Terribly worried about backsplash removal process

11 years ago

We had a 6x6 honed marble backsplash installed in our new home 4 years ago. There were a lot of problems with the installer, not to mention the fact that I was never very happy with the tile color. The store (which has since closed) would not allow us to bring the sample board home or let us order tile samples, so we made the decision based on how beautiful the tile looked in the store. Wrong decision, but we were willing to live with it. Problem is, the installer was awful, made a lot of mistakes, one of which was sealing the tile while it was dirty with grout so in certain light you could see smudges all over the surface. We actually didn't notice it for a while because you can't see it when the cabinet lights are on, only when sunlight or other lighting hits it and then it looks just awful. We hired a "stone expert" to fix it, and he used a razor to scrape off the grout and while he did get some of the grout off, he also scratched the tile badly. We finally decided that it was a disaster from day one and recently hired a contractor to remove the backsplash and reinstall another one (he installed two of our neighbors' backsplashes and did a great job). We've selected a honed ivory travertine from a store that allowed us to bring home samples and we're ready to go. The problem is, I'm a nervous wreck about the backsplash removal. Can you give me some pointers to be aware of during the process to assure that our cabinets, wood floors and granite countertops won't be damaged? The contractor said he would cover everything, but I'm still nervous. Thank you!

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Comments (10)

Tim
11 years ago
Well, ask the guy you hired 'how' he plans to remove the backsplash. That would be a good start to easing your mind or at least being prepared for the work.

Take lots of pictures of your cabinets/countertops/appliances etc. just before the work begins so you know exactly where any new dents/scratches came from.

Ask how they plan on protecting things like your cabinets/counter tops/appliances. Ask what happens if something gets damaged. Have the answers in writing.

If I recall, when I briefly explored having our newly installed backsplash torn out (it was a love/hate thing for a couple weeks but my wife landed on 'love' thankfully), I believe the discussion revolved around removing the actual drywall behind the tile - cutting it out completely. Not trying to remove the tile from the drywall.

So it would involve removing all the outlets, scoring (deeply) the drywall right along the edges of all the cabinets/counter tops, and then likely beginning in one of the outlet openings if there are any, ripping the drywall off along with the tile.
Tmnca
11 years ago
It really should not be a big deal. Some damage to the drywall behind may happen but that's to be expected. The countertops and cabinets should be fine. I removed a 4" tile backsplash myself, they came off intact and tore the paper of the drywall in some places but nothing bad.
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I can see why it might be advisable to remove the left/rt portions of tile, but I would be inclined to wait until ithe kitchen is completed before deciding. If, as your gut tells you, it "needs" to come down, nothing is really lost except a little more time with it up. Perhaps knowing you are not "locked-in" or committed to it, will help give the perspective to view it more objectively while deciding for sure. This way you will not only have the chance to see it with everything else in place, but you will also have the opportunity to get used to it, before deciding if you truly dislike it, or just haven't gotten used to it being there. As subtle (in color) as our tile is, after months of looking at white painted Sheetrock, it still looked "different" and stood out when we looked at our kitchen. Once we became accustomed to it, we couldn't imagine our walls without it. That's how I am with many things--after living with a blank wall or empty space for any period of time, even a long awaited piece of furniture or decor item jumps out at me, and almost seems like too much, until I get used to the vacant space being filled. Thanks for the compliments on our backsplash Laura and andreak100! It's the Opera Glass tile from Artistic Tile (Stilatto pattern) in Wolfgang White. It does read greenish-blue(-grey) in certain lights or times of day. We had to think about that one while deciding if we wanted to use it, and obviously decided to go for it! Good luck Laura! Honestly, whatever you decide will look terrific!
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angie_diy
11 years ago
Can you give me some pointers to be aware of during the process to assure that our cabinets, wood floors and granite countertops won't be damaged?

You can put Ramboard or masonite on the floor or countertops to protect them. The contractor you hired should take care of that. If you are especially worried about cabinets, I would tape corrugated cardboard over them.
ruthie51
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all for your responses. My husband plans on doing a lot of the protection process before the contractor gets here. And I plan on vacating during the removal process to spare everyone a lot of grief including myself (my husband will be here). Thanks again.
ellendi
11 years ago
I had my first backsplash in my brand new kitchen removed because it looked terrible! Yes there will be some damage to the sheetrock, but that is easily taken care of.
True, you want someone who is careful not to damage your counter or your cabinets.
ruthie51
Original Author
11 years ago
So the new backsplash is in; the removal of the old backsplash did not go as planned. The old tile did not want to come off, so the tile guy ended up removing the old sheetrock and installing all new, for which he charged an additional $200 (which didn't include the cost of the sheetrock, which my husband bought while the old sheetrock was being removed). I'm happy to report there was no damage to cabinets, countertops or floor which we carefully covered with cardboard or layers of heavy plastic. Here's a shot of the partially completed new backsplash. So, aside from the fact that it took longer than expected...and cost more....we're very happy with the final results.
a2gemini
11 years ago
It looks great! I also love the double door end cabinet.
justmakeit
11 years ago
Very pretty! The ivory color is warm and complements the cabinets beautifully. I'm so glad things went relatively smoothly (at least in terms of no damage to your cabinets, counters and floors).
chiefy
11 years ago
Ooh that looks great! I love the tone of your wood cabinets and the strip of accent mosaics.
ruthie51
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you....you guys are great!

Terribly worried about backsplash removal process

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Tim

Tmnca

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Terribly worried about backsplash removal process

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Tim

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