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Hello, I am back with a question/concern on fireplace tile surround... My house is being built. The sub is laying 12x24 porcelain tile (daltiile fabrique) over the drywall all the way to the two storey ceiling. My concern is can the drywall hold the weight of the tile? What happens if there is a water damage? Should a cement board be used instead of the drywall? Please advice as I am collecting info before I bring it up with the builder. Please find attached picture from the model house as my fireplace is supposed to be identical with just one mantle.
We have tile all the way to the ceiling on our fireplace also. When we were building, the builder put up drywall not knowing we already purchased the tile AND it was in the plans. They had to rip it all out and start over with cement board to hold the weight of the tile. I think they had to reinforce the studs also.
On the drywall is perfectly acceptable- it's not a place that's exposed to excessive moisture.
A good general rule of thumb for unfinished drywall (no skimcoat/paint) is about 70lbs per sq/yrd.- that includes the adhesive.
I don't doubt K'ledgeBldr is right - but if it was my house, I would want the cement board, because (unless I am mistaken on this) it is stronger.
But that's just me, I'm a "belt and suspenders" kind of guy. Always running 12 gauge wire where 14 would meet code, always pouring much thicker slabs of concrete than are really necessary.
Since I am building things one at a time for my own use, I don't miss the money I "waste" doing this. I live with the results of my over-building things and like it. The few local contractors I use for things like concrete know that I want things "Hell for stout" and am willing to pay extra for it. I think they like working with me, in the short term I pay them more, and in the long term they know I'm not going to have any problems with the "Hell for stout" design/build.
Thank you all. The take away is drywall is acceptable but cenemt board would have given me a more peaceful sleep:-(
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