How to Remove Backsplash Tile Without Damaging Your Drywall
- Cheridan Hojas
- 12 minutes ago
- 8 min read
How to remove backsplash tile is usually the first question homeowners ask when kitchen updates begin, and it’s also the step that can go wrong fast if drywall protection is ignored.
Many people start prying tiles off, only to watch bits of drywall peel away with them. What looked like a quick DIY refresh suddenly turns into a repair job.
Backsplash tiles are often installed with strong mortar or adhesive that bonds tightly to drywall. That grip is great for durability, but it makes removal tricky without the right method. The good news is that with the proper tools and technique, tiles can be removed cleanly while keeping your drywall intact.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove backsplash tile without damaging your drywall, including step-by-step removal tips, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if minor wall repairs are needed.
What to Know Before You Start
Before grabbing a pry bar, it helps to understand how backsplash tiles are attached. Most are installed with thin set mortar or heavy adhesive that bonds tightly to drywall.
That’s great for durability, but it means removing tiles takes patience if you want the wall to stay intact. Here’s what to check first:
Tiles Don’t Always Release Easily
Some come off with light pressure, others feel cemented in place, especially in older kitchens with thicker mortar beds.
Drywall Is Sensitive
Too much force can tear the paper surface. Work slowly to avoid future patchwork.
Start With a Test Tile
Remove one tile from a corner or hidden spot. If it pulls drywall paper with it, take removal slowly or prepare for repairs.
Protect the Space
Use drop cloths, tape around cabinets and counters, and have a shop vacuum ready. Tile removal gets messy fast.
A few minutes of prep helps you move through removal more confidently and prevents most drywall mistakes later, while also giving you a clearer picture of wall condition before estimating backsplash installation cost for the new design you plan to install.
It also helps when planning your budget early if you’re curious about how much it costs to do a backsplash once the wall is prepped.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Having the right tools reduces damage and makes removal cleaner.
Essentials
Putty/drywall knife
Flat pry bar
Utility knife
Hammer or rubber mallet
Safety goggles + gloves
Drop cloths or plastic sheets
Shop vacuum
Helpful Extras
Oscillating multi-tool with grout blade (for stubborn grout)
Cardboard/wood backing for pry leverage protection
Drywall repair kit (joint compound, tape, sanding block)
Gather tools first so you can work without interruptions.
Step by Step: How to Remove Backsplash Tile Without Damaging Drywall
Removing backsplash tile is one of those projects that looks simple until you’re standing in the kitchen with tools in hand.
If you’re asking yourself how to remove backsplash tile without ripping drywall, the key is working slowly and using controlled pressure rather than force. One wrong move can tear drywall, but the right approach keeps everything clean and manageable.
These steps guide you through the process safely, even if it’s your first time tackling tile removal as part of a kitchen remodeling update. Start slow, be patient, and let technique do the work.
Prep the Work Area: Turn off outlet power and remove cover plates. Protect counters with plastic or drop cloths.
Score Grout & Caulk Lines: Cut grout and perimeter caulk with a utility knife or multi-tool. This helps tiles release without tearing drywall.
Start at an Edge: Slip a putty knife behind the first tile at a low angle and tap gently. Avoid digging into the wall.
Remove Tiles One by One: Work slowly. If a tile resists, re-score grout or approach from a different angle instead of forcing it.
Scrape Off Adhesive: Use a putty knife to remove thinset/mastic. Keep the blade flat to avoid gouging drywall. Vacuum as you go.
Tile removal may seem intimidating at first, but working slowly and following these steps keeps the wall intact and sets you up for success, especially when you’re preparing for a fresh installation inspired by new backsplash trends 2025 and modern kitchen styles.
And if you’d rather skip the risk and mess, Burrini & Sons can handle removal and installation for you, just reach out and they’ll guide you through every step of your kitchen update.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Backsplash Tile?
Removing a backsplash looks like a quick project, until you’re a few tiles in and realize how stubborn mortar can be. Some walls come apart easily, while others fight every inch of the way.
The timeline depends on tile size, adhesive strength, and whether drywall repairs are needed after removal. Knowing what to expect helps you plan realistically and avoid rushing the process.
Most homeowners spend 3–6 hours removing a standard 25–35 sq. ft. backsplash when working carefully to protect the drywall. Larger kitchens, older mortar installations, or heavy thinset can stretch this into a full day.
Is It Better to Remove Tile or Install a New Backsplash Over It?
Many homeowners ask if they can simply install new tile on top of the old one to save time. It sounds convenient, no dust, no demolition, but it isn’t always the smartest long-term choice.
The right decision depends on wall condition, tile thickness, and your design goals. Choosing the best approach now prevents costly fixes later.
