Question: Hello, Robert. Your article is a great resource for us. It has helped us gain the confidence to do many projects on our own. We are happy to read it weekly, and learn new things.
Thanks so much! We are in an older home, slowly making our way through updating. Next project is the kitchen where there is a tile backsplash occupying most of the working space. We want to remove this but really don’t know where to begin and how to go about it.
The countertops were updated, and we’d like to keep those in place, but how do we do this without damaging them? They are quartz, and the backsplash is ceramic tile. Is it possible to save the counters and change the backsplash?
— Joshua M.
Answer: Joshua, it is possible to do this, with an abundance of caution. First things first, break the seal between the two surfaces, which is most likely silicone. Use a sharp utility knife to cut both top and bottom and pull out the old seal, then vacuum debris.
Protecting the quartz is No. 1, so use something padded, perhaps like a moving blanket, to protect it from the debris falling onto it.
Now it is time to get busy with demo of the ceramic tile. I would use that utility knife with a new, sharp blade, and cut the seal all around the outer edge of the backsplash, trying to salvage the drywall as much as possible. Once that is done you can use a chisel and hammer to get behind the tile and begin prying it away.
You will quickly learn the proper angle and technique that works for your situation. Continue on until all tile is removed. There will likely be drywall that comes off with the tile. This will need to be addressed prior to install of new backsplash, so the surface is smooth, flat and stable for installation of the new product.
Prior to install of the new backsplash, make sure that the surface of the quartz is completely clean and free of residue, so that once the new backsplash is in and the area is ready for sealing with silicone, the product will adhere properly. Each step has its own specific details; there are also tutorials online if necessary. Feel free to reach back out and best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
