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Installing large format marble tile on kitchen wall.

Q. We are considering using a large format marble tile on a kitchen wall. The tile is 7 1/2" X 24" X 3/4".

Is this size tile too heavy to use on a wall? Is special thinset needed?

Currently the wall is lathe and plaster (100+ yr old home), should this all be removed and Backerboard installed, or would it be OK to install directly over it?

Thank you!!
Mike

 
A. It depends on a number of things. . Normally tile of this size should be mechcanically anchored. However, there are expoxy setting mortars that can be used that will adhere tile of this size. The problem is going to be the substrate. If the substrate is sound and not flaking, etc. you might be able to adhere it directly. If not, I would remove the plaster and install backboard.