Hey everyone! We're getting our fireplace tiles replaced around our gas/wood fireplace, which we don't really use. My husband removed the old tiles, and the builder had used drywall behind them. He replaced it with the same type, but I've come across info online that says cement board should be used instead. The tile guy insists that drywall is fine, and my husband agrees with him. I'm really stressing about this! Should I push for cement board with the tile guy, or is drywall sufficient? He already put in the hearth and is coming back tomorrow to do the tile work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Using drywall can be acceptable in some cases, especially if you're not using the fireplace often. It works fine for those type of installations, but there is a fair amount of debate on this subject. Cement board is generally recommended as it provides better durability and moisture resistance, but if your tile guy is confident, he might feel that the installation will hold up just fine. Just make sure he’s using good quality adhesive and grout to help with the longevity of the tile.
I get why you're confused! The cement board is a common recommendation, especially for regular fireplace use, because it can handle heat better than drywall. But if you rarely use it, drywall might be just okay. Just keep an eye on the installation and see how it holds up.