Installing Over Existing Tile Works When:
The old backsplash is flat, securely attached, and free from cracks
You’re okay with the wall sitting slightly thicker after installation
Outlet and switch plates can be adjusted to match the new height
Removing Tile Is Better When:
Tiles are loose, damaged, or uneven
You want a completely fresh look without added bulk
You’re upgrading to modern backsplash styles that need a flatter surface
Most remodels look cleaner and more professional when starting with a bare wall. Removing tile gives you a smooth foundation and prevents issues like uneven edges or protruding outlets.
How to Repair and Prep Drywall for Your New Backsplash
After tiles and adhesive are gone, run your hand across the wall. You want it smooth and even before installing a new tile.
Fix Minor Paper Tears & Scratches
Spread joint compound
Let dry and light sand
Repeat if surface feels uneven
Patch Larger Spots
Use drywall tape & compound
For holes bigger than a quarter, cut out and replace the section
Prime before re-tiling to prevent bubbling
A clean, repaired surface makes installation easier and ensures your next backsplash sits flat. If you uncover brittle drywall or damage feels overwhelming, Burrini & Sons can handle removal + repair + installation for a polished, professional finish.
Can You Reuse Backsplash Tiles After Removal?
Homeowners sometimes hope to save and reuse their backsplash tile, especially if the pattern is expensive or sentimental. While it’s possible, it’s not always realistic.
Most tiles break during removal because thinset or adhesive bonds tightly to the mortar bed and drywall. Even careful prying can crack corners or chip glaze.
You can reuse tiles if:
They come off cleanly without cracking
The adhesive can be removed from the back
They are high-quality stone or specialty tiles worth the effort
However, in most cases, tiles crack or carry leftover mortar that’s difficult to clean. Salvaging can take hours of scraping, soaking, or grinding, which often costs more time than it saves.
If you plan to upgrade your kitchen anyway, Burrini & Sons can help you choose new tile styles that fit your design, timeline, and budget, so you get a fresh look without the struggle of saving old materials.
What to Do If Drywall Gets Damaged During Tile Removal
Even with careful prying, drywall damage can happen, and many DIYers only notice it once the tiles are gone. Small paper tears, dents, and uneven spots are normal after backsplash removal, especially when tiles were installed with strong thinset.
The key is to repair these issues early, so your new backsplash sits flat and looks seamless. A smooth wall always leads to a cleaner, more professional finish.
For Minor Damage:
Apply joint compound over scratches or paper tears
Let it dry fully, then sand until smooth
Repeat if the surface still feels uneven
For Deeper Damage or Soft Spots:
Patch with drywall tape and compound
Replace small sections of drywall if necessary
Prime the wall before installing new tile
If the wall looks rougher than expected or repairs feel overwhelming, Burrini & Sons can step in to restore the surface properly before installing a new backsplash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Backsplash Tile
Many DIY tile removals go wrong not because the job is difficult, but because the approach is rushed. One wrong move can tear drywall, crack tiles, or create extra repair work.
Data from a Q4 2024 “Homeowner Activity Tracker” shows that, on average, homeowners spent 37 hours on DIY home-improvement during that quarter, highlighting how projects often take longer than expected and require more patience and precision than most people plan for.
Knowing what to avoid keeps the process smooth and helps you finish with a wall that’s ready for a clean new installation. A little patience saves a lot of fixing later.
Rushing the process
Not scoring grout lines first
Using too much leverage under the tile
Forgetting surface protection
Not having patch materials ready
Slow work equals clean results. If you’d rather avoid trial and error, Burrini & Sons offers backsplash removal and remodeling services with a smooth, mess-free finish.
Give Your Kitchen a Fresh Start Without the Stress
Removing backsplash tile without damaging drywall is doable when you work slowly, use the right tools, and prep the wall properly. It takes patience, but the clean finish is worth it.
If you would rather leave the hard work to the pros, Burrini & Sons is here to help. We are a family-owned and operated remodeling company with over 45 years of experience, and we treat every customer like family.
Our team provides free estimates, answers all your questions, and does not finish a project until you are completely satisfied. Ready for a smooth wall and a fresh new kitchen look? Contact Burrini & Sons today and let us take care of the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove backsplash tile without damaging drywall?
Yes, you can remove backsplash tile without damaging drywall if you work slowly and use the right tools. Scoring grout lines first and applying gentle pressure helps tiles release cleanly. Avoid forcing tiles off the wall, as rushing is the main cause of drywall damage.
What tool is best for removing backsplash tile?
A putty knife or drywall knife is the best tool for removing backsplash tile. It allows you to slide behind the tile and lift it gently. A flat pry bar can help with stubborn tiles, but it should be used carefully to avoid tearing the drywall surface.
Do you need to replace drywall after removing tile?
In most cases, you do not need to replace drywall after removing backsplash tile. Small paper tears or scratches can be fixed with joint compound and sanding. Drywall only needs replacement if it is soft, crumbling, or badly damaged during removal.
Is it better to remove tile or install new tile over it?
Removing old tile is usually the better option for long-term results. It creates a smooth, flat surface and avoids issues with uneven walls or thick edges. Installing new tile over old tile can work in some cases, but it often limits design choices and outlet alignment.
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