removing tiles

[sara3]

my bathroom is fully tiled, white tiles with a border tile all the way around. it looks a bit dated but the white tiles are fine. I just wondered what the chances are of chipping out the border tiles (to replace with something new) without damaging the surrounding tiles.

any tips?

[Naomicorlett]

You could try de-grouting around a border tile using this....
http://www.easy-grout.com/ or a hand tool.I got mine from B&Q but found it very hard work. You should then be able to break and remove border tile without damaging white tiles.

[buildersmate]

Not the easiest of tasks, Sara, not certainly possible.
I'd probably use an old wide-blade screwdriver (say 8mm wide - but it will knacker it) with a bolster hammer.
Hardest part is getting at the first edge, to get under the tile to be able to drive the blade between the tile and the wall. Wear goggles - bits of ceramic are going fly off.
It is really going to depend how well the tiles are stuck to the wall behind.

[buildersmate]

......... BUT certainly possible (not NOT)

[sara3]

thanks Naomi, I have a little grinding tool like that. did you remove any individual tiles?

[sara3]

buildersmate, you've put me off trying now!!!!

well, maybe I'll wait til I can afford to get the whole lot re-done in case it goes horribly wrong!

or do you think if I get one off, it gets easier? or will I fight with all of them?

[Naomicorlett]

I had to regrout the shower after the divvy that put it in used the wrong stuff but the plumber who came to replace shower itself had to take a tile out to put new pipes in. As BM says it's not a failproof method and you might end up breaking the white tiles.

[Naomicorlett]

Yes once one is out it gets easier. Start behind the door !!

[sara3]

yes, good plan.. thanks!

[Wak]

If the original tiles are fairly old then check on the sizes of the replacement tiles as the old ones could be imperial and the new ones will be metric. The replacement tiles may not be the same size and you may finish up with a very wide grouting border!!!!!!!!
Just a thought!!