Remove Single Tile From Wall

Remove the old mortar.

Remove single tile from wall.

Start at the corners and work your way toward the middle and wall stud. Next use a chisel and hammer to pry the tiles off of the wall. In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel. Be careful to cut away only the grout and not into the wall.

Always wear safety glasses when removing ceramic tile. If you are removing a wall tile then lay heavy duty protective sheeting onto the surrounding floor to prevent any damage. As the tiles fall they can take out tiles below or loosen leftover grout and tile as you go. When you believe you have removed or cut away most of the grout stop and examine your work.

Be sure to use an adhesive that is suitable for your wall surface. Cut away the grout surrounding the tile or tiles that you want to remove. Tap the end of the nail set with a hammer to shatter the tile and pry the pieces off with a chisel. Work slowly and at about a 45 degree angle.

Position the tip of a nail set against the tile at the cracked or chipped area. When removing the old adhesive using a hot air heat gun to weaken a small area at a time can reduce the chance of the wall becoming damaged. Once those tiles loosen pry them off. In this case your first step is to remove the grout surrounding the tile using a rotary tool a thin chisel or a grout removing tool.

Move the nail set. A wide blade putty knife is helpful in prying the tiles loose. Use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free. A metal chisel and hammer can make quick work of popping tiles cleanly away from the wall.

You should be able to slide a putty or plaster knife underneath the tile. Place the chisel just under the tile and use the hammer with quick taps to pop the piece loose. Tiles installed with thinset or another tile adhesive often require more work to remove them. Then use a utility knife or rotary grinder to scrape away the grout until the spacer lugs between the tiles are visible.

To remove wall tiles start by heating up the grout between the tiles with a blow dryer so it s easier to remove. Once you ve taken care of the grout use your stiff putty knife again tapping the end to slide it under the tile. Set in the replacement tile. Removing a single tile from a wall can be trickier.