Cutting installed tile

May 05, 2007 3 Replies
M

I need to remove about 3" from the tiles in my tub surround so I can remove the current tub and install the replacement (which is taller). I do have matching tiles, so I also have the option of just removing the bottom row.



When I tried cutting and/or removing these tiles today, I found that I did too good of a job installing them -- it's like trying to remove the the gravel from a concrete wall. I got one out, but it took a few layers of backer board with it, and is starting to loosen an adjacent mosaic pinwheel stripe.



I'm considering a Fein Multimaster (or renting similar). After searching this NG, I'm also considering a rotozip. I figure one or the other can at the very least remove the grout, making tile removal easier. At best, I would be able to cut the tiles in place.



Anyone have any ideas?



Thanks!



Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
C

Taking out the bottom row of tile is your best option. Scratching out the grout with one of those hand tools may help minimize the damage. It is a beach of a job no matter how you do it.

The rotozip is a great tool. I use mine a lot. For cutting tile it is about near worthless. The rpm is too high and you burn up the bit before you do much cutting.

Of all the tools I own if I felt like I had to use power, I would use an abrasive disk in my angle grinder and cut a line about .5" below the first horizontal grout line. Figuring I could chip out the last 1/2". Now that will make a first class dust mess.

Be really careful whatever you choose. A flying tile fragment gave me the only cut I ever needed stitches for.

Colbyt

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

Thanks for the tips. I just hammered that row out in about an hour using some concrete chisels.

No stitches.

-Mike

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
S

:)

Too late since the immediate problem is solved, but for future reference I've done well using a small diamond blade in a cordless circular saw.

I used a cheap cordless from HarborFreight, and when possible I had a small puddle or stream of water running on the cut line to keep down the dust. When water wasn't an option, a helper holding close the intake from a shop vac helped a lot.

sdb

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required