Backsplash installation costs vary by tile type, design, kitchen layout, and contractor. Find out how much your dream backsplash will cost you.
How to Remove Tile Backsplash For a Clean Slate
Take down a tired backsplash in just a few hours
Get quotes from ceramic tile pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from ceramic tile pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
5 hours
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Caulk removal tool (optional)
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Multi-tool
- Grout removal blade
SUPPLIES
- Cardboard or plastic
- Drywall joint compound
- Trash bags
- 120 grit sandpaper
A good tile backsplash shouldn’t budge—after all, it’s set in place with mortar and grout, two cement-like substances that dry hard. But what if you want to remove it? If it’s time for a kitchen or bathroom update, the good news is that you should be able to remove a backsplash yourself while doing minimal damage to the wall. Here’s how to do it.
Prep the Room
Cover countertops with plastic or cardboard and plug any sinks to make sure tile and drywall don’t end up in the drain. Turn off the electricity to the area by shutting off the circuit breaker because, depending on the location of the backsplash, there may be wires and cables running behind the drywall. Remove outlet covers and any other obstructions, including trim pieces.
Remove the Caulk
There will likely be a line of caulk sealing the seam between the backsplash and the counter. Using a utility knife or caulk removal tool, cut a line through the caulk, then peel it away.
Remove the Grout
Photo: Ruslan Sidorov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesRemoving the grout should help loosen the tiles so that they come off of the wall with as little damage as possible. To remove the grout, use a multi-tool fitted with a grout removal blade or a dremel tool. Working slowly, grind the grout away, throwing large chunks in the garbage and vacuuming up smaller bits and dust with a shop vac. Unless you plan on reusing some of the backsplash materials, you don't have to worry about damaging the tiles, and you don’t have to get every bit of the grout—just get enough to make removing the tiles a little easier.
Pry off the Tiles
Beginning at the top row of tiles in a corner, preferably in an inconspicuous spot like behind the stove or refrigerator, use a putty knife or chisel to gently pry the tiles from the wall. To help get the tool behind the tiles, you can tap the handle with a hammer or rubber mallet. As the tool moves behind the tile, pull the handle toward you and then push it away from you to pry the tiles from the wall. Work from the top row to the bottom.
Scrape and Smooth the Mortar
After all the tiles have been removed, there will be mortar left on the wall. You can scrape the high spots with a putty knife to make the surface level. You can also use sandpaper to smooth rough spots. Scraping and smoothing the leftover mortar will give you a good base for when you install your new backsplash.
Repair Damaged Drywall
It’s likely that some drywall will get damaged in the process of removing the tile backsplash, but it should be easily fixable with some drywall joint compound. For small depressions, scrapes, or holes, use a putty knife or drywall knife to smooth the joint compound over the area. Once it dries, use 120 grit sandpaper to make it smooth.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Backsplash removal is relatively easy for an experienced DIYer. But if you’re having a tile contractor near you install a new backsplash, it may not add much to your overall tile installation costs to have them remove the old backsplash, too. It costs between $3 and $6 per square foot for professional backsplash removal, while the cost to install a backsplash runs between $15 and $40 per square foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic tile services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.6★ avg. • 42 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Manoj K.
It was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring Solutions - Bob T.
We were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTile - Stephanie S.
For several months I was looking for somebody to tile a wall in my master bath and move lighting fixtures, and could not find anybody who was responsive. I contacted Rowe through Home Advisor and within days they came by to assess the job and provide an estimate. The cost was very...
Rowe House Development - Timothy C.
It went very well! The end product was amazing and we keep getting a lot of compliments from friends! M&E were very professional and they made sure we were happy with the product before leaving. They met with us in our home and at the tile shop to make sure we were okay with our tile and...
M&E Remodeling - Kendrick V.
Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLC - Locke M.
Very pleased with the service and level of professionalism. Courteous and very unobtrusive in performing service. Unlike several other companies, Bradford Xteriors was willing to perform work on a three story home with a clay tile roof. <br />
Bradford Xteriors - Jeffrey B.
This company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...
My Handy Mate LLC Improvement & Remodeling - Gary D.
He did the tile work and he was good at it. He used other subcontractors for the rest of the work (like putting in the cabinetry) and they were okay but not great. He was a great guy! He was easy to work with and had a good eye for the detail of his work. There were a couple of things that I...
Brian Miller Custom Remodeling - Michael S.
I was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
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