Wall prep for kitchen wall tiling
 

I live in a Massachusett's home built in the 50's, and all the walls are horse hair plaster. I removed a thin layer of linoleum that covered the wall between the counter tops and the bottom of the cabinets, and the horse hair wall beneath is in rough shape.

On one long wall, when I removed the linoleum covering the wall, i found a plywood backing beneath, so that part is in good shape. However, the other wall is almost all brittle, cracked horsehair plaster and lath.

I'm nervous trying to correct the wall using plaster or morter before I tile it. Does anyone think that's an option, or am I better off demo'ing and removing the plaster between the backsplash and cabinet and replacing it with a plywood backing similar to the other wall?

Tough description I know, but I hope that made sense.

THANKS!!

i would remove the plaster, leave the lath. unless it is mostly damaged, if so, remove the lath also. not that big of a project. then put drywall on, then tile.
i used mastic when i did my back splash. easy to use and worked well.

pics would be nice.

And I would test for lead and asbestos before tearing any further into that linoleum and plaster.

Definitely demo it. I would take the lath too but you can leave it if it is in good shape. It may keep you from having to shim for new drywall or tile backer.

I doubt the plaster would have lead issues but paint on it might so wear a mask and protective and disposable clothing. Old linoleum could have asbestos issues. When in doubt. Test. Asbestos is a hazard only when airborne though.

Always a good idea to turn off your HVAC unit when doing lots of sanding.

i thought lead was only an issue if eaten ?