I.3.5 WALL TILE

I.3.5.1General

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where wall tile is an acceptable finish.  Tile is to be used behind water fountains, in high use areas such as fitness centers or clinics, and in wet areas in the restrooms (behind water closets, urinals, and at countertops).  Use tile sizes that minimize grout joints.  A cove piece should be used as a base wherever wall tile meets the floor.  All wall tile is to be installed over a waterproof substrate such as cementous backer board, or Duraock.  Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

I.3.5.2 Restrooms

It is preferred that wall tile is to be used behind toilets and urinals and not on all walls.  A tile wainscot at 42” A.F.F. is acceptable in most restroom locations.  Some specific restrooms may need to be fully tiled.  Showers stalls are to be fully tiled.  Light switches are to be installed so the bottom of the plate is just above the top wall tile (switches must meet ADA requirements above all).  If the wainscot is too high to allow this, the tile is to be installed surrounding the plate only at the points necessary.

Cementous backerboard or Durock shall be used behind tiles in all wet areas.  Water resistant gypsum wallboard (green board) may be used behind tiles if there is no water in the area.

APPENDIX I – INTERIOR FINISHES STANDARDS FLOORING