The idea that you can’t use grout on a kitchen backsplash because it’s not waterproof sounds more than a little nutty, given that most bathrooms have tile and grout!
I ripped out a plastic shower stall enclosure (about 6 ft tall). installed tile backer board in its place then tiled the entire shower walls up to the ceiling. Tile was installed over painted dry wall on the last 3 ft. of the walls. We have used the shower daily for the past several years with out a problem. Be sure to carefully caulk with good caulk the tile joints in the corners and where the tile joins the countertop/backsplash then seal the grout and tile with a good sealer several times before using.
As a backsplash, its durability will have a lot to do with the individual situation — maybe you use the kitchen once a year, maybe you use it every day and splash water everywhere, I don’t know. But tile grout is not waterproof and can transmit water to its underlayment, this goes for water vapor too if the tile’s next to the pasta pot, for example.
For a workmanlike standard, you should prep the gypsum board with a waterproof membrane (such as laticrete) before you apply the tile. It’s easy, fast, and you won’t have to worry about it again. It doesn’t make sense to risk mold damage to the drywall, however unlikely that might seem, when a membrane is so simple to apply.
The idea that you can’t use grout on a kitchen backsplash because it’s not waterproof sounds more than a little nutty, given that most bathrooms have tile and grout!
Yes, seal the tile and the grout.
I ripped out a plastic shower stall enclosure (about 6 ft tall). installed tile backer board in its place then tiled the entire shower walls up to the ceiling. Tile was installed over painted dry wall on the last 3 ft. of the walls. We have used the shower daily for the past several years with out a problem. Be sure to carefully caulk with good caulk the tile joints in the corners and where the tile joins the countertop/backsplash then seal the grout and tile with a good sealer several times before using.
Sure… Under normal residential conditions it will last forever. I would paint bare sheet rock first with an oil based primer, otherwise let her rip
Of course you can. . . everybody does it. . . .
go to gardenweb.com and post there. you will get serious knowledgeable answers
what eman said. it’s insurance against cracks.
the other option is to glue up 1/4 inch tilebacker board (durock) aover the existing drywall
Respectfully disagree with the above posts.
As a backsplash, its durability will have a lot to do with the individual situation — maybe you use the kitchen once a year, maybe you use it every day and splash water everywhere, I don’t know. But tile grout is not waterproof and can transmit water to its underlayment, this goes for water vapor too if the tile’s next to the pasta pot, for example.
For a workmanlike standard, you should prep the gypsum board with a waterproof membrane (such as laticrete) before you apply the tile. It’s easy, fast, and you won’t have to worry about it again. It doesn’t make sense to risk mold damage to the drywall, however unlikely that might seem, when a membrane is so simple to apply.
you are totally fine. Tile it. grout it. Seal the bottom edge on counters.
You will NOT be replacing it in ‘5-8 years’. Unless you like to have water fights in your kitchen.