I am replacing tiles in my bathroom and noticed that the tiles were adhered to a concrete wall. Do I adhere the new tiles the same way or do I use backer board.

Hi Msorleans...


Is the concrete wall an outside wall? If it is, then in most places I know of (all cold states), you want to fir the wall out an 1.5" (studs turned sideways), insulate between studs using foam insulation board, install a vapor barrier and then install cement board over all that for the best job overall.

If this is an inside wall I would still fir the wall out and then install the cement board as I just don't see how you can set tile on the wall and still come down over the lip of the tub... at least not and end up with a really nice grout line at the tub.

Check back for others' opinions on this, but this is what I would do here... ;)

Mark