I’m in the process replacing cabinets in a kitchen that was renovated only about four years ago. We are also putting a new granite counter top with marble tile backsplash. I’m considering putting cement backer board on only the first six inches or so above the counter (and slightly below it. I figure any serious water penetration is only going to occur near the counter. The tile will be attatched with thin set over the backerboard for the first six inches and then mastic over the drywall the rest of the way up to the upper cabinet. This is a serious labor saver, but am I running any risk of problems down the road.
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I don't know the answer, but my guess is that your better off with the same backer over the whole area. I'd rather go with all drywall, than split the backer. Two different backer might move at different rates.
What kinda marble tile? How thick? What size?
You shouldn't have any "serious water issues".
Only reason I'd go with cement backer was if the tile were large and thick.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
backer won't hurt ...
but I'd not go thru the trouble.
plain drywall, primed and painted at least one coat will be just fine 99 times outta 100. Just don't set the dog up there and hose it down.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
As a homeowner who cooks and cleans the counters, I've never had sufficient water collect at the backspalsh so as to create a penetrating problem. I used mastic for my tile backsplash on the original 30's plaster without a problem. This isn't a bath, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Generally, tile with mastic on drywall works out fine for backsplashes. Caulk the bottom joint and there's no real danger of significant water penetration. (Keep in mind that drywall without any tile is often used in this area -- tile is used primarily to make it easier to clean, not to provide water resistance.)
However, not sure about the best choices for marble tile.
But I would agree with the general consensus of all or nothing -- don't split between backer and drywall. If you install backer run it all the way up. And use either all thinset or all mastic -- trying to split between the two will not save labor.
Mastic is not recommended for marble and there is special thinset available for marble. Don't be so cheap with the job when using upscale products.
Bing