Flooring Tile - Removing ceramic tile from kitchen floor and wall

Hi everyone, I hope I can get lots of advice on this project. I am contemplating replacing my ceramic kitchen floor and backsplash. I want to replace it with slate tiles. Ok, my questions are this.

1. The ceramic tile appears to be under the cabinets. Can I just remove what I can and leave the old tile under the cabinets or do I need to remove all of my cabinets to get under them? The cabinets are screwed into my walls and I really didn't want to go there. Otherwise I';ll have to hire my contractor...LOL

2. What type of backing should I put under the floor and wall tile? The floor is subfloor and I am assuming the wall has backer board. I am guessing I need to lay backer board on floor and wall again once it's removed?

3. I noticed some here have suggested re-tiling over my ceramic but would that really work? I have always heard that is not a good idea and to get it done right I should remove the old tile. Also, it would raise the floor somewhat...although I have an open floor plan and the tile would butt against a wood floor and I think a good threshold would work.

4. Is slate OK for the backsplash? I would like to match them both. I am also tiling around the wood floor in front of my fireplace.

Thanks!

Anyone????Please????? I am driving myself crazy trying to get answers...
:damputer:

#offtopic# Well I guess no one is going to help me. I am surprised that no replies have been posted. I thought this was a place to come and get help. I guess I'll go find another site. Thanks anyway...:wall: