How to Remove Tiles From a Wall?

Renovating your bathroom? Re-doing some shoddy craftsmanship? Addressing water damage or mould? Whatever your motivation, it’s important to know the ins and outs before you remove tiles from a wall. This task is relatively simple, but without the right method, you could stumble upon a whole range of issues. Thankfully, we can help walk you through it, one tile at a time!

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

First things first: tools. You’ll need a few essential items to make the tile removal process smooth and efficient. A utility knife, grout saw, or multi-tool with a grout removal blade will help you remove the grout around the tiles. A hammer and chisel are useful for prying off the tiles, while a putty knife or scraper is perfect for removing the adhesive left behind. And don’t forget a drop cloth or tarp to catch debris.

2. Take Safety Precautions

Before you do any of the work itself, it’s important to make sure you’re safe. Sure, tiling isn’t bullfighting, but it can still be dangerous. Flying tile shards and dust can cause injuries, so always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and a dust mask to avoid inhaling harmful particles. Gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges and the adhesive residue that can irritate your skin. If you’re using power tools, ear protection is also a good idea to protect your hearing.

3. Cover the Room

When removing tile, it’s very common for broken pieces to go flying and scratch or chip surrounding items—whether that be a sink, a bath, or a tiled floor. If you want to avoid this, it’s essential you take the necessary steps to protect the room. This means using cardboard or some sheets to cover everything that could be affected by flying tile pieces. Lay down a drop cloth or tarp on the floor to catch debris and make cleanup easier. If you’re working in a bathroom, cover fixtures and fittings with plastic sheeting or painter’s tape to keep them safe from damage.

4. Start with the Grout

Now for the actual work! The first step in removing tiles is to tackle the grout. Use your utility knife, grout saw, or multi-tool to carefully cut along the grout lines around the tiles you want to remove. Removing the grout helps to loosen the tiles and prevents them from breaking or cracking during the removal process. Take your time and be precise, as this step is crucial for a clean removal.

5. Remove the Tiles

With the grout removed, it’s time to take off the tiles. Start by gently tapping a chisel with a hammer to lift one corner of a tile. Once the corner is raised, you can use the chisel or a putty knife to pry the tile away from the wall. You might have to tap the tile in a few different spots before it works, but once the first tile is removed, it should be a bit easier to peel away the rest. You can use the exposed edges to target the surrounding tiles and gaps behind the tiles. Be patient and work slowly to avoid breaking the tiles, especially if you plan to reuse them.

6. Scrape off the Adhesive

After removing the tiles, you’ll probably find some adhesive residue on the wall. Use a putty knife to remove this adhesive carefully. If it’s tough to get off, you can apply a little extra force with a hammer—just be careful not to chip or dent the wall. There might still be some residue left, and in this case, it’s best to sand down any unevenness or use an adhesive remover or heat gun to soften it. This step is especially important if you plan to retile the area, as a smooth, clean surface ensures a better bond for the new tiles.

7. Clean Up

Once all the tiles and adhesive are removed, it’s time to clean up. We recommend using a dustpan and brush to collect all the broken tiles and debris, and a vacuum cleaner to pick up any remaining dust. Make sure you dispose of any broken tiles properly, checking local regulations before simply chucking them away. 

Tile Removal Made Easy

Removing tiles can take some time and effort, but it can also be really exciting. Everybody loves a fresh renovation, and even a minor transformation can make a huge difference to a space. If you’re thinking of removing the tiles from your wall, make sure you take the steps necessary to do it properly. Find all the best tiling tools from Tilers Online, and go through the process with patience and care. Once it’s done, you’ll be grateful you did it right—and in awe of your handy work!