Removing old, stained tile is one step to updating an outdated bathroom.
Removing and replacing the tile in the bathroom is a difficult, time consuming project. While prying tiles and cement wallboards away from the wooden wall and floor supports takes time and energy, the key is to work in small sections, chipping away at the wallboard and the tiles. Since the tile is not being saved, there is no reason to worry about breaking the tile or wallboard. This project is for tiles grouted on to cement wallboards, not tiles adhered directly to cement.
Instructions
1. Place the flat edge of a putty knife against the grout between two tiles on the wall or the floor. Tap the top of the knife with the hammer to loosen and break up the grout holding the tiles together.
2. Place the claw end of the hammer under the tile, where the grout has been removed. Pry the tile away from the .
3. Swing the hammer through the cement wallboard to remove the board. This may take several swings, according to DIY columnist Tim Carter of the Ask the Builder website. Removing the tile and wallboard separately creates a starting point, making it less difficult to pry away the tile and wallboard together.
4. Push a flat garden spade between the wallboard and the sporting wall or floor joists. Push down on the handle of the flat garden spade to loosen the tile and wallboard. Continue until it pops off.
5. Throw out the debris in a large construction trash bag as you work. Use a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up fine debris.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the wall and tile are removed. If the board is nailed to the joists, prying it away may be more difficult. Continue prying until the tile pops away. Work slowly, finding the gaps between the joist and the wallboard.
Tags: tile wallboard, wall floor, away from, cement wallboard, cement wallboards, flat garden, flat garden spade