removing overbearing granite backsplash slab - the good and the bad

12 years ago

There are some great posts on this site!

We are scheduled to close on our new house in January. The kitchen has granite counter tops with matching slabs of backsplash. Its a little overbearing from the pictures and we really like the idea of having the backsplash contrasted more by replacing this.

What are the gotchas? Things to be worried about?

Some that I read about were related to concern that the granite countertop that the back splash is sitting on can be cracked. Is this normal? What are the chances that it is damaged one way or another?

Thank you!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Main Line Kitchen Design

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

Definitely get rid of the granite backsplash. It is easy, it is only caulked in place and if you plan to tile the wall with anything except glass tiles any damage to drywall shouldn't be a problem. A little joint compound will repair any damage well enough for tiling. Any tile person will be capable of removing the backsplash. Cracking the top should also not be a problem baring someone doing something silly removing the backsplash. On a home improvement difficulty scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the toughest, this job is a 2. Tiling will be harder than removing the backspash, so if you plan on hiring someone to do that let them do it all.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (34)

DIAspoton
12 years ago
I have absolutely no idea if this is a possibility but i'll throw it out here. could you cover the backsplash rather than tear it out? maybe use stainless steel or backpainted glass? those seem like thinner alternatives to tile. better under cabinet lighting would also help.

if there is still too much black for you, consider replacing the work part of the island with stainless steel OR the raised bar with a lighter surface like tile.
chonas
12 years ago
you may try easy ones from home depot
Aspect
3 in. x 6 in. Brushed Copper Long Grain Metal Decorative Wall Tile , offers different shades, easy to instal
Related Professionals
McAlester Interior Designers & Decorators · Houston Interior Designers & Decorators · Odessa Interior Designers & Decorators · Eugene Interior Designers & Decorators · Ontario Interior Designers & Decorators · Everett Interior Designers & Decorators · Sanford Interior Designers & Decorators · Bainbridge Architects & Building Designers · Aberdeen Architects & Building Designers · Hattiesburg Architects & Building Designers · Dubuque Architects & Building Designers · Boise Architects & Building Designers · Ontario Architects & Building Designers · Worcester Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Victoria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
User
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Talk to a tile installer about removing the backspash. You have one thing going for you - the way that the granite is angled from the bottom cabinet to the top cabinet on the end that we can see, was a smart solution to the finishing off of the backsplash. Duplicate that if you go with tile. I think I see under-counter lighting. If it needs to be beefed up to provide more light, do that too. :)
PRO
OMNIA Group Architects
12 years ago
Most of our homes with matching granite have the granite tile, which is a thinner version and easier to remove. The granite appears to be good quality. When you are able to get in there and check it out, purchase a few sample options from a selection at your nearby tile store or home store, put them up against the back splash and live with it for a few days. Let your inner designer come out as you mediate on the different backslashes available. Remember to purchase samples that can be returned. If in doubt, consult a professional for removal. Happy New Home!
chonas
12 years ago
a bit expensive but since its just the backsplash you may consider. see the youtube link for installation. I was planning to do something similar
jamesm81
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the great comments! Does anyone know if you can cleanly separate the back splash from the counter without causing any damage? Will the adhesive that may have been used be able to be removed?
halfpint2
12 years ago
I'd keep the black granite and have the cabinets painted white.
alwaystipa
12 years ago
Granite is usually installed with a silicone construction adhesive and there is a good possibility that you will damage the drywall underneath when taking it out. However, if you want to install a tile backsplash then you will need to put up concrete backerboard made for tile anyway, so it really doesn't matter if you damage the walls. With that said... construction adhesive can often be safely removed using a heat gun and putty knife.
jamesm81 thanked alwaystipa
lc29
12 years ago
If you decide to go ahead, please let us know what happens. I've been wondering this too, as I'm sure others have. At least you don't have granite that goes up all the way to the top of the cabinets behind the stove like I do!
PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
12 years ago
I think it both practical and good looking. I do think you need darker hardware that is heavier looking.... throw some rugs down and be done with it!
User
12 years ago
Please do post pictures if you re-do the backsplash! :)
libradesigneye
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I've seen this demo'd before - it will tear up the wall behind it but isn't likely to harm the granite countertop. Look at the ends for how thick it is - they may have replaced the electrical boxes so they would be deep enough to present to the front and they may have to be returned to normal so tile will be flush behind receptacles. That said, if your granite is bookmatched up the wall, you may want to look around your home and see what opportunities for 18" deep pieces of granite offer themselves - it is an expensive and durable material - even putting it on wood corbels out on the patio as a bar height serving station could be useful.
User
12 years ago
I agree with Sustainable Dwellings. I think this kitchen looks good as is, but it does need some heavier, darker hardware. ;)
jamesm81
Original Author
12 years ago
Can you tell if those are real wood cabinets by this picture? That is one of my other remaining questions that I wont know until I can get back in for a walk through or closing... any insight would be greatly appreciated.
PRO
sstarr93
12 years ago
I think the granite backsplash should stay, as it ties the countertop to the rest of the room; any other material subbed in for a backsplash will introduce another, incongruous element to the design.

