Removing a tile from plasterboard

GBA43 · 4 April 2017 at 3:13PM

I need to remove a porcelain tile- size 45 cm x 31.5 cm 10 mm thick, from a plasterboard and plastered stud wall, without damaging plasterboard. Breaking tile not a problem as I have spares. Tiles were done about 2 months ago with tile cement, not ready mixed. Don't want to damage or loosen surrounding tiles or make a lot of dust as grouting and silicone only recently done. Have got to fix a box for towel rail connection. Would very much appreciate any practical ideas.

Hasbeen · 4 April 2017 at 3:41PM

GBA43 wrote: »

I need to remove a porcelain tile- size 45 cm x 31.5 cm 10 mm thick, from a plasterboard and plastered stud wall, without damaging plasterboard. Breaking tile not a problem as I have spares. Tiles were done about 2 months ago with tile cement, not ready mixed. Don't want to damage or loosen surrounding tiles or make a lot of dust as grouting and silicone only recently done. Have got to fix a box for towel rail connection. Would very much appreciate any practical ideas.

Personally my advice is do not! you may be lucky and tile come's off or if it was well fixed it will take most of the plasterboard wall with it.

Then holes to fill etc

What kind of towel rail requires a box behind it? electrical? if so possible to connect from other side??

GBA43 · 4 April 2017 at 4:54PM

Thank you for replying, wasn't expecting an answer so quick. The towel rail is electric and the wire from it has to go into a 'cable outlet 20A terminal block' and this then goes through to connect to a switch on the other side of the wall. (In spare bedroom). If I'm going to make all that mess taking tile off, I'll have to cut a hole to fit the electrical box for cable outlet. The lip round the edge of the box is same size as cable outlet plate. I needed a smaller cutout on the tile so that the plate will cover it. And drilling the tile will be difficult because its porcelain. I'm trying to find the least worst option.

AndyMc..... · 4 April 2017 at 6:04PM

Have you considered drilling a series of holes the same size as the box? That way you'll only be removing the amount of tile and plaster board you need to.

GBA43 · 4 April 2017 at 6:26PM

Yes, that was another option I'd thought of, but I had been thinking that I'd try and get the lip of the box behind the tile. I think I might have to have the lip on top of the tile. Also, I think it will be difficult to drill this tile. It being porcelain and 10 mm thick. However, this looks like it might be the only way.

Jackmydad · 4 April 2017 at 6:52PM

I know it doesn't help, but it's going to be hard going with those tiles I reckon.
Surface box and a diamond hole cutter for a tube to take the cable?

DREKLY · 4 April 2017 at 11:46PM

I have also been attempting to remove some large mirror tiles from
a plasterboard bathroom wall (the silvering has deteriorated)
with mixed success, they too had been affixed with tile adhesive.

I was able to get a couple of paint scrapers behind the edges, and
lever enough till the glass shattered bits off, and in most cases it
only took some of the top paper layer off the plasterboard... !
But it was a nerve wracking task, with tiny slivers flying off into
the bath.
I would think you may have more success if those tiles were only
recently fitted - Good Luck, and wear glasses

Le_Kirk · 5 April 2017 at 9:56AM

Buy yourself a tungsten tipped tile drill, DO NOT USE it on HAMMER and it can be used to drill a series of small holes (chain drill) as suggested above. In order to prevent the drill skidding across the surface of the tile before it "bites" place a piece of masking or insulating tape on the tile.

Hasbeen · 5 April 2017 at 10:04AM

You can purchase tile drill bits like below get one that will take the cable diameter.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-diamond-tile-drill-bit-6-x-67mm/51908?kpid=51908&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%2520Listing%2520Ads-_-Sales%2520Tracking-_-sales%2520tracking%2520url&gclid=CjwKEAjwq5LHBRCN0YLf9-GyywYSJAAhOw6mvQS-qnPEWlzAnItjhRdkwa64qYSuqBTM63pv15pYEBoCzxHw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJCm7Kf5jNMCFXgg0wodL7UM7g

If its possible drill through tile then wall to other side, push cable through using wall grommet if required and connect to the terminal block then to switch

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Cable_Accessories_Index/Wall_Protection/index.html

GBA43 · 19 May 2017 at 8:12AM

Thanks to all for your advice. I have not got the job done yet. Have been waiting for delivery of towel radiator, which was a bit of a fiasco. Wrong one sent, then the next one leaked fluid. Have now got replacement and am going to drill a hole through the tile and put cable through. Had to wait until I got the rad and thermostat to make sure I get the right size drill bit. Thanks again.

Removing a tile from plasterboard

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