skip to main content

Design Dilemma Kitchens

Taking off the slab backsplash

3 months ago

I have an unsightly (at least to me) slab countertop/backsplash in this brown speckled granite. I've considered replacing both the countertop/backsplash but that will open a whole can of worms and am trying to minimize the money I spend in my kitchen. I thought about just replacing the backsplash as that is the thing that is most visible, especially when one is in the dining room (as there's a pass-through).

But I'm a bit concerned when they take off the slab granite backsplash, damage will occur to the countertop and pass-through. A contractor did say there would be a chance of damage but more like 1%. I wanted to see what Houzzers had to say.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Lyn Nielson
3 months ago
I think there is a 100% chance of damage... initial installation was intended to last.

I don't see the issue, but if you add another image we can see better.

At first glance, I would paint out the olive in a beige/tan color and get rid of the white caulk line...
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 months ago
In most cases the vertical slab is held up with some dabs of silicone and a bead at the edges. I agree the chance of damage while not nonexistent is very low.
Related Discussions
Slab Backsplashes?
Q
Comments (17)
Hi pricklypear! We did not adjust our cabinets forward and have not noticed any loss of counter depth. That may be an issue for others, but it was not one for us. The depth of the slab backsplash did become an issue for us around the window over our sink - we have to reconfigure how the window was trimmed along the bottom bc the window trim + slab backsplash + faucets became complex. That was nerve wracking since it was not what we planned and the trim carpenter had to do it on the fly (I think I was curled up in a ball somewhere...) but ultimately I really like the simplicity of what he did (I included a photo below). I do think the slab cost us more than tile would have - but we were able to use quartzite leftover from our counter slabs so we did not have to pay for additional material, just labor. The slab also saved me from my total tile paralysis - the millions of gorgeous choices plus grout color considerations was seriously too much for me to bear. I knew I would love the slab, but I was not sure I would love my tile and grout choices. And overall, it is a simple and integrated look, which is really like. Good luck!!
...See More
To backsplash or not to backsplash...that is the question
Q
Comments (23)
cigi, in our last house the previous owner installed tumbled marble in a mauvish tone which IMO looked awful with the St Cecilia granite. Even though the tile was expensive, I tore them off and left the 4" granite backsplash, patched and painted the rest of the wall. The sink was the only working area as the cooktop was on the island. No problem with water as I used BM Aura, but Pittsburgh Paint's Manor Hall Timeless is just as good with a more flat look and lifetime warranty. I'm pondering the issue for my current redo. In various houses I've had paint, wallpaper, white tile with abalone inserts, plain white tile. Right now I'm weighing white tile with a beautiful insert, just paint with no granite backsplash since this area has only a counter but no cooking/wet functions, paint with granite backsplash, or a simple glass tile backsplash with listello over it a la Chinchette. I'm attaching a photo from Chinchette's beautiful kitchen (hope she doesn't mind seeing hers cited as a great example) which shows the last option. In any event, I echo others' advice to not worry about that decision immediately unless you absolutely love a certain look. Just use good paint. Here is a link that might be useful:
...See More
cant decide on backsplash, slab or calcutta tile, opinions please...
Q
Comments (9)
I'm assuming you've propped one of your White Dove cabinet doors against the marble & don't like the two together? Could you find an alternate slab? Slab marble is a more dramatic look than subway tile but if you don't like the slab.... Possibly add some trim pieces similar to this picture to your hood - not the doors but the trim pieces on the bottom of the hood. I'm not sure your hood shape could pull off the marble. I've seen pics of boxy marble hoods but they are usually in a contemporary kitchen without a traditional large crown molding (I do love your crown molding). edit: to clarify, your kitchen could totally pull off a slab marble backsplash. I'm just not sure how a marble hood would look in your hood style.
...See More
Quartz slab backsplash transition around/to window trim
Q
Comments (19)
@diane7151 Thank you! We actually just went with the stock white through the semi-custom cabinet manufacturer, there was a warm white (too creamy) and ice type white, I wanted it crisp and didn't have a need for a custom white because the ice white sample looked good with all of our other swatches. The wall color is BM Pale Oak, with bright white trim, which helps the cabinets pop. I do think a custom paint job can provide a yummier texture and finish, just something I've thought about after the fact because we have a custom vanity in our master that seems smoother, but it's a rich blue gray which might be why it feels more luxurious? With white kitchen cabinets and two hound dogs...I'm sure the cabinets will need to be repainted at some point anyway LOL, so we'll see if a custom white feels any different.
...See More
teamaltese
3 months ago
Rather than remove it, I’d use peel-and-stick tiles and cover it. And save the money towards a future renovation.
PRO
Jill Nelson Design Service
3 months ago
I have the same issue and the same granite! I plan on a complete kitchen remodel but not soon and in the meantime the old granite drives me crazy, especially the backsplash, although, mine is only 6” high. I’ve looked into painting it, doing an epoxy finish etc. But what seams to be the less expensive, easiest options is countertop grade faux finish peel and stick contact paper, they even come in a matte finish. For the backsplash removal I found a video on YouTube using a heat gun. Warm up the stone for a few minutes with heat then use a wedge/shim gently tapping at the edge of the stone until it begins releasing from the wall. Of course this is only if glue is used to adhere it to begin with. Hope this gives you some ideas, best of luck with your project.
palimpsest
3 months ago
It might damage the drywall enough to be a real PITA but it's probably just set on the countertop and sealed at the front edge with clear caulk. It's primarily stuck to the wall.
PRO
DeWayne
3 months ago
If that is tight under the cabinets, you have a bigger chance of damaging the cabinets. The best thing is probably controlled breakage, where you score it into pieces with a diamond blade, and then carefully hit it until it breaks. Pad the counters of course.
Kendrah
3 months ago
Can you tile over the granite splash? Just trying to brainstorm how to cover it up without risking more $ to repair potential damage.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 months ago
Drive two scrapers between the wall and splash, then drive a shim between the scrapers. Work your way around, gradually using larger shims. You'll probably get it off with minimal damage to the wall and splash.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 months ago
This!! ^^^

