Hey, new guy here! Thought I’d ply some knowledge from you folks here at breaktime. I’m planning making a ceramic tile backsplash in my kitchen. Tearing off the old backsplash revealed some chunky old mastic that I need to deal with. The options I see are: 1) scrape off old mastic ( not desireable ), 2) cut out drywall and replace w/ new, or 3) apply 1/4 inch ( If there is such a thickness) Hadie backer over the area and tile on that. I like option 3 the most. Is it doable? Any complications? Please advise. Thanks
Bryan
Replies
Option 3 should work (1/4" backerboard is very common). The drawbacks include cutting outlet openings into backerboard (only a minor issue), the added wall thickness (1/4" CBU + 1/4" tile)--this will likely require longer outlet screws and outlet box extensions, and you may have exposed CBU at the edge (can be covered w/ moulding or thicker deco rope tile, or cut down o/s corner tile, or even careful use of caulking or grout).
If you are just a bit more ambitious option 2 is probably better.
You get so little moisture on a backsplash that you can use regular drywall as a substrate. It's done all the time successfully.
You could also knock off the loose high spots and skim coat the rest of the crap. Find the easy way, all will work.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I'd go with option 2, drywall is cheap and easy to install.
option 3 would work, but it means extension rings on the outlets and dealing with the edges, which is going to involve more material and time then just cutting out and replacing the problem area.
CAG: Unless, of course, you use Susan Susanka's (I think) idea of Plug Strip at a 45 degree angle tucked up in the back corner of the bottom of the cabinets. Then there are no boxes to mess with.DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
Thanks for the feedback. I'll go with opt. 2. Sounds like less hassle. Another decision I need to make is what kind of grout to use, sanded or unsanded. What holds up the best and is more stain resistant? Again, thanks for the info.
Bryan
grout "sanded vs unsanded" is based on the thickness of said grout lines.
1/8th is the divider ... less than 1/8th ... nonsanded ....
more than 1/8th ... sanded ...
1/8th ... your call.
"what hold up best/stain resistant ...."
epoxy grout.
then again ... that's a whole'nother ballgame ... me, I don't think it's out of the realm of a skilled diy'er ... but ... there are lotsa pro's that avoid such products due to their potential problems ...
but, for the second but ... it's a backsplash. Y should anyone be scared?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
I just went over the drywall in my kitch backsplash with 1/4" Hardiback.
I just felt like for some weird reason.
The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
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