Ceramic tile in Kitchen

[CL-Lewiston]

Recently removed old formica counter tops and formice from top of backsplash to bottom of cupboards. Have since had Corian tops and about 3" backsplash installed.

Would now like to apply ceramic tile from bottom of cupboards to top of backsplash-just less than 12" and behind the stove. Have drywall (5/8) and NOT the blackboard. Have been told that the tile will be too 'heavy' for the drywall and need to remove drywall and replace w/ blackboard or apply blackboard over exhisting drywall or will in time the tile joints will crac and fall off.

Anyone with experience with this. I really dont want to do the blackboard nor do I want the tile to 'fall off'.

[jpollman]

The drywall will be fine. I've installed hundreds of square feet of tile back splash directly on drywall and have yet to have a problem. I've installed everything from small light weight white 4x4 (cheapie) tiles on up through heavy travertine and everything in between. To my knowledge none of it has ever fallen off. (At least I've never had a call back from an angry customer ;)) Just use a good quality wall tile mastic and you'll be good to go.

I can't believe I'm sitting here answering a tile question. At this point, the LAST thing I want to think about is tile. I'm in the middle of a huge job that is about 500 s.f. of tile (remove ceramic and install marble or another type of stone but the customer hasn't decided yet) and I have to install about 450 s.f. of cherry hardwood flooring. I ended up having to remove all of the tile with a small sledge and a 1" chisel. :dizzy: Most of the tile came up pretty easily but some of it is a nightmare. But now I have a bunch of thinset to remove. I'm just going to rent a concrete grinder and that should do the job quickly and then I can get ready for the install.

It's been a long week and I can't wait to get into the shower and get a good night's sleep.

If you have any other questions on the back splash just drop me a line and I'll be glad to help wherever I can.

John

[kroppe]

CL - yeah what John said. Drywall and mastic is the way to go for backsplashes. Not a problem.

John, good to hear you have some projects going. If/when redo our foyer I'm going to use a Hilti demo hammer. Not sure if a demo hammer would work in your current situation.

[CL-Lewiston]

Thank you very much.

[ArrowHawk]

The Drywall may be alright but I wouldn't do it.

I would suggest you at least put up 1/4 cement board or 1/4 backer board (easier to work with) over the drywall that is already up to give you a solid surface which is also water resist. and will not mold.

Just my .02

[jpollman]

I would agree with that in a shower wall situation. But about the only time a kitchen backsplash is going to get very wet is when you're wiping it down with a damp sponge. If the tile is installed and grouted properly, the drywall behind it will be protected from water for a very long time.

John

[ArrowHawk]

I would agree with that in a shower wall situation. But about the only time a kitchen backsplash is going to get very wet is when you're wiping it down with a damp sponge. If the tile is installed and grouted properly, the drywall behind it will be protected from water for a very long time.

John

True

But for less then $10 for a 3x5 sheet of Backer Board and just alittle bit more work it would only help.

Like I said just an opinion. It could be done with or without.

[Rumajz]

Go over drywall, backer not needed; as mentioned above use adhesive that was designed for "over drywall" application. Additional backer board over existing drywall will project farther in over your back splash reducing its reveal even more than tile and adhesive thickness.
There is nothing in ordinary kitchen use that would mess up your tile over drywall. Only time I saw a problem with such an application was when water intrusion from the OUTSIDE damaged sheetrock and it eventually deteriorated so bad that the tile came falling off.


Good luck