Is it possible to remove individual tiles?

Discussion in 'Tilers' Talk' started by Skyblue1, Feb 28, 2020.

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  1. Skyblue1

    Skyblue1 Member

    I have a wall of tiles but I'd like to change a couple of tiles as I plan on removing a socket. Is it possible to remove them without damaging the other tiles?
     
  2. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    Normally quite difficult, hardest bit is starting - getting the first tile off without damage surrounding tiles. Even then, taking off one tile can disturb surrounding tiles.

    What are the tiles attached to - plastered/brick wall, or studwork/plasterboard? Might work if you stitch drill with a small drill around the tile you want to remove. Tricky!
     
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  3. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Yes it’s possible, done it myself a few times to remove and replace a cracked tile

    Most important thing is to fully remove the grout around tiles to be removed. Most tiles the edges are ‘raw’ or unglazed. The grout really sticks to these edges and bonds each tile to its neighbours

    If you start removing bits of tile, the grout will rip off surrounding tile as well

    A multi tool with grout removal blade is the best for this job. Fully remove grout from tiles in question on all sides

    Then, using a centre punch, crack the tiles to be removed by giving a few wacks with a hammer in a few places. Scary stuff first time but the tile will crack and you can then start to remove the pieces with a scraper of sorts

    Once first piece is removed, then easier to get behind remaining tiles pieces

    Depends as well to how well tiles have been laid and also wall surface but, first removing grout lines is key to success

    You’ve got spare tiles I’m guessing so if the worst happens to a neighbouring tile, this can be replaced also

    But follow my advice and all will be good :)
     
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  4. Vin B

    Vin B Member

    I had reasonable success doing this in the bathroom - there were about 10 patterned tiles scattered around the walls, and a border line of tiles, which by taking out and replacing with spares of the plain tiles the previous owners helpfully left, meant I could update the bathroom without a full strip.
    Having said that, now I'm a bit happier using hardie board, it might have been quicker to strip the lot anyway! But hey ho.

    Technique I used was a grout remover blade on my multi tool, to get out the grouting around the edge of tile. Then with a wide chisel in that grouting gap, gently levered the tile up. That does create pressure on the adjacent tile, and in a couple of cases the top finish of the tile was damaged a little - but new grouting covered that up OK. Maybe a bit of padding or cloth behind the chisel could have helped prevent it.

    Most came off reasonably easily, a couple took a chunk of the plasterboard with them. In hindsight, it might have been better to cut deeper through grouting and plasterboard, and just cut that section out entirely, as there was old plasterboard behind that.
     
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  5. rogerk101

    rogerk101 Screwfix Select

    Wear plenty of protective equipment and clothing!
    The worst DIY accident that I've had was during a tile removal project.
    I was smashing out some tiles using the method described above, and a piece of tile flew through the air and sliced right through the tendon of my index finger of my right hand (I'm right handed too).
    Fortunately a very good hand surgeon was able to repair it, but it was months before I could use the finger again, and then months of physio to regain the strength that I had lost while out of action.
    Wear good cut-resistant gloves, loose clothing covering everything, good goggles, etc.
     
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  6. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select


    Next time try my method, ie, grout removal (agree 100%) but then break tile with centre punch and hammer

    Trying to lever off one tile against another is high risk and as you said, leaves chips in the remaining tiles

    Too easy to wreck the adjacent tile where simply grouting won’t cover up the damage
     
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  7. Skyblue1

    Skyblue1 Member

    Ouch, that sounds scary. Hope you've fully recovered from this freak accident.
     
  8. Vin B

    Vin B Member

    Ah yes good point, I was very glad I had safety glasses on at one point.
     
  9. Jitender

    Jitender Screwfix Select

    I've used a multi tool with a specialist diamond blade to remove the grout lines.

    The grout line was thin i.e 2mm so had some damaged around the tile edges.

    If you have thicker grout lines then should be OK, or another option is to use the thinner diamond blades which are 2mm thick.

    Once the grout lines has been removed you minimize damage to the surrounding tiles.
     
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  10. Skyblue1

    Skyblue1 Member

    That sounds like a nifty tool. Are they expensive?
     
  11. Severntrent

    Severntrent Screwfix Select

    £60 from our host for budget one. One of best tools ever bought after my Workmate
     
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  12. Jitender

    Jitender Screwfix Select

    Grout can be quite tough. There are hand tooks available for grout removal but not sure of its effectiveness.

    Ee multitool a very hand amd invaluable tool.

    Aldi anf lidl may have these tools, not seen them st local lately though. Abot £3
     
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  13. ajohn

    ajohn Screwfix Select

    I'm pretty sure both screw and station sell the hand tool. They work but are slow. As mentioned, remove the grout and then break up the tile. The idea is remove from the centre then work out. First few bits may be tricky.

    John
    -
     

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