Remove tile or not?

May 30, 2006 10 Replies

For whatever reason, probably due to fading light and me being tired, one of my 18" sq. floor tiles is just under 1mm lower than its neighbours. Is this something that will be noticeable after grouting the 5mm gap, or should it be lifted? And, of course, how easy is it going to be to remove said tile (in bits most likely)? Thanks.


The message from "Grumps" contains these words:

Easy enough in bits, just smash it and replace.

As to whether to bother - well, if it's in the middle of a busy patch and you're the sort of person it's going to bother - then it's going to bother you!

I agree, it would bother me. Most things don't but uneven floors can be a menace.

Mary

Smart,the tile might be old and hard to get hold of the tile?

The message from "Mary Fisher" contains these words:

It'd drive me potty if it were somewhere people frequently went. If it were under the table I'd not give a hoot.

The message from "The3rd Earl Of Derby" contains these words:

I assumed since he'd just laid them that he might have some more - or at least the wit to arrange to have one before smashing it!

As we all know, buying the bits for a project, and actually using them can be separated by quite some time! In this case however, I'd bought the tiles the day before laying them, and have plenty spare (which can be returned, but not in several pieces).

Assuming that you tiles are laid on a concrete base: If you do decide to remove the tile, I would suggest using a Stanley knife with a saw blade (or similar) to cut through any tile cement round the tile, so that you can be sure that you can remove the tile without distrubing the neighbours.

Tile removed! Who said "two small taps with a pair of pliers"? Quite a lot of big taps with a hammer and bolster did the trick. And then a lot of scraping to remove old adhesive. Ready for new tile - tomorrow. I was worried about surrounding tiles either being chipped or loosened. Plenty of thick card wedged between the tiles worked ok in protecting them from chipping. But it's done now; no chips. Surrounding tiles still seem sound. Time will tell, but they sound the same as others when tapped with my knuckles and don't make any creaking noises when walked on. Is there any other test than this to show that they're still lying properly?

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