Adding Kitchen Backsplash on Drywall
Installing a beautiful new kitchen backsplash can completely transform the look of your cooking space. But many homeowners wonder if they can install tile or other backsplash materials directly onto drywall instead of more robust cement board. With the right preparations and materials, adding a backsplash on drywall is certainly possible.
While cement board is often recommended, armed with the proper knowledge, you can achieve similarly durable results installing right onto drywall. Just take care to properly seal and prepare the surface. With meticulous planning and step-by-step execution, you'll have a striking new backsplash in no time.
Preparing the Wall for Kitchen Backsplash Installation
Before setting those pretty new tiles, the first step is ensuring your drywall is ready for the task. Take time to carefully examine the installation area and make any necessary repairs or smoothing. Eliminating imperfections now means achieving flawless finished results.
Assessing Current Wall Condition
Start by thoroughly looking over the entire backsplash area, checking for any cracks, holes, outdated adhesive residue or other damage to the drywall. Also note any globs of hardened drywall compound or joint compound protruding from the surface. It's crucial to have an ultra smooth, uniform surface for proper tile adhesion. Use a razor blade to scrape off any dried bits of old mastic or mortar stuck to the wall. [1]
Check closely along all seams and joints for cracks or gaps which must be filled and smoothed prior to tiling. Use drywall joint compound and a putty knife to fill any imperfections. Allow ample drying time before sanding seams completely smooth.
Repairing Any Wall Damage
If there are any substantial holes, gouges or other significant drywall damage present, repairs will be needed before installing the backsplash. Carefully cut back damaged areas to expose the wall studs. Then screw in new drywall pieces cut to fit the openings. Tape seams with mesh drywall tape and apply several coats of compound, allowing complete drying between applications. Finally, sand repaired patches smooth. [2]
During repairs, this is also the perfect opportunity to inspect for potential hidden damage from previous leaks. Ensure no mold or moisture issues exist before enclosing the area with new tilework.
Ensuring the Wall is Smooth and Level
Once all repairs are complete, you can now focus on prep work. The entire installation surface must be perfectly smooth and level for proper tile adhesion. To check for flatness, place a long level or straight edge like a spatula horizontally and vertically across all areas receiving tile. [3]
If any spots protrude, use increasingly finer grit sandpaper to carefully sand them flush. Work in a circular motion to blend edges evenly into surrounding areas. Sweep away all dust afterwards using a microfiber cloth. The wall should now be optimally prepped for the new backsplash.
Gathering Materials and Tools for Installation
With thorough surface prep work complete, it's time to assemble the necessary installation supplies. Proper materials are pivotal to achieving a durable, lasting finish able to withstand kitchen conditions over time. Assess your design plan and compile all essential items before starting.
Backsplash Tiles
One of the most exciting steps is selecting your perfect tile style, material, colors and accents. The options are nearly endless, from gleaming subway tile to elaborate mosaics, stone, metal or glass. Choose tiles able to endure heat, moisture and heavy usage. Then factor in the total square footage needing covered to determine the required amounts.
For easier installing onto drywall, select relatively lightweight tiles under 4 lbs. per square foot. Heavier stone or concrete tiles risk over-stressing adhesive bond strength. Lighter mosaic sheets are also ideal for efficiently covering larger areas. And don't forget those artful finishing touches - decorative borders, accents and trim pieces to beautifully frame your design. [4]
Adhesives and Grouts
Another essential supply choice is selecting the right adhesive. Since using hardy cement board is recommended for most kitchen backsplash projects, standard thinset mortar is the typical go-to. But for drywall applications, mastic or acrylic glues formulated especially for bonding tile to wallboard are better options.
Look for low-water content mastics designed to prevent drywall damage, allowing minimal water penetration. Waterproof tile adhesives made for wet environments also work well. Let all tiling products fully cure before grouting to lock everything firmly in place.
Finish off your installation using high quality grout suited for kitchens. Epoxy formulations provide maximum stain and water resistance. Choose a grout color complementing or contrasting your tile colors according to personal preference.
Trowels, Spacers, etc.
You'll also need tools for applying adhesives and grout, including trowels with notched edges sized for your tile thickness. Foam tile spacers keep everything aligned during placement. For cutting, have tile nippers, snips, or a snap cutter handy. And be sure to keep plenty of clean microfiber cloths available for wiping away excess messes as you go.
Measuring and Marking the Backsplash Layout
With your gorgeous tiles selected and specialty drywall adhesive on hand, it's finally time for the fun part - installing your striking new backsplash design. But before setting even a single tile in place, some layout prep work is vital for success.
Taking Accurate Measurements
Start by carefully measuring the target area's height and width. Account for any outlets, switches or protrusions needing worked around later. Transfer these measurements to the tiles themselves using a ruler and pencil. This allows pre-planning exactly where cuts will fall, ensuring a perfect custom fit.
Doing tile layouts away from the wall also enables experimenting with optional layout patterns. While basic subway brick style may be most common, horizontal, vertical, stacked, or other intricate layouts can add interest.
Mapping Out Design and Tile Placement
Next comes the truly fun creative part - deciding the backsplash layout and tile placement order. One tip is choosing the most visible spot like behind a decorative range hood to start. Use pencil guiding marks on the wall lightly indicating tile spacings for reference.
Strategize your workflow in sections for easier focus. Work in a methodical grid format installing one small manageable area completely before moving to adjacent spots. Carefully laying out everything first prevents getting overwhelmed later on.
Setting the Tiles on the Drywall
With all measuring, planning and dry fitting completed, it's finally time for the satisfying step of permanently setting those tiles in place. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper adhesive application and open times. Use careful alignment techniques for flawless finished results.
Applying Adhesive to Wall
Begin adhesive application by loading some onto a notched trowel using an angled motion to fully coat the teeth. Then flatten it against the wall at about a 45 degree angle pressing firmly to scrape it onto the surface, establishing consistent depth. [5]
Work in smaller sections applying only enough mastic to install tiles before it skins over. Ensure 100% coverage to prevent voids behind tiles. Note open times vary among products from 15-30 minutes typically, so work efficiently in batches.
Pressing Tiles into Place
With mastic applied section-by-section, the exciting part arrives - setting those gorgeous tiles! Using pencil lines as guides, place border pieces first. Then press field tiles firmly into the adhesive using a slight twisting movement to evenly flatten and adhere them.
Insert plastic spacers top and side edges as you go to establish even grout line spacing. Consistency creates a clean uniform finish. Work methodically from the starting point outwards and verify alignments every few rows.
Those little plastic spacers serve an important purpose beyond just keeping everything aligned. Equal grout line widths also allow optimal fill and prevent uneven drying or cracking once grouting begins. They also prevent tiles shifting during drying.