How to Remove Tile Backsplash

How to Remove Tile Backsplash

Always try to first remove the tile backsplash from the wall before attempting other methods. If the tile was loosely applied, it will come off with relative ease.

1. Turn Off Electricity

   Shut off the electricity to the backsplash area by shutting off the circuit breaker at the electric service panel. Multiple cables may run behind the wall.

2. Protect Counter and Area

   Place stoppers in the sink to prevent tile from entering the drain. Lay cardboard on the counters and tape down the cardboard. Lay plastic sheeting on the floor. Limit scattered tile shards by taping plastic around the area.

3. Remove Obstructions

   With a screwdriver and prybar, remove non-tile obstructions from the backsplash like outlet or light switch faceplates, blank faceplates, and wood or PVC trim. If the tile backsplash runs up to wall cabinets, consider removing the cabinets to provide yourself with better access to the backsplash.

4. Remove Caulk

   With the caulk removal tool, scrap away the caulk between the tile backsplash and the countertop.

5. Loosen Grout

   Fit the multitool with the grout removal blade. Turn on the tool, then run the blade along each line of grout between tiles. The aim is to sever the bond between adjacent tiles rather than to remove all of the grout. Limit the mess by holding the shop vacuum's nozzle under the multitool blade.

   Tip

   While it's possible to remove a tile backsplash without breaking up the grout, doing so will help minimize damage to the wall when the tile is removed.

6. Remove Borders

   The tile backsplash may be bordered by any number of tile perimeters: listellos, ropes, quarter-rounds, pencil liners, or more. Force the putty knife or drywall knife blade behind the border tile to break its bond to the wall.

7. Remove First Tile

   Start at the top row of tiles. Hold the drywall knife or putty knife against the top of the tile, where the tile meets the drywall. Bend the tool toward the wall. With the hammer or a rubber mallet, tap the handle of the tool to force the blade between the tile and the wall.

   Tip

   Sometimes, only a few taps are needed for the tile to fall off. Other times, the tile will break and you'll need to chip it off in pieces.

8. Remove Remaining Tiles

   Continue removing the tile backsplash downward, one tile at a time.

9. Scrape Away High Sections

   After the tile backsplash has been removed, raised sections of thinset will likely remain on the wall. By hand, use the putty knife or drywall knife to scrape away the thinset. Hold the knife at a low angle when scraping.

10. Repair Low Sections

    The drywall will be left with grooves, scrapes, holes, and other low sections from the removal process.

    • Scrapes: Fix low scrapes in the drywall by running a pass of drywall joint compound over the scrape with the drywall knife. Usually, one skim coat will be sufficient for shallow scrapes.
    • Small holes: Similar to scrapes, fill in small holes with the drywall knife and all-purpose joint compound. After about an hour, check the fix. Often, the joint compound will have formed a shallow depression. Run another pass of joint compound over the patch.
    • Large holes: Fix large holes in drywall by squaring the hole with a drywall jab saw, then cutting a piece of scrap drywall to the same size. Back the edges of the hole with 3-inch strips of plywood. Screw the patch material onto the plywood strips. Finish with drywall tape and joint compound.

How to Remove a Tile Backsplash and Attached Drywall

If the tile backsplash is difficult to remove without damaging the wall—especially if the tile was attached with glue—it may be easier to remove the drywall along with the tile.

1. Secure Area

   Turn off electricity and shut off the water to the backsplash area. Remove outlet and light switch faceplates and other obstructions.

2. Remove Borders

   If possible, remove any perimeter materials to give you better access to the tile. If not possible, leave them in place. Do not remove or loosen the tile grout.

3. Mark Studs

   Use a stud finder to identify and mark the location of each stud behind the backsplash.

4. Mark Depth on Multitool Blade

   With an indelible marker or painter's tape, mark 1/2-inch inward from the cutting edge of the multitool blade.

5. Cut Drywall Around Tile Perimeter

   Use the multi-tool to plunge-cut the drywall perimeter around the tile backsplash. Work slowly and with care. Stop the cut at 1/2-inch deep to avoid ripping up the insulation on exterior walls or contacting wires and pipes. It's especially important to stop cutting at 1/2-inch deep when cutting over wall studs.

6. Begin Prying

   Slip the pry bar into the cut at the top of the backsplash, directly above a stud. Start at one end. Slip the pry bar down as far as it will go until it meets with resistance above a drywall screw or nail. Gently pull back on the pry bar until the drywall pops free of the fastener.

7. Finish Prying

   Continue working horizontally. Once you reach the last wall stud, return to the first wall stud and continue to the next fastener. Each eight-foot section of countertop will have six to seven studs behind it.

8. Remove Backsplash and Drywall

   Have an assistant help you remove the combined tile/drywall backsplash section as it will be heavy.

9. Measure Drywall Patch Area

   Since the distance from a countertop to the bottom of wall cabinets is around 18 inches, a single sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot 1/2-inch drywall is sufficient to cover 16 linear feet of removed backsplash (minus the two 4-inch tapered drywall edges).

10. Replace Drywall

    Cut the drywall with a utility knife, screw it into place with drywall screws, and tape and apply drywall joint compound to the perimeter. Finish with two coats of drywall primer.

When to Call a Professional

A general contractor or full-service tile installation company can remove a difficult tile backsplash for you.