How to export a sprite sheet from layers, but retain a layer as a background?

I’m pretty sure the answer for this is going to be “use a script” but I’m hoping the answer is more “there’s a better way to do this”.

Working on a sprite sheet for a deck of cards. I only have one suit done so far, but I have the pips & numbers on separate layers from the card background. Is there a way to export the sprite sheet such that every output sprite in the grid includes the background layer? Currently when I split layers, every layer is separated into its own sprite in the grid.

Secondarily, I have only the first set of cards done. Would it make more sense (if these aren’t going to be animated) do to all of them on separate layers, or to do each suit in its own animation frame? Just to make exporting the whole lot of them easier.