You have wood cabinets, wood flooring, natural-wood doorframe and window. The countertop and backsplash form a cohesive contrast; the previous owners went to extra expense to produce this (positive) effect. Don't fall into the "we have to change something" trap. If you make this change, the kitchen will be cheapened.

As others have pointed out, more appropriate handles will improve the look dramatically. Also, the pendant lights look dated.
jamesm81 thanked sstarr93
User
12 years ago
This kitchen is lovely as is and should be kept. With any house purchase there are real issues hiding where you can't see. Wait and keep your money for nasty surprises.
PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
The backsplash is very expensive but few professional kitchen designers would use such a thick slab for a backsplash. It looks funny from the side and the window molding is buried by it's thickness. I'm also not a fan of the angle down between the wall cabinet and the top. There will be lots of great tile choices.
PRO
sstarr93
12 years ago
I would consider removing the cabinet to the left of the window; this would move your kitchen in a modern direction, opening up the space to the window. You could modify the splash on the window side accordingly (sawn off straight) or remove it on the window wall (paint only). A larger window would also be great.

The only really problematic element I see is the corner sink; opening up the flow on the window wall will make the sink seem less confined.

Nice kitchen, with great potential. I believe in opening up kitchens, reducing the number of upper cabinets - see my profile for examples.
PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
12 years ago
@jamesm81Cabinetry appears to be a good grade of frameless European construction. With pillowed veneered doors. So there are no solid wood frames on the fronts of the cabinets and the doors are veneer over MDF furniture board. But with that style door that is the best look and the cabinets look to be expensive. Heck the backsplash I don't like cost a couple of thousand dollars.

To answer your question: No they aren't solid wood cabinets but in that contemporary style you don't usually get a framed cabinet or solid wood doors. It wouldn't look as nice.
Deborah lippitt
12 years ago
I can relate to your problem..I am considering buying a gorgeous home and love everything about it BUT I hate the black granite counter tops and back splashes. So that is why I am here reading about your issue. See what is ahead of me as per removing the black granite...I think black sucks as a kitchen color. The rest of the kitchen looks good. I do think removing the end upper cab. is a good idea too.
curlycook
12 years ago
http://houzz.com/photos/5453981

I would love to see a modern, dark cabinet pull installed to see if the backsplash could stay. The new owners will want to choose their own backsplash anyway.
diyher
12 years ago
too many comments to read :) but, I saw a designer once post something on houzz about choosing backsplashes. She mentioned something to the effect, if your cabinets, counter tops and backsplash are all contrasting each other, then it would look like too many layers and lines of color. It made sense after I visually saw an example posted.
Suzanne
12 years ago
So, I'm dying to know if you tried this, and if it was a success. Please post an update if you have one. Thanks.
Moxiemom
12 years ago
I love this kitchen. As is. Period! I guess I'm old school. Haha!
Karen
11 years ago
I agree with the comment to paint the cabinets white.
Carol Johnson
11 years ago
You should be able to have the stone splash pulled off the walls. It will damage the walls, which will most likely need to be replaced. Not a big deal if you are tiling.
Jay Viswanathan
11 years ago
I have the same scenario, a matching dark granite (maroon yuck!) on countertop and back splash .. were you able to remove?
debjax3
11 years ago
Even if the cabinets are painted white the dark backslash still makes a dark kitchen. Trust me, I know! After eleven years of professional countertop decor the corners are still dark and dreary. Under cabinet lights, lamps, light bright accessories don't solve the problem. To the homeowner, if you want the granite down remove it! Tp those of you who like the kitchen as is, decorate yours that way!
User
11 years ago
Removing the backsplash on the island could be tricky
formarketing8
8 years ago
I have the same problem. The granite backsplash goes all the way to the cabinets. Will the heat gun have an effect on the cabinets? Should the cabinets be removed first?
PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
8 years ago
No heat gun is used to remove the granite back splash. Just a utility knife and some pry bars. Get a tile professionals help removing the backsplash and tiling if you have no experience doing these kind of home improvements.
rrazzy
6 years ago
This kitchen is similar to mine and we are doing some updating right now. Would love to see what you ended up doing. Did you change the backsplash at the breakfast bar? We are worried about damaging counter top by trying to remove the granite backsplash. Not sure if we will leave it or try to tile over it.
Mira Glick
3 years ago
I’m a little late to the party but this resembles ours and I want it gone and have since we moved in 7 years ago.

removing overbearing granite backsplash slab - the good and the bad

Comments (34)

Related Professionals

jamesm81Original Author

jamesm81Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

jamesm81
Original Author

jamesm81
Original Author