[HABSFAN2006]

Are there any issues with installing larger ceramic tile on drywall, as a backsplash/wall feature around a bar area? I'm looking at 12 x 16 tile, installed with staggered joints.
something like this: http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=0&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

The area would basically be one 4 x 8 sheet of drywall vertical, then a 16" high x 6ft long backsplash above the counter top/sink area. My present wall is 2 x 4 at 16" o.c., it would be easy to double them up, and go 8" o.c., or should i remove this sheet and install a 4x8 1/2 ply or osb for better results? This would be more trouble, and would like to avoid it if possible... I would like to use a 1/8" grout joint, as minimal as possible. Would this be ideal for a wall application? Or should it be larger? The goal is to have a solid, lasting bar area that's different, unique, where there will be no cracks appearing...


Thanks for your input...

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I guess this is a really bad idea then if no one has replied or had any experience laying larger tile onto drywall!

 

[floortrends]

You can tile over drywall as long as it isn't a wet area. Use an anti-sag thinset mortar rather than premixed mortar or mastic.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

You can tile over drywall as long as it isn't a wet area. Use an anti-sag thinset mortar rather than premixed mortar or mastic.

Thanks, that's good advice, will have to look into this anti-sag, so this means I won't have to support/hold the tiles overnight while the set?
I am also planning on using a 1/8" gap, as small as possible with the correct spacers.

 

[Bud Cline]

The no-sag thinsets have their limits as does everything.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

The no-sag thinsets have their limits as does everything.

I'm sorry, but what does this mean exactly? haha
I see you have many posts around here, and you are the "tileguy" ,
so how would you recomend i space them, and hold them in place for the first few hours? I can't seem to find a diy article on laying larger tiles on walls... I've seen 3-6" square tils which are much lighter not needing extra support while setting, but not sure how to treat 12x16

 

[RegeSullivan]

I am not a tile guy but I have good results starting at the bottom, supporting the first row with a ledger and some spacers then waiting a day or two for it to setup. Then work up the wall using tile spacers to help support the next row.

Of course starting in the middle is usually best but if you measure out your pattern starting at the bottom works out well. Don't forget to allow for the grout lines when you measure and be perfectly level on that first row.

Rege

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I am not a tile guy but I have good results starting at the bottom, supporting the first row with a ledger and some spacers then waiting a day or two for it to setup. Then work up the wall using tile spacers to help support the next row.

Of course starting in the middle is usually best but if you measure out your pattern starting at the bottom works out well. Don't forget to allow for the grout lines when you measure and be perfectly level on that first row.

Rege

That is great advice, did not think of that. Since it is a small home project, which I am set on trying myself, I have all the time in the world to wait for the first row to set, and support the rest.

Thanks,

 

[Bud Cline]

I'm simply saying don't expect a product hawked as "non-sag" not to sag. Six inch tiles are one thing, sixteen inch tiles are an entirely different story. How you mix the product also makes a huge difference. The non-sag thinsets are only as good as their users experience, don't be suckered by their claims.

Start-off as discribed above and also USE SPACERS. You can do almost all of the wall non-stop using spacers if you start with a solid base line.