How to Replace or Remove the Tile Under a Wood Stove

Most wood stoves sit on hearth areas made of tiles, brick or stone. If a tile breaks on this hearth, you will need to replace it. If the wood stove has legs, access is available underneath the wood stove to complete this project. If the broken tile is underneath the leg of the wood stove, disconnect the last section of wood stove pipe and move the wood stove to get at the tile. In either case, removal and replacement of the tile is the same.

Things You'll Need

• Grout removal tool
• Reciprocating saw
• Vacuum
• Putty knife
• Thinset mortar
• Thinset trowel
• Spacers
• Grout
• Grout spreader
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Grout sealer

Instructions

Tile Removal

1. Attach the grout removal tool to your reciprocating saw. Plug in the saw and place the grout removal tool in the space between the tiles to remove the grout. Remove all the grout around the area of the tile requiring replacement.

2. Vacuum the area to remove all the grout, which resembles dirt.

3. Place the putty knife under one edge of the tile and slightly twist the handle to pop the tile up. Repeat on all four corners of the tile if it resists the lift.

4. Remove the tile and set it aside.

5. Use the putty knife to scrape away any excess thinset. This area needs to be entirely cleaned of the old inset, or the tile replacement may sit higher than surrounding tiles.

6. Vacuum the area and make sure there is no dirt or thinset left.

7. Repeat the process to remove any additional tiles.

Tile Replacement

1. Mix up the thinset mortar according to the manufacturer’s directions. This usually involves adding water to make a paste-type material. Don't add too much water or you won't be able to apply the thinset.

2. Apply the thinset to the area, and smooth it evenly. Use the edge of the thinset trowel with the teeth to run over the thinset and create grooves in the thinset.

3. Set the new tile in place. Add spacers around the edges if replacing more than one tile.

4. Allow the thinset to cure for 24 hours. After curing, mix up the grout and apply the grout to the tile with the grout spreader. Ensure grout gets in the space between the tiles and is equal to the tile height.

5. Use a sponge to clean off the face of the tile. Don’t remove the grout from around the tile’s edges. Remove all grout from the tile by dipping the sponge in clean water periodically. Replace water as needed. Removing grout takes a while. If not fully removed, the grout will harden on the face of the tile.

6. Allow the grout to cure as per the manufacturer’s recommended times. After curing apply grout sealer to the grout to protect the tiles. If the tile is porous, apply sealer there as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear vinyl gloves to protect your hands from the thinset and grout. While not harmful, these materials pull out the moisture from your skin and can lead to skin cracks. Wear eye protection when removing grout.