removing tiles from plasterboard walls

carl310166

Can anybody advise what happens when you try to remove bathroom tiles from a plasterboard wall ?

Can they just be chiselled off,or will it take big chunks of plaster with it?

I would like to have some idea if the bathroom will need re-plasterboarding afterwards.

Thanks in advance.

cheekymole

Depends on how well they were stuck on in the first place. I have removed many a tile from bathrooms and kitchen and the problem is usually getting the adhesive off. I used a wallpaper steamerand it glides of beautifully leaving a nice smooth wall.

Hope this helps

santana-mx3

I removed the tiles in my bathroom. Most came off clean - possibly because the walls hadn't been sealed prior to tiling. Some were tougher and did leave some marks on the plasterboard. You have to hold the chisel at the correct angle (which you'll find when you try). I notice that some DIY stores actually sell a chisel specifically for tile removing. I recently bought one at The Range's DIY department in case I ever need to remove tiles again.

Re tile past left on the wall, don't try to get that off with your chisel as this is likely to mark the wall. Try a wet sponge. If any parts are stubborn, you could use walpaper stripper. That worked really well for me.

One other point, even if you don't damage the plasterboard when taking the tiles off, you may find that the plasterboard was already damaged (or carelessly fitted) prior to the existing tiles being fitted. I found that in some areas. I think whoever fitted it wasn't bothered, thinking it didn't matter because it was going to be covered with tiles.

mbamick

My brother-in-law (B-I-L) does it for a living, and cheekymole has the right idea. B-I-L always removes first tile then pours hot water from a kettle over the adhesive; and it comes away no problem.
Obviously need to be careful with plasterboard, so a steamer would be just fine.

carl310166

Excellent,i have a nice steam machine that may do the job.

I have thanked all who replied to my question.