How to Remove Interior Brick Veneer Tiles

Sometimes, renovating a room requires you to demolish existing structures. For example, if you want to remove a veneer brick tile backsplash from a countertop or an accent wall, you must demolish it. This does not mean you go into the room wielding a sledgehammer. You want to minimize additional work created by the demolition process, so taking your time, using the right tools and following the proper process for removing stone tiles will ensure you invest minimal time in the project.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• 5-lb. sledgehammer
• Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Place a chisel on the grout line of a brick in the top left corner of the wall and tap it with a 5-lb. sledgehammer. Repeat this as you move the chisel around the brick until you crack all of grout.

2. Pry out as much grout from around the brick as possible. If necessary, use a flat-head screwdriver. This allows you to get your chisel beside the brick.

3. Place the chisel at a 45-degree angle to the brick and tap the back of the chisel with the sledgehammer to break the brick off the wall. If the brick is thick, it will take some work to break the tile free. If the brick is thin, it likely will come off relatively easy.

4. Repeat the same process for each brick. Work your way from left to right on the top row and then move down to the next row. Continue to work from left to right for each additional row.

Tips & Warnings

• Steel-toe boots will prevent your feet from injury from large pieces of falling brick.

References

• JohnBridge.com: Brick Veneer Homes; John P. Bridge
• This Old House: Removing Ceramic Tile; Tom Silva;