Remove Single Tile From Wall

Score the old tile.

Remove single tile from wall.

Tap the end of the nail set with a hammer to shatter the tile and pry the pieces off with a chisel. 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. A wide blade putty knife is helpful in prying the tiles loose. Break up the old tile.

Once those tiles loosen pry them off. Cut away the grout surrounding the tile or tiles that you want 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. Then use a utility knife or rotary grinder to scrape away the grout until the spacer lugs between the tiles are visible.

Start at the corners and work your way toward the middle and wall stud. You should be able to slide a putty or plaster knife underneath the tile. Always wear safety glasses when removing ceramic tile. Position the tip of a nail set against the tile at the cracked or chipped area.

A metal chisel and hammer can make quick work of popping tiles cleanly away from the wall. Removing a single tile from a wall can be trickier. Move the nail set. Removing tiles on concrete board.

Work slowly and at about a 45 degree angle. Be careful to cut away only the grout and not into the wall. Next use a chisel and hammer to pry the tiles off of the wall. As the tiles fall they can take out tiles below or loosen leftover grout and tile as you go.

Set in the replacement tile. Be sure to use an adhesive that is suitable for your wall surface. 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. Tiles installed with thinset or another tile adhesive often require more work to remove them.

In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel. When you believe you have removed or cut away most of the grout stop and examine your work. Use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free. If you are removing a wall tile then lay heavy duty protective sheeting onto the surrounding floor to prevent any damage.