There will be some damage to the sheetrock that will need to be fixed. And yes, if it is really tight to the cabinets , there may be some scrapes. But it isn't a full thick splash so that will help a lot.

I would go for it!

Related Stories

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES Why You Should Embrace a Solid Slab Backsplash

By Toronto Interior Design Group

The effect is stunning, and yet the cost can be minimal. Here’s what to know about using full slabs of stone in your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Paisley Tile Backsplash Takes This Kitchen to a Whole New Level

By Jess McBride

The remodeled Toronto kitchen features a soapstone-topped island and a bold backsplash that makes an impression

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Takes Off in a Former Aircraft Parts Factory

By Natalie Wain

Generous storage and clever carpentry transform a cluttered kitchen into a sleek, minimalist living space with an eclectic heart

HOUZZ PRODUCT NEWS 10 Home Design Trends Taking Off Right Now

By Mitchell Parker

See the latest colors, materials and other features pros say homeowners are wanting in their homes

TRENDING NOW 10 Home Design Trends Taking Off Right Now

By Mitchell Parker

See the latest colors, materials and other features pros say homeowners are wanting in their homes

NEW THIS WEEK 9 New Kitchens With Beautiful Backsplashes

By Mitchell Parker

Get ideas for backsplash tile and slab details that create a striking style statement

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES New This Week: 6 Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

By Mitchell Parker

Marble slab, pink ceramic tile, blue-green glass tile and other materials make bold statements

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES 20 Eye-Catching Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

By Jeannie Matteucci

Get ideas for dazzling tile looks, striking slab setups and other designs from these stylish kitchen makeovers

NEW THIS WEEK 5 Beautiful New Backsplash Ideas

By Mitchell Parker

See how a quartz slab, a playful pattern, simple subway tile and other elements can create a breathtaking backsplash

KITCHEN DESIGN Try a Shorter Kitchen Backsplash for Budget-Friendly Style

By The Inman Company

Shave costs on a kitchen remodel with a pared-down backsplash in one of these great materials

Sponsored

Whispering Pine Construction

Franklin County's Top Choice for Reliable Outdoor Construction

More Discussions

To paint fireplace or not

17

pantry cabinet and fridge issue

58

Dimensions and centering of artwork above sofa

7

Access panel on a custom range hood with liner insert?

0

Turn old lake restaurant into home???

15