I'm sorry. I honestly thought it was just a matter of fact, if hat makes any sense. I don't have a picture. It's a marble counter with 4x4 square ceramic backsplash. I can't get a picture until next week.

Generally, I don't think you can avoid damaging backsplash tile when removing a countertop. Tile is added after the counter, so it sits on top of the back counter edge.

well of course you can just hammer out the countertop, being careful not to hit the tiles. not a big deal.

IMO you will probably want new backsplash with new counters anyway. The answer yes in all likely hood you will damage the backsplash.

Thank you, everyone

Beth, seriously? I can't tell if you are being sarcastic and your answer is the one I hoped for.

Patricia, the counter is brand new and perfect, so are the tiles. We are changing it because the sink is poorly placed. I will see about sourcing the same tile.

This is a project for a friend who is buying a new house. I am just helping out. Real pros will be hired. This is just in the goal setting stage.

I know people can certainly cut out one damaged tile on a floor to replace with an extra one.

So I can’t see why the bottom row of backsplash couldn’t be cut out carefully and placed back on again, at least as a backup plan

"Will the backsplash necessarily be damaged?"

No.

"Is there a way of avoiding harming the tiles?"

Yes, hire a conscientious demolition contractor. If I did it, you'd sign that I'm not responsible for any damages.

Zalco,,no, I'm being serious. I have changed out our granite countertop (they were granite tiles) and kept the existing backsplash (tumbled marble tiles). After carefully breaking the granite tile top and removing it, we slid in a solid granite countertop without any issues. If the new countertop isn't thicker than what's on there now, you should be fine.