Installing a tile backsplash can instantly upgrade the look of a kitchen or bathroom. However, tastes change over time and tile that once looked stylish may start to feel dated. If your tile backsplash needs an update, removing it doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive process. With some time and effort, you can get rid of a tile backsplash on your own. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a tile backsplash.
Assess the Tile and Wall Material
The first step is to take a close look at your existing backsplash and identify the tile material, as well as what it’s installed on.
- Ceramic or porcelain – These are probably the most common backsplash tiles. They are relatively easy to remove with the right tools.
- Glass – Glass tiles can be more delicate to work with. Take care when prying them off to avoid breaking them.
- Stone – Natural stone tiles like marble, granite or slate are sturdy but more difficult to remove than ceramic or porcelain.
- Metal – Metal backsplashes can usually be taken down with less trouble than stone or ceramic.
Also check what surface the tiles are adhered to. Drywall is the easiest material to work with, while plaster walls take a bit more effort. Tiles glued directly to wood, concrete, brick or other masonry are the most challenging to remove.
This initial assessment will give you an idea of how difficult the process will be. More delicate materials or sturdier wall surfaces may require you to work slowly and carefully to get the results you want.
Gather Your Materials
Removing a tile backsplash requires a few key tools and materials:
- Hammer – Use a regular claw hammer or small sledgehammer for tapping and prying off tiles.
- Putty knife or paint scraper – These are perfect for working under the edges of tiles to detach them from the wall.
- Goggles and work gloves – For protecting your eyes and hands during the demolition process.
- Dust mask – To prevent inhaling debris and dust as you work.
- Drop cloths – For protecting surfaces from falling tiles and clouds of dust.
- Plastic bags – For containing tile pieces and debris as you demolish.
- Wet/dry vacuum – To efficiently clean up dust, crumbs and shards of tile as you work.
Having these supplies on hand will make the process much smoother from start to finish.
Prepare the Workspace
Before beginning demolition, you need to prep the area around your backsplash:
- Remove anything mounted on or near the backsplash like spice racks, utensil hooks, etc.
- Clear the countertops of small appliances, cookware and other items that could get covered in dust.
- Tape drop cloths to the wall above and below the backsplash area to catch debris. Cover countertops, sinks or cooktops below the workspace.
- Have a broom, dustpan, vacuum and waste bags ready to tidy up quickly.
Properly setting up the workspace will allow you to work efficiently and contain the mess of demolition.
Start Removing Tiles
Once fully prepared, it’s time to start taking down tiles:
Pry off any loose tiles
Use a putty knife or scraper to detach any already-loose tiles and pluck them off by hand. This will create open areas to start working in with your tools.
Pick an inconspicuous starting point
Choose an out-of-the-way area like next to the stove or fridge to begin removal. Damage will be less noticeable here than over the sink or stove.
Carefully tap tiles to break adhesive’s hold
Use a hammer and block of wood to lightly tap tiles and break the adhesive’s grip. Apply force gradually to avoid cracking tile.
Work in small sections
Take down tiles a small area at a time to keep control over falling pieces. Remove tiles cleanly from the edges inward.
Remove stubborn tiles with prying motion
For tiles that won’t release by tapping, wiggle a pry bar under the edge and lift steadily. Apply penetrating oil if needed to help separate adhesives.
Watch for hidden layers
Sometimes multiple layers of tile may have been installed. Carefully pry off each layer until you reach the wall surface.
Clean up debris frequently
Regularly collect tile pieces and dust into waste bags to avoid creating a mess. Vacuum the wall to remove adhesive crumbs.
With care and patience, the tiles should pry off fairly cleanly. Take it slowly to avoid damaging the underlying wall.
Clean and Prepare the Wall
Once all old tile is removed, some extra steps are needed to get the wall ready for new backsplash tile:
- Pull out any remaining adhesive – Scraping and sanding will remove sticky residue or adhesive strips. This gets rid of uneven areas.
- Fill any gouges and holes – Use drywall joint compound to smoothly patch dents, scratches or gaps in the wall material. Allow patches to dry completely before smoothing edges.
- Clean and vacuum the area – Remove final traces of adhesive dust and debris to prep for new tile.
- Prime if needed – For very porous surfaces like drywall, apply a coat of primer to control absorption and improve adhesion. Allow primer to dry fully.
Proper prep work helps new backsplash tiles adhere evenly and smoothly. Take time to clean and repair the wall before applying fresh tile.
Tips for Easier Removal
Here are a few extra pointers to help the tile removal process go as smoothly as possible:
- Try to preserve larger tile sheets rather than breaking a whole area into fragments. Pry off strips carefully.
- For stubborn adhesive, apply heat with a hair dryer or apply adhesive remover chemical and let it sit before scraping.
- Try gently tapping a wide putty knife behind whole tile sheets to detach them without breaking.
- If tiles crack easily, wrap a piece of cloth around your pry bar to prevent shattering.
- On masonry walls, use an oscillating multi-tool held flush to avoid digging into the surface.
- Wear knee pads if working low to the ground. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.
- If needed, don’t hesitate to call in a handyperson to help with demolition or repairs.
FAQs
How long does it take to remove a tile backsplash?
On average, it takes 1-3 hours for a DIYer to remove and clean up a standard-sized tile backsplash, working alone. Larger or more complex tile installations could take 4-6 hours or more. Have patience and schedule enough time to complete the project.
What’s the easiest way to get tile adhesive off a wall?
For residue left after tile removal, an adhesive remover chemical works best. Apply a liberal amount, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrape off gunk with a putty knife. Heat from a hair dryer also helps soften old adhesive for removal.
Can I put new tile over an existing backsplash?
It’s generally not advisable to install new tile over old. Irregularities in the existing surface can lead to cracking or weak adhesion of the new tile. It’s best to remove the old backsplash completely before tiling again for smooth, even results.
How do I repair drywall after removing tiles?
Use drywall joint compound and a putty knife to fill any gouges, holes or seams in drywall left from taking down tile. Apply thin coats, allowing each to fully dry before sanding smooth. Prime repaired areas before applying new tile.
What tools do I need to take down a tile backsplash?
A hammer or pry bar, putty knife, dust masks and eye protection are essential safety gear. Have drop cloths, debris bags and a vacuum on hand. A multi-tool or heat gun can also help with stubborn areas. Avoid power chisels which can easily damage walls.
Conclusion
Removing old or outdated tile backsplashes takes some planning, prep and elbow grease. But with the proper tools and techniques, it’s a manageable DIY project for most homeowners’ skill levels. Carefully prying up existing tile, cleaning the wall surface thoroughly, and making any needed repairs will get your space ready for a fresh, on-trend backsplash you’ll love. Don’t be afraid to tackle this job yourself and upgrade your kitchen or bath.