I want to install a glass mosaic backsplash. These are a bunch of small square tiles of different colors on a mesh. Each meash measures 13 x 13. They are so thin, that I want to put some plywood or 1/4 inch tile backer board over the drywall first because my wall is uneven and I'm afraid some gaps will show between the countertop and the wall. My question is is it OK to use 1/4 plywood for the backer or should I use hardibacker or something like that? Someone told me the plywood would expand and contract too much with temperature changes. Someone else also told me that backer board is overkill because its not a wet application and its not a floor. I'm also worried about what the glass tiles would stick best too.
Tile – What kind of backing should I use for a glass mosaic backsplash
backsplashtile
Related Solutions
When applying thinset, put it on in a flat coat first,, and lay it on thick, pressing it against the wall or floor. THEN go back at an angle and notch it, removing excess. This makes sure the thinset has good contact with the wall over the whole area and will bond well. Laying it on at an angle, so it's notched in one pass, doesn't spread the thinset over the wall nor press it into the wall as well as laying it flat first.
Use a V-notch trowel, definitely; A narrow U-notch will work in a pinch, and don't bother with square-notch; those are for laying floor tile mostly, where you need a lot of vertical play to create a level surface. If the mesh tile doesn't seem to be adhering well to the wall, you can try "back-buttering" the mesh with some more thinset, kind of like applying glue to both sides of a wood joint. Just don't damage the mesh or lose too many attached tiles. Don't be afraid to really lean in with pressure to get the tiles into that thinset; just don't pound on the tiles/wall too hard.
Wire lath has been used as a base for plaster walls and stucco for decades.
It is made from an expanded mesh of metal. You should be able to:
- cut a piece that is the size of your mosaic
- check to make sure that the lath + thinset + mosaic will be flush with the remainder of your tiles
- attach it to your backerboard (or whatever the substrate is for the rest of the tile) with screws or staples
- cover the mesh completely with thinset, making sure it fills the gaps under the mesh and adheres to the backing material
- place your mosaic on the thinset.
The wire lath should be available at tile stores and possibly home centers. See, e.g. this
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Best Answer
Here are some good points against using plywood, the source is talking about tiling a floor but most of the points are valid for walls as well.
In my opinion it's better to go the "overkill" route, then have to redo the job in the future because something didn't turn out right.
The cost difference between plywood and cement board is negligible, so your not going to save any money using plywood (unless you already have it).
Do the job right and use cement board, when you don't have any problems and you can enjoy the tile for years to come you will never regret the decision.