How to Remove Ceramic Tiles From a Shower Wall

If you have a ceramic tiled shower wall, there are two reasons you might decide to take some of those tiles out. You may need to replace damaged tiles, or maybe you want to install accent tiles to spruce up the wall. Either way, the trick is getting the targeted tile out without damaging the surrounding tiles or the wall behind them. With a grout saw, you can dig out the grout from around the affected tiles, which make the rest of the removal easier.

• 1

  Set the edge of your grout saw against one of the grout lines. Press it firmly to the surface, using both hands. Scrape it back along the line, breaking the surface of the grout.

• 2

  Push the blade forward and back in short movements, digging down into the grout. Dig around the whole tile, taking care not to scratch the adjacent tiles.

• 3

  Repeat the process for each tile you want to remove.

• 4

  Press your chisel to the edge of the tile, inside the open grout line, setting the tip of the chisel to the base of the tile. Tap the chisel with the hammer. Move the chisel over about an inch and repeat. Work your way along the tile, gently tapping with the hammer until it comes loose and you can pull it out.

• 5

  Repeat for each tile.

• 6

  Use your razor scraper to scraper over the exposed sections of the shower wall, taking off all the grout and mortar or adhesive. The wall is now read for re-tiling.