Flooring Tile - another bathroom tile question ...

Hi All,

Hub and I have been working on a bathroom remodel. So far, it's been a can of worms! :eek: dry rot ... subfloor ... plumbing ... decayed duct work ... etc
Neither of us has any tile experience.

First removed floor, both overlay and sub, replaced subfloor with 23/32 ply, overlayed with 3/8 ply, followed by hardi set in with ultraflex II thin set, seams are taped and mudded with ultraflex II thin set. Floor is finally ready for 12 x 12 tiles.

Walls had plastic tiles half way up. After popping tiles off one wall, we determined it would be quicker and easier to replace the drywall. This is not in the tub surround. The walls are down to the studs for the bottom 4 feet, and we have drywall to replace what was taken out. The drywall is the same thickness as was taken out, so the top and bottom half of the wall with be equal. Then 4.25 x 4.25 wall tile on bottom half of wall, wall paper on top half.

The "guy" at Lowes told us that the walls had to have 1/2" CBU before the tiles, and that MAPEI Type 1 was the ONLY adhesive that is recommended for putting the wall tiles up. :rolleyes: This is a pre-mix, and I am of the impression the the pre-mixes are mastic, and mastic is undesirable for the bathroom, period.

So, we left Lowes with 1/4" hardi and 2 gallons of MAPEI Type 1. The problem that I have is that I'm afraid to use it. Is it okay to put the wall tile directly on the drywall? and is the MAPEI Type 1 really what we want to use to set the tile?

We are hoping to be putting tiles on the walls by tomorrow evening, or Wednesday by the latest. After the walls, the floor. Should the walls be grouted before we lay the floor tiles?

Anyway, I've done tons of "research" online, and you guys seem to be the most knowledgable and willing to share your expertise. Thanks in advance!

Kate :p

I would return the backer board and that bucket of stuff.
Get some thinset in a bag, and put the tiles on the drywall.

If the tiles were smaller, or you were feeling dangerous, the bucket of mastic might be just fine on the bathroom walls (not the shower, not the floor) on the drywall, but I would return for thinset and go to work. In any case, I don't belive the backer is needed.

I would grout the walls first if you can, just to avoid spilling down the walls and onto a new floor. You wouldn't want sploches of grout drying on it.

-just one DIY'ers opinion

Good luck with your project

IN a dry area outside the tub or shower, with that size tile, (4.25x4.25") mastic over 1/2" sheetrock is fine. Have the tile extend above the seam between old and new sheetrock and you won't have to finish the joint either, Just embed fibergalss tape over the seam and set your tile. Take the backer back.

As indicated, sheetrock on walls outside shower is durable because it is not exposed to water. In the shower concrete underlayment board is recommended because of the moisture issues. Mastic is recommended for installation of wall tile.

Mastic is recommended for installation of wall tile.

...Maybe but...

Let's clarify that to dry areas only which means not tub or shower surrounds providing the tile is 8x8 or less and not stone in any size :rolleyes: