Tools / tips to remove tile without damaging walls
#1
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Tools / tips to remove tile without damaging walls
I am doing a gut remodel of my bathroom. Two of the walls, one behind the vanity / toilet and the back wall, have triple thick walls. Sheetrock / cellotex ?? / sheetrock. These two walls are "exterior" walls (another apartment unit is behind it). I'd prefer to leave these walls intact.
Is there a tool / technique you guys prefer to use remove the tile without damaging the sheetrock?
I'd prefer to not break the tile to make cleanup easier.
Thanks!
Is there a tool / technique you guys prefer to use remove the tile without damaging the sheetrock?
I'd prefer to not break the tile to make cleanup easier.
Thanks!
#3
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Cleanup is quick and easy so I wouldn't let that influence removal of the tiles. Personally since your doing a gut job I would tear it down to the studs and not go through all the labor to carefully remove each tile without breaking. Sheetrock isn't great in bathrooms so I'd plan on replacing it with something more moisture resistant like green board. So, I'd just start ripping and hope to get chunks of sheetrock off with the tile still attached so you can carry bigger pieces out to the dumpster.
#4
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These two walls are "exterior" walls (another apartment unit is behind it). I'd prefer to leave these walls intact.
#5
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great idea! these are not wet areas - toilet and vanity against these walls. I DO NOT want to keep the tile. Sorry I should have made that clearer.
What tool do you suggest cutting just one layer of sheetrock off with? Angle grinder? How can i get in there so i can pry out one layer?
What tool do you suggest cutting just one layer of sheetrock off with? Angle grinder? How can i get in there so i can pry out one layer?
#6
Here's a picture of a tile splash I tore out yesterday, you can see the damage is severe. The tile wouldn't come off.
I used a multi-tool to cut out all the drywall. This is because there was nothing left but the paper backing. In your case you would only cut one layer and replace it.
If you only have damaged front paper torn off with minor pockets, you might get lucky and only have to skim coat the wall.
This is what I call severe:
I used a multi-tool to cut out all the drywall. This is because there was nothing left but the paper backing. In your case you would only cut one layer and replace it.
If you only have damaged front paper torn off with minor pockets, you might get lucky and only have to skim coat the wall.
This is what I call severe:

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I've got to take down two walls : one is 9x10 the other 4 x 10. And I will take it down in sections. A tool-guy friend told me a oscillating multi-tool will too slow and will likely die during the project.
He recommended using a circular saw with a depth guide.
He recommended using a circular saw with a depth guide.
#11
I'm not saying an angle grinder is a bad idea, but I tear out tile about 2 times a week and have no use for one.
Obviously, be prepared for a lot of dust using the angle grinder and it should make short work of it.
Obviously, be prepared for a lot of dust using the angle grinder and it should make short work of it.