How to remove tiles

Before you begin, make sure the area is safe to work in. Turn off power before removing wall tiles to any nearby outlets or switches, particularly in wet areas, and if you are unsure, have a licensed electrician assist. If power points or switches are within the tiled area, an electrician will need to safely prepare them before you start. Remove fittings, fixtures or cover plates and clear the space to create an open work area, then protect surrounding surfaces with masking tape and lay down a drop sheet to catch debris and make clean-up easier.

Start where it is easiest to get behind a tile. A corner is ideal, but exposed edges around windows, doorways or fittings are also good options, as beginning at a weak point reduces the amount of force needed to remove the first tile. If there is no obvious starting point, carefully break a tile near the centre using a chisel and hammer, then remove the broken pieces so you can access behind the surrounding tiles.

Position a scraper or chisel behind the first tile and gently work it loose. If needed, lightly tap the tool with a hammer to help break the adhesive bond, keeping your movements slow and controlled, especially on plasterboard, to avoid unnecessary damage. Once the first tile is removed, it becomes easier to get behind adjacent tiles and continue the process.

Continue working across the wall in small sections, keeping your tool as flat as possible against the surface and avoiding excessive force. Some tiles may come away easily, while others may be more firmly bonded depending on the tile adhesive used. If tiles are releasing cleanly, continue removing them and then scrape back any remaining adhesive, aiming for a flat, even surface that is ready for your next finish.

If the tiles are firmly bonded and the plasterboard starts to come away, it is best to remove the tiles and plasterboard together rather than trying to separate them. Start by breaking a few tiles with a chisel and hammer to relieve tension and make the area easier to manage. This helps prevent the wall from tearing away unpredictably and gives you better control over the section you are removing.

Before cutting, use a stud finder to check for wall studs and any potential services behind the wall so you can work safely and avoid cutting too deep. Use a multi tool to carefully cut around the damaged section, keeping the blade shallow and controlled while working in manageable sections. Once cut through, remove each section before moving on until all damaged plasterboard and tiles have been cleared.

With the damaged sections removed, locate your studs and check the edges of the opening so you have a clean, stable area ready for new plasterboard. Removing any loose material and ensuring the opening is neat will make the next stage much easier.

Check out our guide on how to tile a wall for a smooth finish.