Flooring Tile - Tile Removal Question

I have a guy who is going to remodel my bathroom. This includes removing all of the tile from the shower, behind the toilet and vanity. What he wants to do is remove the tile from the drywall behind the vanity and tile over it, without replacing the drywall. Is this possible? I would imagine the damage to the drywall would leave a surface that's too uneven to retile. (He is planning to remove the backing in the shower area and replace it with something suitable for showers.) :wall: I guess my questions are: Can this be done? How would you go about it?

Thanks for your help! I am learning a lot!

I would remove the drywall. Heck, my sister-in-law remover her drywall to replace tile in her bathroom remodel. It is easier and faster. You can also use 6 mil plastic and cement board around the wet areas. Removing the drywall will also allow you to insulate the interior walls for noise protection.

I was going to just watch your post to see what the experts here have to say. However, I see you are not getting many replies.
So, I will throw out my $.02 and see what happens.

"What he wants to do is remove the tile from the drywall behind the vanity and tile over it, without replacing the drywall. Is this possible? "

Possible...yes. Correct....NO!!. As he pulls the tiles off, you are right, there is going to be damage done to the drywall. Part of the problem is going to be chunks taken out of the drywall. These could be filled and smoothed out with texture or the glue use for the tile. This would give you the smooth front you are looking for. My "other" concern would be the integrity of the glue joint between the tile and wall. If the surface isn't solid, how can the rest of it be? I would think, in the long run it would be better to start off with a solid foundation and build on that. It would last longer and you know the job has been done right.

I have to agree with Daniel. It could be faster to replace the drywall than to patch it, prep it and get "fixed" to a point you could tile over it. However, if you take the time to remove the drywall, insulate the wall, install a moisture barrier (if needed) and reinstall green board, drywall or cement board. You know you have a good solid foundation to start with and the tileing of the wall may even go smoother and faster.

Well, that is my $.02, hope it helps.

I've always found it to be faster to remove the tiles and drywall at the same time instead of trying to get the tiles off of the drywall.

I've always found it to be faster to remove the tiles and drywall at the same time instead of trying to get the tiles off of the drywall.


This would be true, if we were going to actually replace the tiles and drywall. What we are trying to do is leave the tiles in place, remove the grout and regrout the tiles. We are shooting for a regrout job, not a retile job.

This would be true, if we were going to actually replace the tiles and drywall. What we are trying to do is leave the tiles in place, remove the grout and regrout the tiles. We are shooting for a regrout job, not a retile job.


Strange, I thought this thread was about gobluz' question about reusing vs tearing out the drywall in his bathroom, not about you wanting to know about regrouting. Maybe I misread the initial post, but I don't think so.

bigmtk,

You are right, somewhere along the line I got side tracked and onto the wrong thread. So now that I am back on the right sheet....I have to agree with you, pull the drywall and the tile will follow!!!

Sorry about any confusion, I am used to it, but others seem to get upset about it. :o