Backer Board For Backsplash (Is It Necessary?)

Many materials are needed to build a backsplash in your kitchen. Examples include tile, grout, and mortar. But is the backer board one of them?

For a long time, whether a backer board should be used in a backsplash has been a hot topic of debate. Some say it’s a must-have and others are completely against this idea.

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As a DIY enthusiast planning to build a backsplash, you may be wondering – should you use a backer board or not? Well, you’re in luck because that’s going to be our center of discussion in today’s article.

Do You Need Backer Board For Backsplash?

The general rule is that a backer board isn’t needed when building a backsplash. The reason behind that is backer board is mostly needed when the wall tiles will be frequently exposed to water.

Shower walls are a perfect example of tiles that need a backer board. However, the backsplash in a kitchen isn’t exposed to a lot of moisture or water.

Therefore, if you’re building a backsplash in a kitchen, there is no need for backer board, you can just install tile directly over drywall.

If you visit most homes and inspect the backsplash, you’ll notice that there is no backer board behind it. That’s because this is the recommended approach when it comes to building a backsplash.

Please note that there are some exceptions. If your backsplash will be exposed to a lot of water, then you should consider using a backer board. But such scenarios are rare, especially when you consider the position of the sink or stove in a kitchen.

Are There Scenarios Where Backer Board is Essential for Backsplash?

This is an extension of the exceptions I was talking about earlier. I want us to be clear on one thing. Most of the time, a backer board isn’t usually necessary when building a backsplash.

However, there are certain scenarios where you should consider using a backer board. I have already talked about the moisture issue.

So, here are other reasons why you may need to install a backer board behind your backsplash;

• If the current drywall is damaged or uneven – Tiles for a backsplash need to be installed on an even and structurally sound surface.

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If the current drywall is damaged or uneven, introducing a backer board can smoothen the surface for tile installation.

• If you plan on installing heavy tiles – In most kitchen backsplashes, you’ll find ceramic tiles which are lightweight. However, if you plan on installing heavy tiles like those made out of natural stone, the drywall may not be strong enough to hold them.

In this case, you’d benefit more from the structural strength of the backer board.

• If you are building an outdoor backsplash – Outdoor kitchens are becoming very popular these days. If you’re erecting a backsplash for an outdoor kitchen, then you need a backer board because it’s more resistant to weather elements.

In these three scenarios, it’s okay to use a backer board for the backsplash. In the world of construction, you need to be flexible and have an open mind. That will help you figure out whether a particular material is beneficial or not.

What is the Best Backer Board for Backsplash?

If your scenario requires the use of a backer board, then you need to use the best option in the market. As you may already know, there are different types of backer boards and each has its unique properties.

Below, I’ll share with you a list of some of the best backer boards for backsplashes and reasons why they are the best options.

1. Cement Board – This is the best backer board for backsplashes because it’s strong, moisture resistant, and perfectly adheres to tiles. If you are building a kitchen backsplash, I’d recommend using a cement board.

2. Foam Backer Board – If you’re building a backsplash for your bathroom, then this is the best type of backer board. It’s waterproof, lightweight, and also comes with some insulative properties.

3. Fiber Cement Board – This is also another great backer board for shower backsplashes. It is highly resistant to moisture and is durable.

4. Kerdi Board – In case you are expecting a lot of water or moisture exposure, this is a backer board that has a waterproof membrane on both sides. It is the best backer board you can use to keep moisture from passing through the backsplash.

How Thick Should Backer Board for Backsplash Be?

One of the reasons people don’t use backer boards for backsplashes is that they add an extra level of thickness to the wall.

To ensure the final wall thickness isn’t over-extended, stick to backer boards that are a quarter inch thick. The furthest you may go is ½ inches. But that’s the maximum thickness.

Backer boards that are ¼ to ½ inches thick are perfect for backsplashes because they do not use up a lot of space. Also, they are stable enough to hold the tile. And the best part is that they are much easier to work with.

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Please note that if you’re going to install heavy tiles, you’ll need a backer board that has a thickness of more than ½ inches.

What are the Drawbacks of Using Backer Board for Backsplash?

As mentioned earlier, the backer board isn’t commonly used in backsplashes. And that’s obviously because it introduces some drawbacks to the project. Here are some of the disadvantages of using a backer board in a backsplash;

• It prolongs the thickness of the wall – I have already talked about this in the above sub-topic. A thicker backsplash will look hideous and it may force you to adjust nearby countertops or cabinets which is a lot of work.

• It complicates the installation process – Without a backer board, all you need to do is adhere the tile to the drywall.

However, if you bring in a backer board, you must cut and screw it into the drywall. You’ll also need to waterproof it and that uses up a lot of time, effort, and resources.

• It adds more weight to the drywall – Regular drywall can only support light tiles and additional backsplash materials like grout and mortar. But when you add a heavy backer board, you’re over-straining the drywall and this can lead to failure.

So, before you add a backer board to your list of backsplash materials, make sure that it brings more pros than cons. Otherwise, it will be a complete waste of your time and resources.

Does the Backer Board in a Backsplash Need to Be Waterproofed?

Considering that backer boards are primarily used in backsplashes that will be exposed to a lot of water, it makes sense that you waterproof it during installation.

Waterproofing backer boards prevent them from soaking in moisture and transferring it to the drywall leading to water damage and mold.

If you are using cement board for your backsplash, you can waterproof it with a membrane or sealant of your choice. That should prevent water penetration.

Alternatively, you can consider using backer boards that have already been waterproofed like Kerdi Board or Fiber Cement Board. These will speed up the installation process because you’ll get to skip the waterproofing step.

It’s important to note that if you don’t expect any moisture exposure, there is no need to waterproof the backer board. There isn’t even no need for using a backer board in such a backsplash in the first place.

Whether you need to waterproof a backer board for a backsplash depends on the probability of moisture exposure.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens