From time to time I get asked the questions “how do I remove tiles” and “is it easy ?”
If you are anything like me you know how good it feels to get stuck into a DIY project. You won’t actually need very many tools as it’s really all in the technique. Once you know how to do it , it really is very easy and you will feel very pleased with yourself !
Another great thing is that you could avoid the price of paying a tiler to do the work for you, which may even equate to the cost of the replcement tiles !
It’s so easy that there are really only 2 stages involved, it may seem a daunting task to start with but you will get the hang in no time. I know you can do it!
Tools you will need to remove your tiles:
These are probably the only tools you will need, you will find them easily in any DIY/Hardware shop .
- Stanley knife
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Safety Glasses
- Dust Sheet
Step One:
I would definitely cover everything within striking distance that might get scratched by a piece of flying tile.
Then you need to gouge out the grout and really try to get as much of it out as you can, this usually helps to increase the chance of having that tile pop out as a whole instead of breaking up into tiny bits of mosaic.
Step Two:
Right, now you have got rid of as much grout as you can you then need to get your chisel out and then softly tap away with your hammer until the tile comes off.
Some people avoid Step One and smash the tile in the middle, remove the chippings and then wiggle the chisel under the tile to remove it. I personally find this can help in extreme cases only, where the adhesive used is industrial strength!
But I wouldn’t usually suggest it as it can be quite destructive on the wall or floor, potentially giving you remediate work to complete before re-tiling can take place.