Walls and Ceilings - kitchen remodeling / plaster walls

Hello, I am considering remodeling my kitchen my own self. This would include ripping out and replacing all cabinets, counter, sink, flooring, and dishwasher. The house was built in the 50's, with ceramic tiled counter and backsplash and plaster walls behind. My question: during the demolition phase, what sort of shape is my plaster wall going to be in once I knock the ceramic tile off of the backsplash? Do I have to remove all the plaster, right to the studs? How about the section of plaster wall that is above the current tile location? If I leave that section of the wall intact, how would I make a half plaster, half drywall surface look presentable? Thanks in advance.

Assume that you are going to tear everything out to the stud level. Put up new drywall and be done with it. Trying to save the plaster and then tranistioning from old to new is a pain and takes forever. The money you save on asprin will pay for the drywall and you will have a better looking job to boot...

Consider upgrading the electric and plumbing while you have the wall open, you will be glad you did.

Jonre
we do this type of jobs all the time, you will loose alot of the plaster under the tiles but as for removing all of the plaster it's not needed, square up the end of the plaster now get some 5/8's sheetrock, depending on how thick you plaster is, you may need to build it up level with the original plaster, we use a product called Durabond 90 in the brown bags you have to mix it up, but use this as your basecoat then after it drys you want to shave down the high spots, then take topping compound and finish it to a smooth surface flush with the old, after it drys overnight take and sand it to a smooth finish, prime and paint
Frank
Frankawitz Custom Painting &
Plastering Repairs