How to Remove a Tile Without Breaking

Remove a tile intact.

Home builders and homeowners alike choose ceramic floor tile, wall tile, shower tile and countertop tile for its ease of cleaning, availability, wide range of color choices and aesthetic appeal. The fragile nature of ceramic tile makes a repair more difficult because the tile can crack, chip or break. Removing a single ceramic tile without breaking it requires a firm, yet gentle touch--and patience.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber mallet
• Flat blade screwdriver or thin chisel
• Wide metal putty knife

Instructions

1. Position the thin chisel or flat blade screwdriver directly on top of the grout adjacent to the tile.

2. Tap the tool of choice gently, yet firmly, with the rubber mallet to crack and break the grout.

3. Move the chisel approximately 1/2 inch and tap again. Continue with this procedure around the perimeter of the ceramic tile.

4. Remove pieces of grout as they break away from the surface and the tile.

5. Vacuum to remove smaller grout pieces.

6. Place a wide metal putty knife to the bottom edge of the tile and gently tap it with the rubber mallet to slowly break the adhesive bond between the back of the tile and the sub-floor or wall.

7. Move the putty knife to the direct opposite side of the tile and repeat.

8. Move the putty knife to the top of the tile and repeat and then to the bottom. Work slowly and carefully, moving from side to side, top to bottom until the bond to the existing surface breaks.

9. Remove the tile, and scrape bonding adhesive off of the back of the tile and the sub-floor or wall. Reinstall the tile upon completion.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective goggles and gloves when working with ceramic tile.

References

• "The Simon and Schuster Complete Guide To Home Repair and Maintenance"; Bernard Gladstone; 1987