Removing a tile backsplash can refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom. However, this project does require some work and expense. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with removing tile backsplash.
Equipment and Supplies
To remove tile backsplash, you will need some basic equipment and supplies. Here are some of the key items you will need:
- Protective gear – Safety glasses, dust mask, gloves
- Hammer and chisel – For breaking up tile and mortar
- Putty knife or pry bar – For removing stubborn tiles
- Dustpan and shop vacuum – For cleaning up tile pieces and dust
- Bucket – For soaking tiles in water to loosen mortar
- Tile nippers – Optional for nipping off stubborn pieces of tile
You may also need a heat gun or paint scraper for removing leftover thinset or mortar from the wall surface after the tile is removed. The total costs for these supplies is typically $50 to $150.
Labor
Removing tile backsplash is a labor-intensive process. You can do it yourself as a DIY project or hire a professional.
DIY labor will take 2-3 hours for a small backsplash up to 8 hours for a full wall or kitchen. Assuming a DIY hourly rate of $25/hour, labor costs range $50 to $200.
Hiring a handyman will typically cost $50 to $100 per hour and take 2 to 6 hours. So total labor costs for professional removal range $100 to $600. Tile professionals charge more per hour but may work faster than a general handyman.
Tile Disposal
The old tile and mortar removed from the walls will create a significant amount of heavy waste. You’ll need to either:
- Haul it yourself to a landfill for a dump fee of $20 to $50
- Rent a dumpster for $300 to $700
- Pay junk haulers $100 to $300 to dispose of the waste
Tile disposal can really add to the overall project costs.
Wall Surface Preparation
Once the tile is removed, the wall surface may need smoothing and cleaning to prep for the new backsplash. This involves:
- Scraping off all old thinset mortar
- Sanding and smoothing the wall area
- Applying a skim coat if walls are very uneven
These extra steps can take 2 to 4 hours and cost $50 to $200 in additional labor. Any special smoothing or leveling materials (like joint compound) will add another $20 to $100 in material costs.
Total Costs
Given all these factors, here are typical total costs to remove existing tile backsplash:
- Small backsplash DIY – $150 to $350
- Full wall DIY – $250 to $600
- Professional removal – $400 to $1,500
The wide range covers the varying sizes of projects, disposal methods, and if wall prep is needed. Get multiple quotes and remove tile yourself to save on costs.
Cost Factors
Some key factors impact how much it will ultimately cost you to remove backsplash tile:
- Tile size – Small tiles take longer to remove vs large tiles
- Layout – Intricate designs take more work than a basic grid
- Adhesive – Cement or mortar is harder to scrape than mastic
- Wall type – Drywall is easier than plaster or concrete
- Backsplash height – Full height is more work than a short splash
Jobs with difficult tile or walls will be on the higher end of the cost range.
FAQs About Removing Tile Backsplash
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing backsplash tile:
How do I remove the tile?
Start by softening the adhesive using a heat gun or by soaking the tiles. Then use a hammer and chisel to chip off the tiles safely. Pry up stubborn tiles with a putty knife. Be sure to wear protective gear.
What about the thinset mortar underneath?
Scrape off old thinset with a putty knife. Use a heat gun to soften dried mortar and make it easier to remove. Be prepared for extra labor to fully clean the wall surface.
Should I hire a professional?
Consider hiring a tile removal pro if you have a large area, intricate design, or cement backerboard. Professionals have more experience with efficiently removing tile and prepping the underlying wall.
Can the old tile be recycled or reused?
Some facilities accept construction debris like tile for recycling. Or you can clean and reuse undamaged whole tiles for small projects or mosaics. The rest will need proper disposal.
What’s the best way to dispose of the tile?
For large amounts of tile waste, rent a dumpster placed in your driveway for easy debris removal. Or hire a junk hauling company to dispose of the tile for you.
Key Takeaways
- Removing tile backsplash involves tools like hammers, pry bars, and heat guns to safely pry up tiles and scrape off mortar.
- Disposal costs for hauling away tile debris can add $100 to $700.
- Preparing the wall surface smooth again takes additional effort and materials.
- Total costs range from $150 for a small DIY job to over $1,500 for large professional projects.
- Factors like tile design, wall material, and height impact the time and difficulty.
Removing existing backsplash tile takes work but opens up the space for a beautiful new backsplash design. With proper planning and preparation, you can take on this project and control costs.