Hello all,

Weekend warrior here doing some kitchen upgrades. I am going to tackle a tile backsplash in my kitchen and have a question. I had redone a few walls as well and now have unfinished drywall in the area the backsplash is to be installed. The tile guy at Lowes said that I have to remove the drywall and put up plywood and then backerboard (cement board), then I can put up the mastic and tile.

The guy seemed pretty knowledgeable and even though it will be a huge PIA I want this to come out right and not need repaired in a year. Additionally there is a portion of another wall that is plaster/lath construction and will be tiled as well, do I need to demo this as well? The reason I ask is the Lowe's guy cited the drywall being to "absorbant" and the adhesive would not work correctly, vs the plaster not being as porous or absorbant.

Any help you folks can toss out there would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

You can screw the thin cement board onto the sheetrock/studs.

As for the old wall plaster/lath if it isnt in a wet location i would just tile on it.

 

Most of the kitchen backsplash tile jobs in Texas, for new homes, is on drywall. Generally, the thinset adhesive acts as a moisture barrier so there is little to worry about. Just make sure to get 100% coverage of the adhesive and go for it. It's also not prone to constant moisture like a shower....but some builders here still use green drywall for the backer in a shower and have for decades with no issues.

 

paint the wall first with oil, That also hepls to keep out moisture.

There is a 100% water proof elastomeric ( yes it stretchs and is water proof ) thinset. It even bonds to existing tiles. Used it several years ago on my kitchen floor over rolled lino. Still working great.

Can't rember the name but could make calls tommorow if you are intrested.