Can You Tile Over Moisture Resistant Drywall?

So, you’ve got your new tile ready to go, and you’re itching to get started on your latest home renovation project. But wait, can you tile over moisture resistant drywall? You might have heard that it’s possible, but is it really a good idea?

Yes, you can tile over moisture-resistant drywall, to give you the quick answer. But ought you to? That’s a different story, though.

What is Moisture Resistant Drywall?

First, let’s talk about what moisture resistant drywall actually is. It’s a type of drywall that’s specially designed to resist moisture, making it a popular choice for bathrooms and other areas that are prone to getting wet. It’s often called green board or blue board, depending on the color of the paper facing.

Why Use Moisture Resistant Drywall?

There are a few good reasons to use moisture resistant drywall in areas where moisture is a concern:

• It’s less likely to mold or mildew, which is always a plus.
• It’s stronger than regular drywall, so it can handle a bit more abuse.
• It’s better at preventing moisture from seeping through to the framing behind it.

Can You Tile Directly Over Moisture Resistant Drywall?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Can you really tile directly over moisture resistant drywall? Well, technically yes, you can. But there are a few things to consider before you do:

• Moisture resistant drywall is still just drywall. It’s not designed to be a tile substrate, so it might not provide the best surface for your tiles to adhere to.
• Moisture resistant drywall is not completely waterproof. While it’s better at resisting moisture than regular drywall, it can still get wet. And if it does, your tiles could come loose.
• If you’re tiling over moisture resistant drywall in a shower or other area that will be regularly exposed to water, you should use a waterproofing membrane like Schluter-Kerdi or Redgard.

Alternatives to Tiling Over Moisture Resistant Drywall

If you’re not comfortable tiling directly over moisture resistant drywall, there are a few alternatives you can consider:

• Install cement board over the moisture resistant drywall. Cement board is a more suitable substrate for tile and will provide a stronger surface for your tiles to adhere to.
• Use a waterproofing membrane. As mentioned earlier, if you’re tiling in a wet area, a waterproofing membrane is a must. You can install it over the moisture resistant drywall and then tile on top of it.
• Remove the moisture resistant drywall altogether and install a tile backer board. This is a more time-consuming option, but it will give you a solid, waterproof substrate for your tiles.

Tiling over moisture resistant drywall is possible, but it’s not always the best choice

Tiling over moisture resistant drywall is possible, but it’s not always the best choice. While moisture resistant drywall is designed to be more resistant to moisture, it’s not a substitute for a proper tile substrate. Before you start tiling, make sure you consider your options and choose the best substrate for your project.

Remember, if you’re not sure what to do, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. A tile installer or contractor can help you choose the right substrate and ensure that your tile installation is done properly.

So, can you tile over moisture resistant drywall? Yes, you can. But should you? That’s up to you to decide. Just keep in mind that there are alternatives available if you’re not comfortable tiling directly over moisture resistant drywall.

In the end, the key is to make sure you do your research, choose the right substrate, and follow proper installation techniques. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting tile installation that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends and family.