Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

Hi ladies.
DH and I are buying a house and the kitchen is really nice except for this tacky while tile backsplash with fruit on it. I HATE IT. DH says we'll redo the kitchen in a few years but I really like the cabinets and everything, I would be really happy if only I could get rid of that ugly tile. He says it will be a HUGE project to remove it and if we're going to do that, we might as well rip out the whole kitchen. I think he's being ridiculous.

I'll try to find a pic to show you if I can.

Anyway, has anyone done this before and have any advice. Should we attempt it, not attempt it. Any ideas? I'm losing this battle with him.

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

Taking out backsplash tile doesn't seem hard, i've seen it done a million times on HGTV and such. Just protect your counters and read up online about how to remove the tiles that are around the edges so you don't ruin the counters, etc. I say go for it!!

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

I've seen them do it on HGTV as well as read online that it's not a big deal but DH insists it's a huuuuge project. I'm wondering if i'll be able to just do it myself and show him up one Imagine that.

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

we added a tile backsplash to our kitchen...it was just a painted wall...it was pretty easy, so Im guessing taking one off, that it there, wont be too hard, just like the PP said, protect the counters and your floor. Chip away slowly, so you dont damage the wall

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

I tore down our backsplash myself, but did it like an animal because we were tearing out our whole kitchen!
I don't think it should be too hard to just take out the backsplash though........just be careful!

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

I don't think it will be a problem.....we want to add a backsplash to our future house also - but we don't have anything to remove....

We also want to put new flooring and remove the tile in the entry way and kitchen - I think THAT is going to be a huge project......there is carpet in between those rooms that we also want to replace - we want to do either a wood, bamboo or laminate floor throughout all of the rooms and I have a feeling removing the tiles and getting an even floor throughout the house is going to be really hard

Compared to that removing back splash tile seems like cake! I totally think you can do it!

Message edited 4/2/2009 11:40:20 AM.

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

Thank you ladies! Does anyone know HOW to do it? I am going to look it up but would appreciate any tips. I have to get some concrete instructions to present to DH because he's being so stubborn about this. He can be such an ARSE!

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

Call a tile guy.. If its not a big backsplash it shouldnt cost that much

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

I've found that a spackle knife (roughly the width of the individual tile you are taking off) works well. It's a metal blade, so it's pretty strong, but it's thin and a little bendable. A few taps on the back of the handle, and the tiles should just pop right off.

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

We're redoing our backsplash and our countertop in the next few weeks. The contractor says it can be completed in under a week. Definitely NOT as labor-intensive as redoing an entire kitchen. But... if you know you're just going to gut the whole thing in a few years, I'd live with the fruit until then. No point in spending money 2x, KWIM?

Re: Question about Tile Backsplash in Kitchen

We did it. It was easy enough (if you know how to sheetrock and tile).