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Yes, you can install a backsplash directly onto drywall, provided the wall is properly prepped, clean, and dry. For best results, especially in kitchen areas, your walls should be made of moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board. If your current wall isn't moisture-resistant, it's recommended to replace it before installing the backsplash. For even greater protection against water damage, you can remove the existing drywall and install a tile backer board or cement board instead. While properly installed standard drywall is typically strong enough to support a backsplash, some local building codes may require water-resistant materials in kitchen areas, so it's a good idea to check.

You should always use caulk instead of grout where the tile meets the wall. This will help your tile installation look great and last a long time. When you accidentally use grout for the corner seams, you end up making the tiles too rigid. So as the wall shifts over time, your tiles have no wiggle room. This can lead to tile damage, which will eventually require you to do at least a partial reinstallation.

Costs range from $5 to $15 per square foot for installation and $150 to $600 for repairs, depending on the material and complexity.

No, you don’t technically need a cement backer board for a wall tiling project, but not using it risks disastrous moisture damage. Cement is naturally water-resistant, whereas drywall soaks it in, which can lead to warping or mold growth. Always use a backer board treated with a waterproof membrane for bathrooms and other chronically damp areas to ensure complete tile shower waterproofing.