I frequently come across a problem when replacing countertops. Almost invariably the wall is tiled and it would be much easier to replace the counter if the tiles could be removed. I have a purpose-made tool for this, a wide flat piece of steel with an anvil and a handle at the blunt end, the idea is you place the sharp edge against the tile, a sharp blow on the anvil and the tile comes off. Trouble is, quite often the wall is actually drywall (I think that’s the right term, in the UK it’s called plasterboard, usually 1/2″ think) with a void behind, and the tool tends to enter the drywall and I can’t lever the tile off because the drywall just breaks.
Any ideas I could try, or does the wall have to be replaced?
John
Replies
If you make up your mind in advance that the plasterboard has to be removed and replaced, you'll probably save enough time not fiddling with the tiles that you'll actually come out ahead.
Usually it's easier to just replace the drywall, presuming that the tile isn't about to fall off the wall anyway. It's probably worth a try to see if you can get it off without damage, but after a 10-15 minute attempt just bite the bullet and rip off the drywall.
I've had good luck with a heat gun when tiles are set with mastic. scrape out the grout first.
I just had to remove a couple of tiles from a wall. It came off fairly well with just a 5-in-1 painters tool and a couple of taps with a hammer. Maybe it was just a rare example of me being lucky.
Young, poor, and eager to learn
I am not clear if the problem is with the sharp end of your tool digging in or if the fulcrum part can't be bearing on the wall.
If it is the later then try using a large putty knife between the fulcrum and the wall. That will help spread out force.
The tool I am using is designed for the job, a 6" steel square which is held against the edge of the tile and the anvil struck with a hammer. The problem is that when it tries to go under the adhesive it starts to penetrate the soft drywall. As soon as that happens the game is lost because there is nothing to lever against except the drywall itself, which simply collapse into the void behind
I now realise that removing these tiles is hopless and I will now think in terms of leaving them where they are or removing the drywall as well
John