How to Remove Tile Backsplash and Replace Drywall If Needed

by Judy Schumer

February 24th, 2022 11:46 AM

By Judy Schumer

Your kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house, so you should love being in it. Your kitchen can also set the tone for decorating your whole house, and the backsplash can help define the look you want. Whether your backsplash style is clean and modern or colorful and eclectic, all use different materials to pull the design together.

Because tastes change, there might come a time when you want to remove the tile backsplash in your space to make way for new tile or paint. Changing out the backsplash can give your entire kitchen a new look, but to change it, you’ll need to learn how to remove tile backsplash. There are multiple ways to get the job done, but we want to help you do it the easiest way possible.

There are two ways to remove tile backsplash, and which way you tackle all comes down to the material with which your backsplash was installed. We'll cover everything you need to know in this guide and walk you through the process of removing backsplash step-by-step.

wall with adhesive and two white tiles

Photo via Shutterstock

Tile Backsplash Removal Safety

No matter what type of tile you have to remove, be sure to wear safety gear. Safety goggles and heavy work gloves are a must because tile can break into shards that can cause serious injury to unprotected hands and eyes. A construction face mask will keep you from breathing in adhesive dust, which can cause severe damage to your lungs.

How to Assess Tile Before Removing

Besides safety preparation before removing your tile backsplash, you’ll need to find out what was used to adhere the backsplash tile. The material behind your tile will help determine which method you use to remove it.

Almost all tile is applied with thinset adhesive or mastic adhesive. Other installation types (like liquid nails) will require drywall removal, covered later in this tutorial. To determine which type of adhesive you have, you’ll need to remove a tile or two using the technique below in the section “How to Remove Tile Backsplash.” Here are the properties of each type of adhesive and how to take it off drywall:

If there is a thin, almost crackly coating underneath, your tile is adhered with thinset adhesive. In this case, use a heavy-duty putty knife to scrape the adhesive off the wall.
If there is a rubbery, semi-soft adhesive underneath, you’re working with mastic adhesive. You’ll need to use medium grit (between 100 and 120) sandpaper to remove the adhesive from the drywall.

person removing tiles with hammer and chisel

Photo via Shutterstock

How to Remove Tile Backsplash

When removing a tile backsplash, take your time. This is the part of the job that requires patience. By working slowly and carefully, you'll save hours of time because you won’t have to fix or replace heavily damaged drywall caused by a rushed tile removal.

Before starting, gather all your tools so you can easily move from step to step without searching for a needed tool.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Safety goggles
Heavy work gloves
Construction face mask
Drop cloths
Screwdriver
Hammer
9-in-1 tool
Putty knife
Utility knife
Sanding block
Medium grit sandpaper (100-120 grit)
6-inch drywall knife
Drywall joint compound (if needed)
Paint and supplies (if needed)

Step 1: Put On Safety Gear

Put your goggles, work gloves, and construction face mask on to protect yourself during the tile removal.

Step 2: Clear and Protect the Sink and Counters

Clear everything from your counters. Use the drop cloths to cover the entire surface of your counters and your sink. Chunks and shards of tile will fall as you remove it, which can destroy your garbage disposal if they fall into it.

Step 3: Turn Off Electricity

You’ll be working around exposed outlets, so be sure to turn off all electricity to the areas where the backsplash is being removed.

Step 4: Remove Outlet and Light Switch Covers

Unscrew and remove all outlet covers and light switch faceplates to completely remove any tile underneath.

Step 5: Remove the Grout

Use the sharp edge of the 9-in-1 tool to break up the grout to make the tile removal easier. Use the hammer to lightly tap the tool as you move it along each grout line. You can use the putty knife for hard-to-reach areas. Take your time and go over the grout lines as needed; the goal is to remove as much of the grout as possible.

Step 6: Remove the Tiles

Beginning at the top end of your backsplash, work in small sections to remove the tiles. Place the sharp edge of your 9-in-1 tool under the edge of the tile and gently tap with your hammer to pry the tile off. Work from the top of the section down to the bottom, then begin the next column of tiles.

Step 7: Smooth the Residual Adhesive

Once your tiles are removed, you’ll be left with either thinset or mastic adhesive on the drywall. If you have thinset, remove it by scraping it away with the putty knife. I’d you have mastic adhesive residue, remove it by attaching your sandpaper to the sanding block and sand the adhesive until it’s smooth.

Step 8: Repair Drywall Nicks or Gouges

Even if you’re super careful when removing a tile backsplash, you’ll probably end up with a few nicks or gouges. Use your drywall knife and joint compound to repair the drywall. Let dry, sand down the spot that you repaired, and prime and paint as needed.

person using utility knife to cut drywall

Photo via Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus

How to Remove Tile and Drywall

There are times when tile refuses to come off easily. If it was installed using a heavy amount of adhesive or the wrong type of adhesive (like liquid nails or mortar), you won’t be able to remove it using a hammer and 9-in-1 tool.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to completely remove the drywall that the tile is attached to get rid of the tile itself. To remove the drywall and the tile backsplash attached to it, follow the steps below.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Safety goggles
Heavy work gloves
Construction face mask
Drop cloths
Screwdriver
Stud finder
Painter’s tape
Dremel tool
Piece of drywall
Pencil
Sanding block and 150-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth or paper towel
Two short pieces of 1x4s (wood)
Drywall knife or serrated knife
Utility knife
Drywall screws (at least 12 and 1 ¼ in size)
Drill
Construction adhesive/joint compound
Putty knife
Drywall joint tape
Paint and supplies