I want to install Travertine tile to a fireplace surround. This would be travertine tile directly to sheetrock, painted with flat latex paint. This areawould never see moisture other than something the wet grout and sealer. Is this OK? Will the sheetrock hold the weight of the tiles? What prep is needed? Or am I asking for trouble?
my husband just installed a travertine back splash directly to the drywall,he did use mastic instead of thin set
NO. You need to put cement board under the tile. You can buy 3 x 5 sheets that are 1/4 thick. If you put it directly onto the sheet rock they will fall off and/or crack. Do it right the first time
Directly to the wall in your situation will work fine. You are better off using a thin set ( latex or a latex modified the bag will say) I ve done 100 s of FP s this way I would use a metal edging on the inside of the surround rather than a caulk or grout, since both will look bad shortly from the metal on the fire chamber will expand and contract. Don t forget to seal the stone at least once before installation ( I do all mine twice before installation ) This so you don t stain it w/ glues, thin sets or grouting. I still strongly suggest a thin set.. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there.. GL
Travertine Tile Fireplace
installing directly to sheetrock will not cause the tiles to break or the installation to fail. 75% of new homes are tile to sheetrock on fireplaces. mastic is never a good idea. Because this is not an area that will get wet, you might get by, but honestly... Why spend $35 for a pail of mastic when $20 will give you a 50# bag of modified thinset? So yes, sheetrock will support the weight of the tiles on a fireplace surround. No prep is needed. Cut tiles, thinset, and set. Also a tip... Some people like to caulk around the inside of the surround, as the grout tends to crack there with the expansion/contraction of the metal from using the fireplace. Don't do it. It'll look good for a little while, but it will stink every time you use the fireplace. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck!
