Can we keep our backsplash when renovating our kitchen, even with different sized cabinets and old cabinetry?
Asked by Lineia Mendes 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 17, 2024
Hey everyone,
So we just moved into this new place and we’re thinking about sprucing up the kitchen. Quick question – do you think it’s possible to keep our backsplash even if we change the size of the cabinets?
We heard from someone that we might have to tear out the entire backsplash… The cabinets are on the older side, but it looks like the backsplash was added more recently.
If the new cabinets fit in the same space as the old ones, you should be good to go. Just make sure the removal process is done carefully to avoid any breakage. However, if the cabinets have a wider or different footprint than your current backsplash, it could present some challenges since cutting a tile can be tricky. For a normal backsplash, you typically need 18” between the counter and cabinets. If you have less space, be sure to communicate that to your designer and installer so they can make adjustments accordingly.
Sure. You can cut it along a grout line, set your new cabinets, and fill in any remaining space.
It needs to be removed unless you can install cabinets of the exact same size in the exact same spot, which is pretty much impossible.
Opting for custom cabinets would be your sole choice and it can get pricey
What do you think about getting new doors while keeping the cabinet body? 🤔
Cabinets are not only disgusting, they’re as ancient as the house but have been repainted multiple times.
Oh wow, that seems like it would require a lot of effort.
You can for sure keep the backsplash
Maybe, but to be honest, it might be a bit tricky to navigate around.
Those white subway tiles are pretty versatile and easy to match. If it were me, I’d start by taking off the cabinets, clearing out any obstacles like the cut row butt and scraping the grout. After that, you can put up any new cabinet you buy, regardless of size. Just make sure to use the same tile and grout to avoid any problems.
Finding the exact same one might be a challenge – there are probably twenty different variations of white subway tile that all have the same dimensions.
It can totally be accomplished. The tiles are not picky about the cabinet size haha. I checked with them. Best scenario, you just take out the old ones, put in the new ones, and maybe need to apply caulk or regrout the edge between the new cabinets and old tiles. Worst scenario, you take out the top tile layer, place the cabinets, trim the top layer, and reinstall. We’ve had to do this in the past when we realized the cabinets were installed too high. Simply took out the cabinets, removed two layers of tile, and reinstalled the cabinets.
If the cabinets are the same size, then there’s no problem. If they are larger, they can rest on the tile but will need to be shimmed out at the drywall using strips of wood cut to match the thickness of the tile and mortar (adhesive). It’s important to be accurate because the edge of this filler will be visible. If they are smaller, that poses a challenge. You’ll need to search for tiles that match. Fortunately, that type of tile is quite common so it shouldn’t be too difficult. However, you’ll need to replace any cut tiles with new ones that fit perfectly. Another alternative is a filler strip, a piece of trim cut to bridge the gap. But for it to look seamless, this filler needs to be added all around.
Have you considered getting new doors? We did that for our previous home. So many styles and finishes to choose from!
The tile pattern is quite distinctive. If you manage to find a match, you could consider extending the open shelving as a possibility. Just my opinion.
Your cabinets are looking good! I would suggest adding new fronts and doors to freshen them up and skip the tile worries. The rest of your kitchen is really nice too – those shelves are awesome!
The shelves are awesome but the cabinets are seriously disgusting inside, I tried painting them but the lower ones are in worse condition. It’s definitely time for a change haha
Photos can sometimes be misleading. I hope you can figure out a resolution!
You can increase the height of the cabinets towards the ceiling without changing the backsplash or using the same size, as long as the width remains the same.