Asked on Apr 10, 2017

Easy removal of granite backsplash?

Thomas
by Thomas
I'm planning on installing my own subway tile backsplash in our kitchen. We have black granite countertops, with a four inch granite backsplash throughout. I want to remove the existing backsplash so that the subway tile will go all the way down to the countertops.

What is the best method to remove the backsplash to not cause any damage to the countertops? I'd love to hear from someone that has done this before. Is it pretty straightforward, or am I getting myself into a project better left to a pro?
Here's an example of the backsplash and countertop.
  9 answers
  • William William on Apr 11, 2017

    The backsplash is more likely glued to the wall. Cover the counter with paper, newspaper, cardboard. Use painters tape close to the corner of the counter and backsplash. Use a razor box knife and slowly cut the caulk in the corner and top of backsplash. Use a stiff putty knife and gently pry the backslash away from the wall. There will be some wall damage that you can patch with drywall patching compound. Sand smooth, prime, and glue on the subway tile. Please post your project when you do it.

  • Gau22339224 Gau22339224 on Apr 30, 2017

    I have one of these for removing trim : http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,43456,43399&p=74898. Might help peel the granite from the wall.

  • Thomas Thomas on May 01, 2017

    Thanks for the tip. Looks like a great tool for the job.

  • Gau22339224 Gau22339224 on May 03, 2017

    It works very well for trim, and this looks like a good secondary use. It is fairly thick metal too, so I think it will be up to the job.

  • Cncnc Cncnc on Jun 24, 2017

    We removed our 4" granite using a method like William commented. We slowly and as gently as we could used a mallet to hammer a thin chisel behind the granite and pried a little at a time and it came off so much easier then we anticipated. I am so happy I insisted we take it off!

  • Thomas Thomas on Jun 25, 2017

    Thanks for sharing your experience. The finished tiling in your kitchen looks great!


    I successfully removed my 4" backsplash using the same method. It was easier than I expected, but next time I would probably invest in the tool Gauder4 suggested. I had some significant damage to the drywall in a couple of spots, which made for more repair than I would have liked.


    Tiles are on order now, so next comes the fun part.

  • Nor33809173 Nor33809173 on Jul 16, 2018

    Looks beautifully done so do not touch it is my advice. Those electrical outlet in the middle of the tile pattern won't look great either. Sorry to dampen your enthousiasm

  • Dianne Stinson Dianne Stinson on Apr 13, 2019

    Did you have any trouble removing the piece behind the faucet? Mine has a seam behind the faucet and I’m not sure what problem that will create

  • Elisabeth Mackey Elisabeth Mackey on Apr 01, 2021

    Beautiful job! Looks so nicely updated!!