Tile non-wet area walls

[FJK]

I'm doing my 2nd bathroom remodel. I will use cement board for the 3 wall surrond of my tub/shower, just as before. With this bathroom, I'm considering tileing the non-wet walls half way up. Chances are the old drywall is coming out regardless. The question is do I install cement board or dry wall for the non-wet walls? If drywall is ok to tile over, do I use motor or adhesive to set the tile? Finally, when I say tile the wall half way up, Im really looking for suggestions for how high up you generally tile an 8 foot wall. Thanks, Jim

[silvercitytile]

welome jim. for me i would put cbu even if its a non wet area, jusst peice of mind. and yes a morter will cure out faster. i like to use a lightweight morter for walls

[lojoma]

I'm not a pro but drywall is fine to tile over in the non-wet areas. I did exactly what you're talking about, I think, in my own bath which you can see in the link in my signature (last couple of pages have the pics of completed job).

Height is probably personal preference but I went 4 1/2 feet up for mine.

Use thinset that comes in a bag, not the premixed stuff in a tub.

[Houston Remodeler]

Drywall is perfectly fine

Setting the tiles in thinset will be your cheapest and stronger option

Chair rail height is between 32 and 36 inches, but then just today we are looking at a job at 42 inches. Its a design choice.

[MNTileGuy]

I agree that regular drywall's fine if it's not going to see any water.

If you're using tiles smaller than 12" by 12's, mastic's fine. If it's a larger tile, I'd use thinset.

Paul hit the height dead-on. Just see what looks good to you.

[FJK]

Geezz.. fast responses guys, thanks. Early in my thought process I just assumed I'd use cement board, but if I just use drywall, I have the flexability to tile as far up as to what looks right. Additionally, you would not have to worry about the cement board to drywall seem, which always has the cement board recessed & the drywall standing proud. Food for thought.

[Houston Remodeler]

To help make it easier, you can even paint the wall a little below tiling height then tile the wall. Just keep a damp sponge handy. You will get a perfect paint line that way. Let the paint dry a few days first.

[surgeon]

Great tip Paul. I wish I had done this too. Next one for sure.

[Houston Remodeler]

I like to paint down to the point where the top tile overlaps by about 1". You can do this vertically too.

[FJK]

When tiling drywall, is there any problem with completely painting the wall first? By painting, I mean primer & topcoat. That would leave the flexability of tiling up to any hieght. I work so slow, there would not be any problem in letting the paint dry completely.

[bbcamp]

While it's not recommended to paint the drywall before tileing, you can do it. Just scuff sand the paint so the thinset has something to bite into.