Putting a tile backsplash behind a laundry room sink. Be about 20 in high. Post formed countertop. Want to use Hardibacker behind tile. Will run Hardibacker behind countertop as far down as bottom of turned up edge. Currently has regular wallboard. Because of dimension constraints – window in way along side, et al, am going to take out wallboard & put in Hardibacker just behing tile. How do I position joint at top? Do I cut the Hardibacker 1/4 – 1/2 in short so the tile covers the joint? Or, do I try to be as accurate as possible & have the edge of the tile fall right on the joint? Wife will bathe dogs (Rottweilers) in sink, so I know there will be a fair amount of splashing & the tile will frequently be wet.
Thanks.
Don
Replies
I like to split the joint with the top/trim tile ...
I also tape the joint with backer tape and thinset it .. over both CBU and drywall.
Personally ... I'd just tile over the drywall .... and be sure to seal the grout ... or use an epoxy.
But ... a little overkill never hurt no one ... if a customer wanted CBU as opposed to drywall ... I'd not bat an eye and get right to cutting out the drywall.
Jeff
Buck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Same here... cut out the rock and install CBU so that the perimeter tiles will lap onto the drywall by about 1". You can caulk the back of the tile to the drywall for a finished look. I usually like to paint the wall before tiling rather than trying to cut in around the tile. Be sure to install blocking around the opening so that all edges of CBU and drywall can be screwed to the blocks. Ya might find pipe(s) in the wall behind the sink that make the blocking hard, but you need it IMO.
David: Good idea about blocking all around. I built the wall, so I know where all the pipes are - and there are two of 'em. Hot & cold. This is an ICF wall, so there aren't many supports to screw to. (Will Piffin have a cow if I use SR screws for this?) I have an ICF electric cutting knife, so I can rout out a space behind the wallboard to put firring strips in. I lioke the two answers. One of you says to make the joints coincide, the other says overlap the tile. That's what I like about getting advice from pro's - they all have opinions; they are like noses, all are different & some are just uglier than others. See; I cleaned that one up so the Taunton Bluenoses wouldn't get their knickers in a twist.
Thanks.
DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
actually .. we both said to overlap the tiles?
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Jeff: I guess I misunderestimated your answer. I thought that "...split the joint..." meant that the edge of the tile would coincide w/ the joint between the Hardibacker & wallboard.
Gonna do it today, so it's a good thing I asked last night & had the two answers early. Wife asked this AM as we were waking up if she'd have the sink to use soon! You'd think by now she would realize that nothing happens fast in my construction world. Been working on this house for nearly 7 yrs now.
Thanks, Jeff.
DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
my wife's been asking about actually having a bathroom sink too ...
told her I don't wanna spoil her.
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry