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Discussion Forum

removing 4×4 ceramic tile from shower

tenniscro | Posted in General Discussion on November 17, 2007 06:23am

We are renovating my wife’s bathroom and are using high-end Italian ceramic tile (12×18) on the walls. She would like to replace the white ceramic tile (4×4) in her shower with the same Italian tile. Is this a good idea? If so, what is the best way to remove the 4×4 white ceramic tile from the sides of her shower?

BTW, we are replacing her bathroom cabinets with bigger and better cabinets. I’m assuming there is no purpose in putting the high-end Italian tile BEHIND the new cabinets since we’re both in our 60’s and do not anticipate ever replacing the new cabinets. Am I right in not putting the new tile behind the cabinets?

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  1. Waters | Nov 17, 2007 07:01pm | #1

    Removal depends on what the tiles are adhered to.  If they're put up over drywall, pull the whole mess out and put up an appropriate backer material for your new tile job.

    If they're over an appropriate backer material, or mortar bed, then you'll have much more work ahead of you.  If you can't get them to 'pop' off with the basic hammer and prybar (you have a 'blue bar' right?) approach, then the tool rental place will likely have a rotary hammer drill.  This is a 'mini jackhammer' of sorts that can be used with flat chisel-like bit, on the tool's 'hammer' only function to buzz off the tiles. 

    As to your question of the new 12x18 tiles.  The larger the tile, the flatter your substrate must be. 

    Usually the tile will run up to the cabinetry, not behind it.  But some installations come out beautifully with tile behind cabs.  Must be flush with the rest of the wall...

    1. tenniscro | Nov 28, 2007 05:04pm | #4

      I'm taking your advice and pulling out the 4x4 ceramic tile and dry wall and putting up the appropriate backer in the shower/bathtub area of our bathroom. We plan to install 18x24 glazed porcelain Italian tile in the shower area and on all the rest of the bathroom walls. The tile company recommends putting up a sheet membrane on the walls to ensure the 18x24 tiles adhere well. Do you agree? We're debating whether to replace our 30-year-old porcelain bathtub since we're pulling out all the tile and drywall. Do we HAVE to remove the tub to put backer board behind it or do we put the backer board down to the tub? The present tub appears to be 30 inches wide and 5 feet long( I can't tell how much of the tub is hidden behind the tile/drywall). The closest size I've found online is 32 inchesx5 feet. Would it be better to replace the tub, even if I can't get an exact size match or should we refinish it( the horrible old avocado color matches nothing we plan to add).

      1. BryanSayer | Nov 28, 2007 06:04pm | #5

        If the tub gets daily use, refinishing isn't likely to hold up well for very long. If you can, replace it is my suggestion. I would think that one 30 years old would be a standard size that you can replace. And that way you can find out if you have any water penetration in the wall.And yes, a proper membrane is a good idea. The ones from Kerdi get very high marks. If you search this board, you will find various discussions about them.There is also a very good tile forum at JohnBridge

      2. Waters | Nov 28, 2007 06:45pm | #6

         

        I'm taking your advice and pulling out the 4x4 ceramic tile and dry wall and putting up the appropriate backer in the shower/bathtub area of our bathroom. We plan to install 18x24 glazed porcelain Italian tile in the shower area and on all the rest of the bathroom walls.

        The tile company recommends putting up a sheet membrane on the walls to ensure the 18x24 tiles adhere well. Do you agree? I'm only familiar with the method of taping and mudding all seams... then rolling (painting) on the waterproofing membrane.  The product I've used is called ' hydraflex ' by TEC.  I've seen sheet membranes detailed in tile books though and I would follow the tile company's advice.  Most companies will have DVD installation guidance or programming for you.  Ask your tile company.

        We're debating whether to replace our 30-year-old porcelain bathtub since we're pulling out all the tile and drywall. Do we HAVE to remove the tub to put backer board behind it or do we put the backer board down to the tub? The present tub appears to be 30 inches wide and 5 feet long( I can't tell how much of the tub is hidden behind the tile/drywall). The closest size I've found online is 32 inchesx5 feet. Would it be better to replace the tub, even if I can't get an exact size match or should we refinish it( the horrible old avocado color matches nothing we plan to add).  If the old tub has a lip that the new CBU will be placed over, then I think you're fine to use the old tub.  No lip, look out.  The upturned lip will prevent anything from getting behind the tub.   Refinishing is a great option for an old tub in otherwise good shape--they come out looking new.

         

      3. User avater
        Mongo | Nov 28, 2007 06:56pm | #7

        Bathrooms are a place where you really want to "do it once and do it right", for doing it wrong can have horrible consequences.

        As to the sheet membrane for use in wet areas (showers and tub surrounds) , I recommend Kerdi membrane.

        I'd encourage you to pull the tub and get a new one. Here's a quick drawing for how to detail Kerdi to a tub flange.

        View Image

        Mongo

  2. User avater
    JeffBuck | Nov 17, 2007 07:44pm | #2

    I'd plan on going down to bare studs ...

    or tiling over the existing.

     

    for a customer ... I'd insist on doing it right and doing a full demo.

    if friend/relative insisted ... I'd do a layover with no guarantees.

     

     

    "using high-end Italian ceramic tile "

    high priced materials? I'd do it once and do it right.

     

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Nov 17, 2007 09:56pm | #3

      "high-end Italian ceramic tile ("Does that mean that it is stacked on the top shelf? Or does it mean that it was expen$ive?.
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

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