Everyone wants to go with timeless and hardy tiles in the bathroom because it is the dampest place in the house. However, if you have drywall or sheetrock installed in your bathroom there are plenty of things to consider. Answering the question of whether can you put tile on sheetrock in bathroom should be your utmost concern.
Most of the people have drywall as a backing material in their bathroom or shower areas. However, sheetrock is not durable enough to withstand water exposure and eventually, you need to use appropriate backing material.
Read on to find out why it isn’t the best idea to tile over sheetrock in bathroom, and what backing material you can use instead. You’ll also get to know the safest option for tiling in the shower area or bathroom and become an expert on bathroom wall tile installation!
What Is The Difference Between Drywall And Sheetrock?
Drywall is a hard panel of gypsum board that can adhere to the metal and wood for the construction of walls and ceilings. There are various types of drywall that differ according to specifications. The drywall is held fast with the help of nails and screws. In addition to gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) and paper, other additives like mica, clay, and resin are added to it.
Whereas sheetrock is a drywall brand that is used for the construction of walls and ceilings. Sheetrock is a gypsum board sandwiched between thick layers of paper on both sides. It is used as a replacement for lath and plaster in the construction of houses. The gypsum in the sheetrock is fire-resistant and is encased in recycled paper. However, the term sheetrock is used interchangeably with drywall.
Sheetrock Vs. Cement Board For Bathroom Tiles
Nevertheless, installing tiles over sheetrock in bathroom is a bad practice. Over time the drywall will start deteriorating, your tiles will start cracking, and eventually, it will fall out. So the best idea is to use appropriate backing material like cement board instead of sheetrock as it is sturdy enough to handle tiles.
A cement board is the best alternative that should be used in a humid environment. Cement boards are a sheet of cement and reinforcing fibers that are used as tile backing boards. Unlike porous drywall, these cement boards are a solid foundation material for bathroom wall tile installation.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Tiling On Drywall
If you are planning to do a fireplace or kitchen renovation, tiling on the sheetrock is not a bad idea. As these places are rarely exposed to moisture you can definitely give tiling on sheetrock a try. If you are working on a bare sheetrock wall, there are certain steps that need to be followed. Stick on to find the steps that you need to follow for preparing sheetrock for tile installation!
- Never Tile Over Uneven Surface
Sheetrock is porous and it absorbs paint, as a result, the surface of the wall becomes uneven. The first thing you need to do is seal the seams. You can apply akim coat and cover the wall seams. If the wall becomes uneven you need to flatten the surface before installing tiles. For this purpose you can sand the sheetrock to flatten the surface, this will help the tiles adhere to the wall.
- Do Not Use Large Tile Blocks
Even though tiling on drywall in a wet area is not a good decision if you are remodeling a kitchen or fireplace, tiling on sheetrock can give you a beautiful finish. However, drywall is not strong enough when it comes to bearing the weight of the tile.
So instead of large tile blocks, make sure to use smaller blocks as the average weight that drywall can hold is 15 pounds per square foot. Also, make sure to use a good quality tile adhesive for sheetrock, so that it can withhold the tile for a long time.
- Always Prime the Wall
Another step that must be completed before preparing sheetrock for tile installation is to prime the wall. Make sure to remove any dirt or dust off the wall. Then, paint a coat of primer to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall. Furthermore, it will smoothen the surface of the wall, allowing the wall to better handle the tiles. However, before installing tiles, allow the priming to dry.
Why Is It A Bad Practice To Tile Over Sheetrock In Bathroom?
Installing tiles over sheetrock in the fireplace or the kitchen area is a somewhat sane decision because these areas are not exposed to excessive moisture. However, in common households bathrooms not only serve as shower areas but also as laundry areas, which makes the sheetrock exposed to excessive moisture.
Even if you do bathroom tile grouting on sheetrock or make sure of waterproofing bathroom walls for tiling moisture has the ability to seep behind. And if water seeps behind the drywall it can result in pest infestations, mildew, and mold. Because these structures thrive in a dark and humid atmosphere, sheetrock provides the ideal setting for them.
- Mold
We all know molds are a certain type of fungi that thrive in moist environments. If you have drywall installed in your bathroom then remember to check it often, because molds can destroy the entire wall before you notice it. They can not only get through the sheetrock but also through the wood behind that sheetrock.
- Damage to the Wall
Moisture can cause structural damage to your wall. Excessive moisture not only damage the drywall but also in the wood behind the drywall. This makes the walls weak and they will feel soft when you push on them.
- Pest Infestations
A pest infestation can cause absolute damage to your entire house. Insects like termites actually feed on the paper board that is a part of sheetrock. Once they get behind the sheetrock they can even eat the foundation of the wall. (that is usually timber wood)
FAQs On Can You Put Tile On Sheetrock In Bathroom
Can I tile on drywall in bathroom?
You can tile over places like fireplaces or kitchens, where there is limited moisture exposure. However, tiling on drywall in a wet area like the bathroom isn’t the best idea. The shower area or bathroom has the most damp environment which can result in sag and the tiles eventually falling out.
Is it OK to tile over drywall?
Yes, you can tile over sheetrock if you are tiling in a less humid location, such as a kitchen or fireplace. However, if you are planning to remodel your bathroom, make sure to choose a long-lasting solution. Tile installation on drywall does not last long, thus instead of drywall, use cement board as a base for tile installation.
How do you prepare bathroom drywall for tile?
If you are tiling over drywall, make sure that all the joints are sealed. Next sand the areas that are uneven. Then use a suitable type of paint as a primer because drywall is a porous material
and absorbs paint. Last but not least, use an appropriate tile adhesive for sheetrock to prevent water seeping.
Can you tile over gypsum board?
Gypsum board is a common backing material that is used in the houses. You can definitely tile over the gypsum board in places that are less exposed to moisture. You can use a suitable primer to clean the gypsum board and then pat it dry before tiling over the area.
Is bathroom drywall waterproof?
Drywall is a porous material which means it is prone to moisture and humidity. Some manufacturers claim that certain types of drywall are waterproof, however, that’s not true. No matter how sturdy the drywall is, excess moisture can result in wall seepage.
How much tile weight can drywall hold?
Drywall can hold a maximum weight of up to 15 pounds per square foot. However, if you use heavier tiles, you must use mechanical fasteners to aid drywall in supporting the weight of the tiles.
Do I need to waterproof drywall before tiling?
If the manufacturers claim that the drywall is waterproof then it is definitely a myth. There are some water-resistant drywalls that can perform better than the others but you can’t make it 100% waterproof. However, you can do surface coating of the paint or primer to prevent the water seepage across the drywall.
Summary Of Can You Put Tile On Sheetrock In Bathroom
All in all, tiling on drywall in a wet area isn’t the best idea, the consequences include molds, mildew, pest infestation, and ultimately structural damage to the wall. As the name suggests, drywall is not made for damp areas like showers and bathrooms.
You must go with something more appropriate like cement board that is sturdy enough to handle the tiles. You must avoid installing tile over sheetrock in bathroom at all costs!
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Written By Hugo Wanders
Hugo is a knowledgeable writer in the field of vacuums, cleaning supplies, and washroom products. He has a wealth of experience in this industry and is always up-to-date with the latest cleaning technology and techniques. Hugo's writing is practical and informative, and he provides useful advice and recommendations to help his readers make informed decisions about which cleaning products and equipment to purchase. He has a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, and he shares his expertise to help his readers achieve this goal. Hugo's writing covers a wide range of topics, including vacuum cleaners, cleaning chemicals, washroom supplies, and more. His writing is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to keep their home or business clean and well-maintained.
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