Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Removing tile backsplash, help before I lose an arm.
I know that just because I see it 'easy' on HGTV doesn't make it a piece of cake but I'm wondering if I can tackle this. If not, I need recs.
We have a really ugly tile backsplash in our kitchen. It needs to come down sooner or later. I'm itching to do this before I get new countertops.
Who would I call to remove the tile/smooth the wall to a clean painting surface? Is that a relatively easy task if you have the skills? Could JoeSmoe HandyMan handle it?
The Home Depot folks are coming out to meausre for our granite and I'm thinking of hitting them up (they're contracted, so they have to know a thing or two right? Plus they're probably up for an extra gig?).
Otherwise I'm going to chisel away at this ugly SOB and either impress myself or seriously injure myself. I'm leaning towards the latter 
Sorry, this is scattered. Any thoughts?
Re: Removing tile backsplash, help before I lose an arm.
Okay so second question ---
Let's say I don't paint it. Can I re-tile/backsplash wihout replacing the drywall? Will stucco, sanding, smoothing be enough to give me a surface worthing of a new backsplash?
I want to do it RIGHT. So whatever that answer is will the route I take, but I'm weighing all the options.
I'm just afraid the granite will be too 'loud' so a backsplash beyond just a solid paint or subway tiles would be intense.
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
What does your granite look like? I agree with a single color tile. Heck, I would even come over and help you do it if you want! It's not hard, just time consuming and messy. I have a small amount of tiling experience (2 bathrooms worth, but DH did the majority of it). I really think it would be less work than trying to get your walls to a paintable state. Go to HGTV or a similar website to see if there are any "inspriation" kitchens with tile ideas!
Honestly, I really, really don't think you will be able to paint without redoing drywall. I hate to say that and you really won't know truly know before you start, but from my experience, I just don't think it is going to happen.
I don't like the idea of of doing granite up the wall because that's just too much action (just my opinion). That's why I had originally thought about just painting instead. BUT, if I were to go the tile route I'd want something pretty clean and simple.
Please advise me
Here is the most accurate granite sample I could find online:
I have stainless appliances, oak cabinets, and hardwood floors... if that matters
Thanks!
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
Maybe something like this? But I would use darker grout.
Or a smaller size this this?
Here's the thing, it's not just at thin border/backsplash. I mean the WALL is a big tiled mess. Maybe I didn't make that very clear off the bat. So I originally wanted to paint the wall, instead of a tiled wall. But now I'd be open to a more subtle tile replacement. I do like the brown, but I'd be afraid it swallow up my kitchen.
Here is a not-so-great photo:
See what I mean? It's the WHOLE wall of tile.
And while I have your attention
What color should I paint that yellow wall? I need something complimentary to the new countertops, appliances, etc without making the area feel to dark.
It has to 'flow' through the dining area (see how it moves all the way through?). You can also see how our informal living room steps down a bit. The granite pulls a lot of the same color as the brick fireplace and the room down there has 'coffee' on the walls.
Sorry, our house is a work in progress
And I'm TERRIBLE at this. Help!
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
Okay, that is way more tile than I was picturing! I would take a trip to the Tile Shop (it's on Hickman just past 100th) and look at their options. They have much more to choose from than Lowes or Home Depot. Be warned that it is more expensive, but you can at least maybe get ideas! I will keep looking for ideas and I will let you know if I find anything! I'm not that great at this either, but I think there are definitely options to be considered!
Wall color: I'm big into neutral paint, so I would go with a really light tan or a dark cream color to replace the yellow. Something that picks up on the lightest color in your granite.
Haha, no joke!
It's a LOT of (fugly) tile. I guess that's what happens when you buy a house from the 80s!
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com