How to Tile above garden tub?
Question:Is back board or cement board necessary to put on before you tile the wall above the garden tub? This will be my first attempt at wall tiling and I'm nervous. I thought I could just put the mortar directly on the drywall and go with that but now I'm concerned about needing this cement board or back board. If it is necessary, won't that cause a noticeable gap between the tile and the wall, since the tile backspash above my tub will only be 12 inches including grout lines?
Answers:
If water were to ever get behind your tile it would separate the paper from the drywall and leave your tile hanging. Cement board does not have paper. The best way is to remove drywall 12" up from tub, replace with 12" strip of cement board same thickness as your drywall and place your tile. Use waterproof grout and finish with mildewproof caulk at top edge and at tub/tile joint.
I agree with Kim, but can offer another option.
To prevent water from getting behind your tile and to your drywall, you can simply apply a waterproofing membrane directly to the drywall and up the 12 inches.
If you are buying from a home center, ask a dept. employee for waterproofing membrane. If bought from Home Depot, you can purchase RedGuard from Custom. They are a competitor of mine, but the product works fine for your application (I could recommend my company's product available at Lowe's, but I think it's overkill for a tub backsplash). Two coats-- it goes on like paint-- and I believe as early as 4 hours later you can begin to set tile.
Also-- the "waterproof grout" mentioned by Kim: not many out there... most grouts are cementitious and require sealing. But... NOW you can go to Lowe's and buy SpectraLOCK. It's 100% solids epoxy, incredibly easy to use, never needs sealing and contains an anti-microbial.
Good luck.
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