If your tile backsplash is being installed over a particularly uneven surface or somewhere with a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom, consider installing a backer board. This thin backing creates a smooth, even surface for the tile to adhere to and protects the wall from moisture.
The best backer for tile (anywhere) is tile backer (cementboard, DuRock®, HardiBacker® etc.) It's literally made for the job. It costs a bit more than drywall, but in the whole cost of a tile job (materials and labor) it's a very small increment over a less suitable backing such as drywall.
Cement board is the most common and widely-known backer board. Cement board is readily available and relatively inexpensive (about $10 for a 3 x 5-ft. sheet).
Use an appropriate waterproof or moisture-resistant backing material behind grouted tile or stone or segmented plastic or fiberglass tub and shower surrounds. Appropriate materials include cement board which has a cementitious core and glass mats on both sides to strengthen the board.
A tile backsplash in the kitchen may be applied over clean, level drywall since sinks aren't considered wet areas, like showers, that require backer board.
Ditra is made by Schluter and is an “alternative” for the commonly used cement board or HardieBacker. You would use one or the other but not both. Many people use it primarily when laying tile on concrete, but I think its a solid choice with plywood subfloors as well.
It is perfectly safe to put tiles over the drywall of areas in your home that don't have excessive moisture so long as you prep the wall before installation and choose the appropriate mortar.
Additionally, foam backer board is far easier to cut than cement-based boards, which makes it quicker and simpler to install. However, foam backer board provides less structural support than cement-based boards due to their lightweight nature. As such, it may require additional reinforcement in specific applications.
Fiber cement board is a thin layer of concrete that is installed as a sturdy surface subfloor for tile setting. Backer board is made up of a sheet of cement mixed with sand that has a fiberglass mesh placed on each side of the board for durability.
Thinset mortar is thin when applied, but expands with air when exposed to heat. This is a great option for tile mortar because of its high moisture and heat resistance. Mortar commonly comes in gray, but thinset is also available in white to look beautiful around colored tile.
Perfect For Tiling
The boards are also designed with adhesion in mind, so the bond created with adhesive and grout is much stronger than other materials, for example plywood. Using a Tile Backer Board also gives a smooth and flat surface to tile on to, and you can tile or plaster as soon as the boards are installed.
Drywall is a perfectly fine option behind a kitchen backsplash. You should use moisture-resistant green-board drywall in your kitchen. If installing over existing drywall, be sure to clean it first.
If your tile backsplash is being installed over a particularly uneven surface or somewhere with a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom, consider installing a backer board. This thin backing creates a smooth, even surface for the tile to adhere to and protects the wall from moisture.
A cement board is often the best choice due to its robust moisture resistance and ability to support the weight of the tiles. This foundational layer is key to preventing water seepage that could otherwise lead to mould growth and structural issues.
That's where backer boards come in. They are sturdy sheets made from cement-based materials that provide an even surface for your tiles to adhere to. These backer boards ensure that your tiles last long and have a clean finish.
Mat-faced gypsum cover boards are increasingly used as a cement board alternative because they are lighter and easier to install. There are also performance enhancing benefits that mat-faced gypsum cover boards have over traditional cement alternatives.
While both 6mm and 12mm Tile Backer Boards are great for tiling, they are used in different ways. The 6mm Tile backer is perfect for the use of tiling floors.
You may tile over existing tile, painted or unpainted drywall, plaster and textured walls. But tiling over tile can add quite a bit of thickness, so make sure your wall can handle the weight. You should not tile over wallpaper, glossy surfaces, lead paint or plywood.
Thinset mortar is the most common choice for both indoor and outdoor tiling projects.
Thinset mortar and epoxy mortar are the ideal backsplash adhesives for high-moisture areas like the bathroom. Professionals use epoxy cement or regular powder thinset for the shower backsplash, whereas homeowners commonly use premixed thinset mortar.
Regular drywall can be used as a base for tiles in a shower, but only as an absolute last resort. Even in the best of scenarios, the tile and grout will eventually wear down, leaving behind a clear route for water to seep through and soak into the drywall.