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Yes, you can install a backsplash directly onto drywall, provided the wall is properly prepped, clean, and dry. For best results, especially in kitchen areas, your walls should be made of moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board. If your current wall isn't moisture-resistant, it's recommended to replace it before installing the backsplash. For even greater protection against water damage, you can remove the existing drywall and install a tile backer board or cement board instead. While properly installed standard drywall is typically strong enough to support a backsplash, some local building codes may require water-resistant materials in kitchen areas, so it's a good idea to check.

No, when done correctly, removing the tile shouldn’t damage the subfloor. However, if there was pre-existing damage to the subfloor from standard use or lack of maintenance, the subfloor may need repairs. For example, if the contractors notice mold growth on the subfloor or an uneven surface, you may need more extensive services before installing new tile.

If you DIY tile removal, remove the tiles one step at a time, individually removing the tile, grout, and mortar to prevent unnecessarily damaging the subfloor. Depending on the age of your home, consider having a professional inspect the subfloor to ensure it’s in good enough condition to lay new tile.

You can use sanded or unsanded grout for a shower pan, but sanded grout isn’t the best option for shower walls. For those areas, you’ll want to use unsanded grout, which works well on vertical surfaces and is less likely to slump than sanded grout. Alternatively, you can use epoxy grout for shower walls.

The grout shade you choose comes down to personal taste and preference. A darker grout will give you a more dramatic and noticeable contrast with the tile around it; however, lighter grout helps create a more uniform look when blending the colors together. Additionally, a darker grout combined with a patterned tile could be overwhelming to the eye, while lighter grout makes the pattern stand out as the main focus.