Is it difficult to remove block tiles of backsplash in kit & add new
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I have white old fashioned backsplash in kitchen, apprx 4X4, I want to replace with up to date, longer, more narrow tiles. I am a woman, pretty good at doing artsy things, is it hard to remove the old tile. Which type tile is easier to install, some come in sheets, or what?
5 answers
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They now make glue pads, works much like double stick tape that can be used on back splashes. Most of the HD stores have them now, not sure about the others. In any case, a few things you need to know, The success of tiling is dependent upon the prep work done before the tile goes on the wall. Simply scraping off the old tile is not enough. The wall needs to be smooth. particularly if you decide to go the glue pad method. So scraping off the old glue is very important. Normal adhesives used for tile work although messy will allow for some unevenness, but the amount of work to get the tiles level increases with the amount of glue left behind and ones ability to work with the stuff. As far as sheet tile vs. individual tiles, this depends upon the style and look your going for. Both apply the same way, but the ones that come in sheets often have more complex patterns that would be difficult to repeat and would be more time consuming to create. My personal opinion is that the sheet tile can be more difficult to apply on walls because the tiles still move around slightly and if your not careful your wall will tend to sag in spots, and often long after you realize it has occurred. Which by then its to late. Lastly, if you decide to go the glass tile route, which is all the raise these days, Remember you can see through many of these tiles. So be sure if you use adhesive rather then a tape method, to paint the wall white and use white adhesive and cover it evenly. Or the gaps behind the tile and the off colors will show through the tiles. Removal of the old tiles can be easy or very hard. This is dependent upon many factors. Age, type of past cement used, how easy you can reach the areas your planning to change, and your skill set in using tools. They make small chipping hammers that have flat blades like scrapers that can make fast work out of tile removal, but if your not careful, you will puncture the walls easily. You may want to hire a handy person to do the demo for you by cutting out the old wall completely and re-drywall it so you have a smooth surface to work with. You can also do this yourself. Not all that hard. This is also a great time to add those additional outlets you never have enough of as well.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 15, 2014
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I just had the tile in my kitchen removed and, it did require the dry wall removed as well. Happily I had a young man who's friend did it for a living and was willing to spend a Sunday taking out and replacing my drywall with his friend and friend's wife. I couldn't put anything up with the tile, now I might be able to do a few things with the wall! (And I replaced the back splash myself, and that amazed me!)
Leah M
on Feb 17, 2014
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If you remove the tiles gently with a flat chisel you'll on have to apply mud and then sand the drywall. Once that's done you can apply your tiles. I'd recommend taking a free tiling class at your local Home Depot.
Kymberli Phelps Carr
on Feb 17, 2014
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Removing the tile, which are most likely glue to the drywall or plaster will cause damage and leave a very uneven wall. In most cases the drywall must be replaced. The new tile will need a smooth flat surface to stick to. One suggestion is remove the old tile, sand down or smooth the old wall as much as possible, then install a quarter inch drywall sheet on top top. Now you have a new surface.
OhioThoughts
on Feb 17, 2014
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Yes, we just had this problem. The great guys that installed our new quartz counters cut out the old 4" tile and re-sheet-rocked. We tried to pry it off and took out the drywall with the few we did manage to get off.
Shelly Field
on Feb 24, 2014
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