If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen, knowing how to remove tile backsplash is a handy skill to have. From assembling your tools to removing the old tiles, it’s important to follow each step closely.
Removing your outdated tile backsplash opens up possibilities for modern styles and ensures your wall is ready for future upgrades. With the right tools and a little prep, it’s doable — even for beginners. To save on costs, consider borrowing or renting tools you don’t have on hand.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 2 to 4 hours Project cost: $10 to $100, depending on the tools you need to rent or buy. |
Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials
Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother and safer. Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need:
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, dust mask)
- Utility knife or caulk remover
- Putty knife, flat pry bar, or chisel
- Hammer or mallet
- Grout removal tool or oscillating multi-tool (optional)
- Scraper
- Shop vac or broom
- Drop cloths, cardboard, or plastic sheeting
Length of project: Around 2 to 4 hours, depending on the adhesive strength and backsplash size.
Step 2: Shut Off Your Kitchen’s Electricity
Before beginning the manual labor, it’s important to flip off the power to your kitchen to avoid accidental electrocution. Here are a few steps to ensure your safety:
- Turn off the power at the breaker box: Locate your kitchen’s breaker switch and flip it off to cut power to the outlets and switches.
- Unplug appliances: Unplug any appliances near the backsplash area for added safety.
- Test the outlets: Use a voltage tester to make sure there’s no power to the outlets to prevent accidental electric shocks.
Step 3: Prepare Your Workspace
Get your workspace ready for a smooth tile removal process.
- Cover surfaces: Lay plastic sheeting or drop cloths on the countertops and floor, and use cardboard or a thick sheet to protect cabinets and nearby appliances from scratches or stains.
- Remove faceplates and trim: Use a screwdriver to remove outlet covers, light switch plates, and any decorative trim that might obstruct access to the tile backsplash. Put these aside, as you’ll reinstall them after the new backsplash is in place.
Step 4: Remove Caulk and Grout
Removing caulk and grout creates space around each tile, making it easier to pry them off.
- Loosen the caulk: Run a utility knife or caulk remover along the edges of the backsplash where tiles meet the countertop or walls. If it’s a water-based caulk, you can soften it with a damp cloth to make removing it easier.
- Break the grout lines: Use a grout removal tool, such as a multi-tool fitted with a grout removal blade, to cut along the grout lines. This weakens the bond between tiles, helping you remove them without damaging the drywall.
Step 5: Start Removing Tiles
Begin removing tiles with care to protect the kitchen wall behind the old backsplash and reduce cleanup later.
- Start at an edge or corner: Begin in a corner where it’s easiest to get your pry tool under a tile. Slide a putty knife, flat pry bar, or chisel under the edge of a tile, angling it to avoid scraping the drywall.
- Tap gently with a hammer: Once your pry tool is in place, gently tap it with a hammer to loosen the tile from the adhesive. Keep the blade parallel to the wall to avoid gouging the drywall.
- Work slowly and methodically: After removing the first tile, move along the wall one tile at a time. If they’re firmly adhered, tiles may pop off in pieces, so wear safety glasses and work carefully. Keep a steady pace and avoid forcing tiles off to reduce the chance of drywall damage.
My Tip: For stubborn tiles, try switching between a putty knife and a flat pry bar for more leverage.
Step 6: Remove Leftover Adhesive
After tile removal, you’ll likely have adhesive residue (either thinset or mastic) left on the wall. Thinset is tougher and requires more scraping or sanding, while mastic is softer and easier to remove.
- Scrape off thinset or mastic adhesive: Use a scraper or putty knife to remove as much adhesive as possible without scraping the drywall. For thinset, sand down with coarse sandpaper. For mastic, scrape and then lightly sand for a smooth finish.
- Sand smooth: If there are small patches of adhesive left, use a sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper. This final sanding helps create an even surface for a new backsplash installation.
Step 7: Repair and Smooth the Wall
It’s common to see minor damage, such as small holes or tears, on the drywall after removing kitchen tiles.
- Fill small holes: For minor nicks, apply spackle or joint compound with a putty knife. Smooth it over the damaged areas and let it dry fully (around 1 to 2 hours) before lightly sanding.
- Patch large holes: For larger gouges, apply drywall joint compound in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry for 1 to 2 hours before applying the next. If you accidentally removed a larger section of drywall paper, reinforce it with a patch kit.
- Sand and clean the surface: After patching up your wall, use a 120-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. A smooth wall is a must for a clean, professional finish.
Update Your Backsplash
I know how satisfying it is to refresh a kitchen, but removing an outdated backsplash can be tricky. Done right, it sets the stage for a whole new look. Need help? Let Home Gnome connect you with trusted experts to get the job done.
- 8 Types of Backsplashes
- How to Install Tile Backsplash
- How to Install Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Photo Credit: Dariusz Jarzabek / Adobe Stock / License
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