for Wall Tile ???
rustythevibeguy
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
New house. Kitchen drywall is up and painted. Wife has decided on tile for the backsplash. Need your opinions. I think I need backer board. Used 1/4″ Hardibacker on the floors. Wife thinks it’s going to be too think — worried about what the “edges” are going to look like, and I don’t know how bullnose works on something like this. Can I get something thinner? Adhesion is my biggest concern. What’s the best thinset or mastic to use to attach the backerboard? The tile?
Also what do you do about the joint at the coutertop (formica) — just grout it? Color-matched caulk?
Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.
Edited 5/18/2002 2:27:12 AM ET by RUSTYCAS
Replies
Only use grout for tile-to-tile joints. Use caulk for
tile-to-counter joint. Use the most expensive caulk you can
find. Cheap insurance.
I have put tile on regular drywall without problems. It
lasts 10 or 20 years depending on how much of a slob you are.
The tile is not continuously wet. Just make sure you do ####flawless job of grouting and caulking. Use adhesive for
installation on drywall and a latex thinset on backer board.
Use a latex modified grout and use a sealer on top.
1/4" tile backer is an option. You can get bullnose that has
that much overhang if you hunt for it. My personal method
would be to remove a band of drywall, install 1/2 backer board
and finish it flush with the wall. Messy, but reliable.
Otherwise, could use green board, or tile right on the drywall.
I don't think the 1/4 backer would be too thick. A regular
formica backsplash is an inch thick. You could use 1/2 backer
as well. Countertop edge tile has a large overhang and would
work for that.
For kitchen wall application, drywall is very adequate. Backerboard is overkill. Nothing wrong with overkill. In this instance, save your money.
Never do tub or shower application without backerboard.
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
Simple answer: I've done zillions of miles of backsplash in my 27 years as a builder. Glue the tile up to the sheetrock and use a silicone to caulk in the bottom tiles to the backsplash.
It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I would agree with Andy. Tile on drywall for backsplash is fine.
Custon Building Products makes a line of color matched caulks to go with their grout so if you use this brand the caulk could be used at the countertop joint.
Stony
Can't add much more, other than to agree that in a not wet situation, tile on drywall is fine. Pick a good sticky thinset, like Mapei Ultraflex. It is the stickiest stuff I have ever seen. Do not use mastic.
You can also post tile questions to a dedicated tile buletin board, which is full of tile guys like me.
http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?forumid=1
Good Luck!
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
I'll agree with Boris up to a point. Drywall is fine....but I'd just use mastic. Ultraflex is what I use under most all other conditions.....just don't think you need thinset for a backsplash. For the average DIY...mastic...used properly...is easier. Thinset's usually best...but for a a backsplash.....I'm thinking overkill. Unless ya wanna get used to thinset for a bigger project?
Then again.....sounds like Boris does alot more tile than I do. But my ways works for me. Jeff "That's like hypnotizing chickens........."
Thanks for the info guys. I need this to last 40 years or so (I am never doing this again). I have two coats of latex paint on the wall. Is that a problem for adhesion? Do I maybe need to use a wallpaper scoring tool to rough it up a bit? And I'd think some extra screws in the drywall would be good insurance as well?
I don't have a problem with going right over the drywall, if it will stay there. We looked at a house a few years ago and the tile was coming off the wall -- probably just did a sorry job?
I've done about 500 ft. of floor tile already using Ultraflex (with another 500 to go). I have a crawlspace, and I like that the Ultrafelx really IS flexible. I also love my Barwalt trowels -- nothing else even comes close.
Overkill? I am the undisputed king of overkill! But I'm tired now -- I just want to get it done. Good enough, really is.
Boris, wow!... what a great site. I'm sure I'll be checking back there. Sounds like I should just keep on with my Ultraflex over the drywall. I am going to score it first to give it a little extra 'bite.'
Can't hurt! Jeff "That's like hypnotizing chickens........."
I'd like to take this opportunity to mention a book available by the Taunton press, Setting Tile by Michael Byrne. There are also three companion videos available. I used Michael's advice for tiling a backsplash in a kitchen remodel and a tub surround in a bath remodel. I enjoyed terrific results.
Mr. Byrne, I'm not sure if you ever check out this forum but I wanted to thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge and expertise on tiling. Your work is par excellence!
Bob,
Byrnes book is really great I have to admit. I bought it several years ago but I think for a DIYS person its a bit too technical. I had to re read things several times to get it...course I was doing a shower pan job in mud and that was kinda difficult.....Great book tihough no doubt..You can find him on the other website Jornel For Small home building..or whatever its called. He runs the tile threads there.
Also...I would never use thinset over a painted surface,,,,just a good mastic.
Did mine in my other house that way over 15 years ago and last time I was there it was still there.
Be well
Namaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM