How to remove tile from bathroom wall is one of the most searched topics by homeowners. Particularly for those who are into DIY stuff and for those who want to remodel their bathroom. They can take advantage of this information. Learning to remove the tiles from the bathroom wall can help you work better if you have hired the tiling professionals. In this post, we will explain the tile removal process from the bathroom wall without chipping the tile or damaging the surface. Continue reading the following.
Tools to Remove Bathroom Tile From the Wall
- Chisel
- Pry bar.
- Hammer
- Shop-Vac
- Utility knife
- Masking tape
- Plastic sheeting.
- Reciprocating saw
Safety Gears to Remove Bathroom Tile From the Wall
- Boots
- Face mask
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles.
- Long pants
- Long-sleeved shirt
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Remove Tile From Bathroom Wall
Follow these 6 steps to remove tiles from the bathroom wall to install new tile.
Removing And Covering Vanity, Toilet, And Fixture
Step 1 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
Remove the toilet or sink to easily remove the tiles from the wall. This is because you may damage the porcelain fixture.
If you do not want to remove those, then make sure these are secured in a way that they will not be damaged while removing the tile and tools. Also, covering them will reduce the time for removing the mess after removing the tile.
- If you want to save your shower doors from damage, take them down or take the shower curtain off, as well as any window treatments so they don’t collect dust.
- Put your mirror somewhere else if it’s not attached to the vanity. If it’s attached, cover it with plywood.
- Keep dust out of your house by taping plastic sheeting over your door, vents, and registers.
- Turn off the water if you’re working near plumbing
- Lay down tarps to catch shards and dust
- Tape off the nearby surfaces you want to protect
Cover the floor
Step 2 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
You should cover the floor. I would recommend doing it before starting the process. Start by laying down heavy-duty drop cloths or cardboard to protect your bathroom floor.
Tiles, especially ceramic or porcelain, can fall and crack the surfaces below. This step is crucial if you have hardwood or vinyl floors underneath, which are prone to damage during wall tile removal.
Remove the Grout Lines
Step 3 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
Now you will need to remove the grout lines first. I used an oscillating multi-tool with a grout removal blade. This created a space around each tile so you don’t crack the tile next to the one you’re removing.
If you don’t have a multi-tool, a grout saw works too, but it can be a little slower comparatively. Do not cut too deep, as it can damage the drywall or plaster.
Start in a Low-Risk Area
Step 4 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
Take a start from an accessible area. I started by picking a tile near a switch plate or corner where it is easier to access. Starting in such an area involves fewer risks of damaging tiles while removing them.
Drive the cold chisel behind the tile at a shallow angle and tap gently with the hammer. If you’re learning to remove tile from bathroom wall surfaces, don’t start in the middle of the wall. Outer edges are more forgiving. Keep it slow and do not rush.
Work Tile by Tile
Step 5 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
- Keep it slow and work tile by tile.
- When the first tile comes off, move the chisel into the edge of the next tile.
- Focus on preserving the support while using it again.
- However, if you face resistance, then switch positions and apply pressure from a different direction.
- Some tiles pop off cleanly, others shatter. That’s normal, just make sure to remove the tile without damaging the surface.
- If the area you’re working in seems tough, then cut the old tiles before levering them up.
- Use a straightedge to mark one of the diagonals, then use a scoring tool to mark it.
- Do this until the line is at least a 1/16th of an inch deep, then do it on the other diagonal.
- This can help you break the tile into smaller pieces.
Tip: Just be careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges!
Clean As You Go
Step 6 of how to remove tile from bathroom wall
Debris piles up fast during the tile removal process. Drop broken tiles into a bucket or bin as you work. This avoids walking on sharp edges and reduces cleanup later.
Also, run a putty knife or scraper along the exposed surface. This removes leftover mortar or thinset.
Tile Removal Tips for Drywall, Cement Board, and Plaster Walls
Though you know how to remove tile from a bathroom wall yet not every surface is the same. Here are the tips to remove tiles from different wall types.
How To Remove Tile From Drywall
You can expect damage while removing tiles from drywall. If tiles were installed directly onto drywall, you’ll likely tear the surface paper. You may need to replace sections after removing tiles. Still, knowing how to remove tile from bathroom wall areas with drywall teaches you when patching makes sense versus replacing whole boards.
How To Remove Tile From Cement Board
Though this material is stronger, it is prone to shattering when older. If the cement board stays intact, you can retile over it after cleaning and leveling. Use caution near corners; this is where the board cracks most.
How To Remove Tile From Plaster
The best tip for plastering walls would be to go slow. Old plaster can crumble if struck too hard. Use a wide pry bar and avoid deep gouges. Often, plaster homes have a thick mortar bed, which is tough to remove entirely.
Mistakes to Avoid While Removing Tile From Bathroom Wall
Learning how to remove tile from bathroom wall surfaces also means learning from others’ mistakes. Here are some I see often:
- Consider removing the grout, and do not skip it. This may result in cracking the tiles.
- Always use the right chisel angle, go shallow and not vertical.
- Do not rush the job. Keep it slow, steady work results in less wall damage.
- Check behind walls, hidden pipes, or wires can surprise you.
Tile removal isn’t glamorous, but it’s important. Poor preparation of the shows in the final result.
Can You Reuse Old Tiles?
Sometimes. If tiles come off clean and are valuable (think hand-painted or marble), save them. Clean up loose tile, scrape off old mortar, and store it carefully. However, if you’re learning how to remove tile from bathroom wall areas purely for demolition, focus on safety and speed. Tile preservation is a bonus, not the goal.
Final Thoughts
These step-by-step instructions will help you understand how to remove tile from bathroom wall surfaces isn’t just for contractors. With the right tools, a clear plan, and a patient approach, homeowners can take on this task with confidence.
Whether you want to remove porcelain tile or prep to install new large-format porcelain tiles, this guide gives you the foundation to work cleanly and effectively. Make sure to treat the wall like it matters because it does. A careful removal job now sets you up for a flawless install later.
