• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Jenna Kate at Home
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • Contact Me
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Homepage » DIY Projects

    Kitchen Makeover Week 4: Removing The Old Backsplash

    Posted: Apr 10, 2019 · Updated: Mar 29, 2022 ·This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    216 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It
    how to remove old backsplash and prepare the wall for new tile

    Over the past week I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I had planned to, which has left me a bit behind as we go into the final 2 weeks of the Jeffrey Court Renovation Challenge. 

    If you didn't catch the big news on Instagram, I announced my pregnancy! While I've been super lucky to not have any nausea at all this time around, I've been plagued with constant exhaustion for the past few weeks. Needless to say, this has made getting anything done challenging, especially paired with accomplishing all the other daily tasks that also need to be done. 


    Don't Forget To Catch Up On The Previous Weeks!

    • Week 1: The Before
    • Week 2: The Design Plan
    • Week 3: How to Install a Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor

    It's not all negative, though! The existing backsplash has been removed and the wall patched with joint compound where any dents, dips or holes appeared. 

    The corner of a kitchen with white cabinetry, showing the walls after the original backsplash has been removed

    On the right hand side of the kitchen, the tile came off really clean which makes it much easier on me. But on the left of the sink, a lot of tile adhesive remains and the tile definitely damaged the walls in a few places.

    By the way - I shared how I removed the tile on Instagram. Be sure to check out my stories if you're planning on doing similar sometime soon!

    There's really nothing to removing the tile. You find an edge with a mini pry bar or flat head screwdriver and tap away at with a hammer until you get under the tile and it falls off. It's not difficult and not even really time consuming, but it's definitely messy and dusty! 

    A close-up of the wall in kitchen after old tiles have been removed, showing patches of adhesive.
    A close-up of the wall after old backsplash has been removed, near hood exhaust vent.

    I scraped down the high spots as much as I could and patched the holes. The wall doesn't have to be totally perfect. On a backsplash application like this, it's easy enough to use the mastic to help level things out if need be. If I was dealing with a floor, I would want it completely perfect before starting.

    Crescent or shell-shaped white tiles now being mounted onto the wall

    I actually managed to start one little corner of tile and hope to have it finished by the end of the week. It's so exciting finally seeing it on the wall and I can't wait to get it all grouted!

    The empty wall above the stove top, before the new backsplash is installed.

    You might also have noticed that the electrician did indeed come as planned and removed the old wall vent and wired up and installed the new ductless vent hood. 

    For now, the big metal thing that's left in the middle of the wall is going to be pushed into the wall and covered with some drywall before tiling it. If we were to completely remove it, there would be a massive hole to the exterior that would need to be repaired. Since that's not in budget right now, this is the fix. PLUS, since we know that this kitchen will eventually be completed gutted (probably 5 years from now) that can be rectified at a later date.  All the electrical is completely disconnected by the way, so there's no safety issue with burying it. 

    The empty wall above the stove before the new backsplash is installed.

    The vent hood by the way has all the buttons underneath so that when we make the custom hood those are all accessible. It's also convertible to a ducted installation should we want to do that at a later time. 

    OK, so here's what needs to be done in the next week:

    • Finish repairing drywall
    • Install backsplash tile, grout and seal
    • Start work on DIY vent hood
    • Prep cabinets for paint and new hardware
    • Shop for accessories for the big reveal (the fun part!!)

    Based on how little I managed to accomplish this past week, these tasks seem a little daunting but I'm hoping that I start to get some energy back over the next few days!

    Update: Read Week 5 - DIY Kitchen Vent Tutorial 

    « 15 Clever and Creative Craft Organization Ideas
    My Husband's Walk-In Closet Makeover »
    216 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It

    Reader Interactions

    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    the author sitting in front of a door

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    More about me →

    Spring Recipes

    • Fresh Fruit Cake
    • How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Green Goddess Rice Pilaf
    • Salty Dog Grapefruit Cocktail

    Decorating Tips

    • How to Decorate a Large Wall
    • Where To Start When Decorating A New Home From Scratch
    • How to Incorporate Color Trends In Your Home
    • How to Make a Builder Grade Home Look Custom

    Popular

    • My Kitchen Remodel Reveal!
    • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
    • 10 Stunning Ideas For Built Ins Around a Fireplace
    • 10 Of The Best Kitchen Island Colors

    Get Your Copy Today!

    Footer

    About Jenna Shaughnessy

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    as seen in the new york times, house beautiful. real simple, reader's digest, the pioneer woman and more

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Other Links

    • Sign up for The Beginner's Guide to Decorating
    • Buy my decorating e-book
    • Watch The Web Stories

    Services

    • Work With Me/ Brand Partnerships

    Jenna Kate at Home LLC is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Jenna Kate at Home LLC