nesssary to tape joints on drywall?

[jpatz18]

i am replacing 4x6 section of my wall, is it nessary to tape it and add joint compound even though i am going to tile right over it? if so would i need to add all those coats. i suck at joints.

[leejosepho]

I would probably not bother, but I do not think regular drywall is a good backer for tile.

[frenchie]

Yes, you should tape it.

No, you don't need to do the extra coats, if your 1st coat is reasonably smooth (i.e., don't pile it on too much).

[chris fox]

I suck at joints too, but atleast it dosent need to look pretty since the tile will go over it. It is recommended to use mesh tape vs. paper, at least that was what I was told.
Good luck.

[jadnashua]

It the whole area is going to be tiled, don't bother using drywall mud to tape the joints...get some alkaline resistant tape for cbu, and slap some up there while tiling. Drywall in a dry area is fine for tile. Works great, lasts a long time. If painted, you could have problems, though.

[jpatz18]

its not regular drywall its the purple board. so i just mesh tape it and put 1 coat of compund on there thanks!

[jadnashua]

No, I wouldn't use any drywall compound, just fill it with thinset and the special tape for thinset (cbu) installs. You can do this while tiling, or, if you prefer, you can do it before then let the thinset cure. You might be okay if you used a setting drywall mud, but it's a little risky if you use the stuff premixed in a bucket as the added moisture when you do use thinset to tile could soften it. It somewhat depends on the size of the tile you are using...if the tile are big, they'd bridge the gap caused by the tapers at the edges of the board. If they are smaller, it is harder to get them to lay flat. in no case do you want to have a hump over that joint like you typically do when painting over it; the tile won't lay flat.