I’ll be helping a friend demo his bathroom for a remodel this weekend. We plan to remove the old (very ugly) floor tile and lay new tile. The old tile was laid on Hardibacker. Any suggestions on the best way to remove it? Once we get the tiles off should we try to scrape off the thinset and an then lay the new tile on top of the existing hardibacker or try to remove the hardibacker also?
Thanks lots, Brian
Replies
If the hardie isn't torn up, there's no reason you can't reuse it. Might have a hard time getting the old thinset off it. It doesn't add any strngth to the floor, just provides a very good bonding surface for the thinset. If it was done properly, there is a layer of thinset under the hardie as well. Some people use roofing nails to fasten it to the floor, and in that case you might be ble to pry it up. I use hardie screws and thinset, and that will be difficult to remove.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Even with cheap thinset many tiles bond quite well to hardi. I'll bet the next lunch box twinke that you'll have much better luck prying up the hardi than removing tiles from it.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
You were right! We pryed it off right down to the plywood. Getting the fiberglass tub and tub surround out was actually the worst part. Thanks for the advice.
Fantastic. I'm twinky rich.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Good. Going down to the subfloor, you know to what extent you have water damage.
-- J.S.