Do I Need Backer Board for Kitchen Backsplash?

Exploring Kitchen Tile Backsplashes

Welcome to the expansive world of backsplashes! There's a lot to explore and a lot to discuss.

So, what is a backsplash?

Simply put, it is a verticle extension of the counter. Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes are panels made of waterproof wall material to protect your walls from splashes. Seems simple enough. Typically, they are made from ceramic or porcelain tiles with a waterproof backer.

Backsplash tiles come in many shapes and sizes that morph wonderfully to fit the individual. That's part of what makes them so wonderful and appealing to such a large crowd.

There are many options, but we will only cover a few of them here.

Tile Backsplash: Materials and Designs

Typically, the backsplash is made of metal, ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles. Other materials don't withstand moisture as well and might promote mold growth.

The tile is a massive part of their interior decor no matter where in the house you're putting it.

Now, whether you are installing a bathroom backsplash or a kitchen backsplash might affect your design choice. Kitchen backsplashes are a little more subdued in a lot of designs, reserving the attention for accent tiles or colored grout.

Bathroom tiles are where a lot of people pull out all the stops. Intricate designs create loads of interest, and brightly colored patterns make the atmosphere bright and happy.

For both options, considering something simpler is always a tasteful, modern option. Instead of leaning on the color for your interest, you can pick a shape. Hexagons, for example, fill the available space with so much texture without requiring color. Pairing this with golden grout lines elevates the room to a new level.

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Easy to Clean and Maintain

If you didn't think there was any other reason to install a new tile backsplash, this should encourage you to do just that. The backsplash tile surface is incredibly easy to clean because of how smooth and stain resistant it is.

Most debris can be easily cleaned off with the swipe of a rag or paper towel. Even crusty debris comes off with just a little elbow grease. Because of how easy it is to clean, maintaining a backsplash is hardly any extra effort. It's little more than an afterthought.

Enhances the Overall Aesthetic

Laying tile accents a portion of your kitchen that could very well be entirely uninteresting. There's nothing wrong with your walls being a solid color that you adore, but tile walls add extra pizazz that you're sure to fall in love with.

There are so many timeless designs to choose from. With a little bit of research, you can find a style that will outlast even you!

Increases the Value of Your Home

Because of the aesthetic and protection that interior tile provides, the value of your home is increased when you install the tile. It may not seem like much, but to appraisers, it's often a huge positive.

It shows that you've cared for the home in a way that wasn't required of you. You went above and beyond for your kitchen, so surely you've cared for the home in other ways. Potential buyers look at the kitchen and feel reassured that they're getting exactly what they're seeing. It often makes them excited to work with you and confident in their decision to buy.

Provides a Customizable Design Element

We already talked about a few of the designs you could consider ranging from plain ceramic tiles to complicated shapes or designs on a number of materials.

No matter what you're looking for, a tile backsplash is so versatile as well as functional that you can almost always find what is perfect for you. Even if you can't find something from the factory that you're in love with, there are so many services out there that create and install custom backsplashes. You will almost always find something that jibes with your personality.

What is a Backer Board?

Backer board is also commonly referred to as a concrete backer board or concrete board. It is a layer of protection against moisture that is put between the tile and grout and your walls.

Backer board prevents leaks and water damage that could harm the structure of your home. Unlike wood or drywall sub-surfaces, backer board is designed to not rot, warp, or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.

Places known as "wet areas" require backer board that is waterproof even if you have moisture-resistant drywall (known as green board) installed. Wet areas are places such as shower walls, shower floors, and behind the kitchen sink that are constantly and directly exposed to moisture.

There are several kinds of tile backer boards which we will talk about now.

Types of Backer Boards

Cement Board

Cement backer board is completely waterproof because it is non-organic, so there is nothing to decompose. It is a very popular choice when perusing tile installation. Its sturdiness has a wide appeal and is well known for lasting a long time.

Fiber Cement Board

Fiber cement board is a thin layer of concrete that is installed as a waterproof subfloor when you install the tile. It may be thin, but it is mighty.

Its purpose is to provide a strong, waterproof surface for the mortar that the tile will adhere to.

Glass Mat Gypsum Board

This is not a waterproof backer board but is water-resistant. It is made from silicone-treated gypsum and reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides. It works best in dam areas, such as the area surrounding the tub or toilet.

Water-Resistant Drywall

We've already touched on this material. It is a moisture-resistant drywall but is far from a waterproof backing board. You can replace the existing drywall in your kitchen with green board and expect it to last well, but it's not as permanent a solution as some other options. For instance, if water is sprayed directly onto your walls, you may find yourself with trapped moisture and/or waterlogged drywall.

Styrofoam Base Backer Board

This material is incredibly lightweight, strong, and waterproof. It is ideally suited for walls and will protect any drywall underneath your tile.

On top of being lightweight, the styrofoam base backer board cuts dust free, which avoids a lot of the cleanup hassle.

Why Do You Need Backer Boards in Kitchen Backsplash?

Superior Moisture Protection

Almost every tile job is for the sake of protecting an area from wetness. Without installing a backer board, your ceramic tile, glass tile, or whatever else you may pick can only do so much. A waterproof backer board will protect your walls even from spraying water directly on them.

Enhanced Wall Stability

Another layer of strength added to your walls is only a benefit. It adds strength because of stability and density, but it also protects your walls more than standard drywall, which will make them last longer.

Improved Adhesion for Tiles

Especially cement backer board has a lot of grips for your tile to adhere to. You do not have to install a backer board for adhesion, but it will improve the longevity and strength of the adhesion.

Easier Installation Process

A backer board may look like just an extra expense, but it actually speeds up the installation process. The added adhesion and protection create a smoother installation by creating an environment that promotes ease.

You don't have to worry about the tiles falling off or the drywall getting damaged because you've already taken steps against that.

All tiles are compatible with a backer board, but some are not compatible with a lack thereof. Using a backer board broadens your range of options by a significant amount.

Increased Lifespan of Backsplash

We've gone over the specific ways that installing a backer board will increase the longevity of your backsplash. Now, put it all together. With so many positives backing you, your backsplash will survive a lot of wear and tear over many years.

You expect your walls to last a lifetime. By including a backer board in your process of backsplash installation, you are ensuring the longevity of your kitchen wall.

Take Expert Suggestion

Though installing tile isn't necessarily a complicated process, it is difficult to get it right. Sometimes you have to replace old drywall or confront a problem you weren't expecting.

Professionals have years of studying and experience under their belts that help them avoid problems and know how to correct tricky situations.

You may be confident in your ability to install tile, but it also never hurts to consult with someone who has done it so many times before. A lot of companies offer free consultations with their contractors. Sitting down with someone of that level could help you think through things you didn't know you needed to consider. It's smart to use all the resources at your disposal.