How To Remove Ceramic Tile From A Cardboard Back

Reusing your old tile takes some work to safely remove and clean up the old ceramic pieces.

How to remove ceramic tile from a cardboard back.

In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel. How to remove mortar from old tiles for reuse. Use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free. When it comes to remodeling ceramic tile and natural stone projects you have a choice as to whether you ll salvage the material or simply throw it away.

Once the old mortar has been removed you can apply new mortar at any time for reuse. Scrape the grout away with a utility knife. There are only a few ways to remove ceramic tiles in this situation. One solution is to break up the tiles with a sledge hammer.

Rinse the back of each tile with a rag soaked in clean water to remove residual cleaner and prevent staining. This guide details how to successfully complete this project in 6 easy steps including removing the grout and tile applying new mortar and setting the new tiles. However it s a back breaking labor intensive project and you risk damaging the base if you re not careful. If you find a damaged tile or two in your floor it is much easier to remove and replace them than installing a new tile floor altogether.

Fit your utility knife in a sturdy holder if you have one and run it carefully and repeatedly around the tile or tiles you plan to remove. An ordinary grout saw typically does not work for wall tiles because of lug spacers that connect adjacent tiles underneath.