You can indeed install tile or panel backsplashes directly onto standard drywall in residential kitchens, provided the wall surface is properly prepared, clean, primed, and completely dry. For standard prep areas, drywall provides an adequate foundational backing when using quality mastic adhesive or thinset mortar. However, in high-moisture zones directly behind a kitchen sink or an active cooking range, relying exclusively on standard drywall can lead to moisture damage if water penetrates grout or caulk lines, making water-resistant primer or cement backer board a much safer installation choice for wet areas.
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