Whether a homeowner wishing to do some property upgrades, or a contractor remodeling a home, installing tiled walls is an appealing and unique way to add value and individuality to a room. Before you begin to move forward with your plans to tile over drywall, it is important to ask yourself two very important questions: 1) Which room is the wall located?, and 2) Will the wall be exposed to moisture or water? Continue reading to learn the two things you should always consider before installing tile over drywall.

Location

As mentioned, you want to start by asking yourself where the tiled wall will be located. This is because the location of the tiled wall will influence the type of installation you will need, as well as, the type of materials. Usually, people tile walls in rooms or areas of properties that are moisture-rich, such as bathrooms, showers, mud rooms, above kitchen sinks (backsplashes), and the spaces behind bathroom and kitchen sinks. This prevents the production of mold growth, and preserves the property’s structural integrity. Once you determine, or consider, which room and wall will be tiled, you can better answer your next question regarding water exposure.

Moisture

It is important to ask yourself whether or not the tiled wall will be exposed to water or moisture-rich conditions. For instance, showers and kitchen backsplashes are going to get wet and be exposed to water and moisture daily, whereas a tiled wall in the laundry room or vanity room may not. For areas that will not be affected or touched by water, you can simply move forward with your project and tile over the drywall using the proper tools and instructions. But if you are going to install tile over drywall in an area that will be subjected to water and moisture, you will need to add backer board first. Also called “cement board”, backer board goes between the drywall and the tile, and works as a barrier against moisture and water penetration. It is a waterproof material that comes in sheets, similar to drywall, and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need licensed and insured home remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, is happy to offer free advice for drywall installation, home remodeling, renovation, and more. Whether commercial or residential, we provide a wide range of remodeling services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to speak with a licensed general contractor in Indianapolis, IN today.