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Can a new counter top be installed w/o replacng tile backsplash?

12 years ago

Trying to update my kitchen. I like my tile backsplash, but hate the Corian counter tops. Does anyone know, or may have tried to replace an existing countertop with granite without ruining an exisiting backsplash?

Thanks.

Featured Answer

MongoCT

12 years ago

The tiled backsplash usually sits just off the countertop by an 1/8th inch or so and the gap is caulked.

The caulk can be cut away and the countertop should be able to be removed without damaging the backsplash.

That's in a perfect world.

Some installers set the bottom course of tile right on the countertop. Less clearance. Depending on how the countertop is attached to the cabinets below, that can affect things.
The shape of the counter. A straight run or and "L" shaped? Are the ends open or captured? How the countertop is constructed? A slab of stone? Or a tiled-in mud bed?

Sometimes the countertop needs to be sectioned out in pieces.

In general, the backsplash can usually be preserved, but getting the countertop out might be ugly, especially if it's piece by piece.

So..."it depends".

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Comments (6)

boxerpups
12 years ago
I removed my countertop (Wait DH removed our countertop)
without damaging the backsplash. I kept my BS, I like mine
too.

He had to be really careful not to damage the BS when
taking out the old tile counter and plywood base. It can
be done but just be careful so you can save the BS.

Your counter installer can figure out how to either go
under the bottom of the backsplash or next to when they
install your new counters.

Check out the links,
~boxer

How to Remove Old Countertop

http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Remove-Old-Countertop&AC=7&ID=351

Changing countertop but keeping backsplash?
http://forums.weddingbells.ca/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3078736

Here is a link that might be useful: Remove the counter keep my BS
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momotom
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks to both of you for sending me this information. I guess the only real way inquire about this possibility is to have a countertop installer come to the house and access the situation. I just hate my Corian, blah and no shine.
live_wire_oak
12 years ago
It's possible with a very careful fabricator. But---and it's a BIG but, I don't know of any fabricator that will guarantee that they can do it. And most would charge extra to even try because it takes a lot more time. The most likely scenario of damage would require that the bottom row of the backsplash would need to be replaced. If you have more of the tile, that shouldn't be such a big deal, but if you don't, and it's damaged, then perhaps it would be fixable by choosing a coordinating accent tile to run across the base of the backsplash.
ideagirl2
12 years ago
If the backsplash gets damaged but not too much, you may be able to avoid replacing the bottom row by putting pencil tiles or something like that all around the bottom edge.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pencil tiles
Robert D'Ambrosio
6 years ago
My backsplash was installed before my new granite countertop. The fabricator made a template and scribed to the backsplash to bring the granite countertop as close to the backsplash as possible. He then applied silicone where the backsplash and countertop meet. Excellent job.

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