How to Remove Wonder Board From a Shower Stall

Remove fixture covers and tile before removing WonderBoard.

WonderBoard is a cement-based backer board for installation of ceramic or porcelain tile. The edges are extremely sharp, so wear heavy gloves while removing. Protect the surface of the shower pan or tub from scratches caused by pieces of the WonderBoard with a heavy blanket. Removing the tile before removing the WonderBoard will both make the job a lot easier and the sheets of WonderBoard a lot lighter to carry out of the shower stall.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver
• Set of Allen wrenches
• Heavy blanket or moving pad
• Wide masking tape
• Heavy gloves
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Drill
• Screwdriver bit
• Safety glasses or goggles

Instructions

1. Turn off water to the shower stall from a shut-off valve. If that is not available, turn off water to the whole house from the main shut-off valve before removing WonderBoard from a shower stall.

2. Remove plumbing fixture covers such as showerhead, knobs or other fixture covers that are through the WonderBoard with a screwdriver or Allen wrench.

3. Cover the tub or shower stall bottom with a heavy blanket or moving pad. Secure in place with masking tape.

4. Unscrew all of the screws in the WonderBoard that are visible with the drill and screwdriver bit. Some screws will not be accessible.

5. Place the flat edge of the pry bar between the wall and the WonderBoard.

6. Use a hammer to tap the pry bar deeper between the WonderBoard and wall.

7. Lift the back of the pry bar to pull the WonderBoard away from the wall of the shower stall.

8. Remove the rest of the screws with the drill and screwdriver bit so the wall is ready for installation of new WonderBoard or other wall covering.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from flying pieces of WonderBoard.