Questions about tiling a backsplash.....

Superchee

Hi! I'm going to tackle my first tiling job...my kitchen backsplash. My walls are very uneven (wavy), though, so I wonder if I need to install a cement backerboard or if I can just apply thicker thinset to the "low" areas. I'm having trouble finding much info on this, most people say to just tile directly onto the drywall. I'm afraid my tiles will be wavy!

Any help is appreciated!

Bob Mariani

You could skim coat and float the thinset to even out the walls first. After it sets, apply the tiles.

Superchee

Thanks for the reply. Does this mean I should put on a thicker layer of thinset to even out the wall, wait for it to dry, then apply a normal layer of thinset and apply my tiles? Pardon my ignorance, but I have never done any thing like this before so some of the terminology is lost on me.

Thanks!!!

Bob Mariani

Yes, flatten the wall first and let it dry a few days. Thinset should not be applied more than 1/2" If you have areas this far off, shim with a piece of drywall first. Then set the tile with thinset.

Superchee

Thanks! This really really helps. I also wonder if I need to build out my outlets and light switches to sit flush with the tile. Will extended outlet boxes do this? Do they make extended boxes?

I think I'm almost ready!

Bob Mariani

They make box extensions. These are plastic or metal (to match your type of box) that has an open back, slips over the outlet to seal the sides extending the sides to keep electrical flashes from causing fires. the front lip sits on the tile and this extension will allow the screws to attach you outlet the support it needs to keep the outlet tight against the wall. Home Depot will have them. May be called switch box extensions. You buy them to match the number of gangs of the box. 1 device equals 1 gang box.

Bud Cline

Why are the walls "wavy" to begin with?

Maybe "that's" the place to start.

Superchee

I don't know why the walls are wavy. We pulled all the cabinets out already, there's no water damage or anything. It's not like it's totally noticeable right now, but I think it will be once the tile is on. The drywall is probably 30+ years old, so maybe it's just warped over time.

ljmunger

Can anyone tell me about tiling on wallpaper? I was told that I may have to cut the drywall out and put in backerboard, or can I just remove the wallpaper. (not that removing the wall paper is an easy job, and the reason that I painted it when I move in)

R&D Tile

You need to remove the paper and all the glue.

Longer screws work a lot easier than box extenders.

Bob Mariani

Code only allows 1/4" recess for non-combustible materials, so not using box extensions would be illegal. Not the best advise!

R&D Tile

Code?, what tile police are coming to arrest me, how many years will I get, never used an extender yet.

Bob Mariani

Electrical Code, And those that think codes are over built just make more work of those that make a living fixing your work. Bragging about always doing the job wrong does not make you look that good to others that are attempting to find the correct way to do things.

R&D Tile

Ceramic tile is a great insulator of electric and 1/4" to maybe a hair deeper isn't an issue without a box extender, any deeper I'll use the extenders which sometimes can be a PITA if they stick out too far, otherwise I just don't do anything and tell the HO to get an electrician to reinstall the outlets after I leave.

Bob Mariani

Again.. code is nothing to you if it is a PITA? box extensions slide into the box and will self adjust to any adjustment. Seems since you have no experience in attempting a code compliant installation you promote a lazy way out. 1/4" is max. Code is minimum!