Steps for Taking Off a Tile Backsplash

Change your backsplash without harming the drywall underneath.

Project Summary

• Overall Duration: 2 to 4 hours

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $25 to $75

Tile backsplashes are highly effective at safeguarding the walls behind kitchen or bathroom counters, shielding them from moisture and physical damage. When the backsplash starts to look outdated or shows signs of wear, it can be taken down. Often, the removal process can be carried out with little to no harm to the drywall. Continue reading to discover the steps for removing a tile backsplash while preserving the integrity of the wall.

Prior to Starting

Backsplash tiles are affixed directly to the drywall using thinset, a type of smooth mortar known for its excellent adhesion to both tiles and drywall. Thinset is rigid and fragile, resembling cement more than traditional adhesive.

Taking off backsplash tiles is rarely a tidy process, and the wall is unlikely to remain entirely unscathed. Focus on minimizing both the mess and the wall damage. The key is to disrupt the bond formed by the thinset between the tiles and the drywall.

Residues of thinset remaining on the wall can be removed by scraping. While some of the drywall’s facing paper and gypsum may come off with the tile, the resulting indentations can be filled or repaired.

Safety Factors to Keep in Mind

When taking down tiles from a backsplash, be aware that sharp, glass-like fragments can fly off. Ensure your eyes are safeguarded by wearing safety glasses or goggles. It’s advisable to use sturdy gloves. Dress in a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and sturdy footwear or boots. Regularly collect any tiles that have fallen to prevent slipping hazards.

Requirements

Devices / Instruments

• Sealant extraction tool
• Electric oscillating multifunction tool
• Versatile blade for removing grout with a multi-tool.
• 4-inch drywall trowel
• Spatula
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Optional grout removal tool
• Vacuum cleaner designed for workshop use, equipped with a filtration system.
• Crowbar
• Rubber hammer
• Optional drywall jab saw

Materials

• Versatile pre-mixed drywall joint compound.
• Cardboard
• Masking tape for painters
• Plastic film
• Optional: Reclaimed drywall
• Optional drywall screws
• Optional plywood backing board
• Optional drywall tape

Instructions

Steps for Taking Off a Tile Backsplash

Disconnect the power supply.

Turn off the power to the backsplash section by switching off the circuit breaker located in the electrical service panel. There may be several wires running behind the wall.

Safeguard the perimeter and the designated space.

• Insert stoppers into the sink to keep debris from going down the drain.
• Place cardboard on the countertops and secure it with tape.
• Place a layer of plastic covering on the ground.
• Restrict the spread of broken tile pieces by encasing the area with plastic tape.

Eliminate Barriers

• Using a screwdriver and a prybar, take off any non-tile items from the backsplash, such as outlet or light switch covers, blank covers, and wooden or PVC trim.
• If the tile backsplash extends to the wall cabinets, think about taking down the cabinets to gain improved access to the backsplash area.

Eliminate the Caulking

Utilize the caulk removal tool to scrape off the caulk located between the tile backsplash and the countertop.

Dissolve the Grout

• Attach the grout removal blade to the multi-tool.
• Activate the tool and glide the blade along the grout lines separating the tiles. The goal is to break the connection between the tiles instead of completely eliminating the grout.
• Minimize the clutter by positioning the shop vacuum’s nozzle beneath the blade of the multi-tool.

Tip

Although it is feasible to take off a tile backsplash without disturbing the grout, doing so can reduce the risk of damaging the wall during the tile removal process.

Eliminate Edges

The tile backsplash can be framed with various tile edges, such as listellos, ropes, quarter-rounds, pencil liners, and others. Use a putty knife or drywall knife to carefully slide the blade behind the border tile to detach it from the wall.

Delete Initial Tile

• Begin at the uppermost row of tiles. Position the drywall or putty knife at the junction of the tile and the drywall.
• Angle the tool towards the wall.
• Using a hammer or a rubber mallet, gently strike the tool’s handle to drive the blade into the gap between the tile and the wall.

Tip

At times, a simple tap or two is sufficient to dislodge the tile. However, there are occasions when the tile may shatter, requiring you to remove it in fragments.

Eliminate Remaining Tiles

Proceed to take off the tile backsplash by removing each tile individually, working your way down.

Remove Elevated Areas

Once the tile backsplash is taken off, you will probably find some elevated areas of thinset still attached to the wall. Utilize a putty knife or a drywall knife to manually scrape off the thinset. Keep the knife at a shallow angle while you scrape.

Fix Lower Sections

• To repair minor scrapes in the drywall, apply a layer of drywall joint compound over the affected area using a drywall knife. Typically, a single skim coat is enough for shallow scrapes.
• Minor dents: Much like scratches, use a drywall knife and a versatile joint compound to fill in minor dents. After approximately an hour, inspect the repair. It’s common for the joint compound to create a slight dip. Apply an additional layer of joint compound over the repaired area.
• To repair significant openings in drywall, start by shaping the hole into a square using a drywall jab saw. Next, cut a piece of leftover drywall to match the dimensions of the hole. Reinforce the hole’s edges by attaching 3-inch plywood strips. Secure the drywall patch to the plywood using screws. Finally, apply drywall tape and joint compound to complete the repair.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If taking the tile off the drywall becomes overly challenging, a viable option is to detach the tile along with the drywall backing in a single unit. A general contractor or a comprehensive tile installation service can assist in removing a stubborn tile backsplash and can also reconstruct the area with drywall in preparation for a new tile installation.