bathroom remodel

I currently have a 5' alcove tub and I wish to install another 5' alcove tub that is deeper. What is the best way to remove the wall and floor tiles, in one piece so that they can be reused? I do not wish to re-tile the whole area.

 

You are taking on quite a task as the tile are tough to get loose and even tougher to clean up. If you can knock the grout loose between a couple, the rest can be pried off if you are careful.Usually the only way to clean the adhesive off the back is with a wire wheel installed on a grinder. Then you have the old adhesive on the wall to contend with....a putty knife and a lot of elbow grease. Lots of work if you have many to remove.

 

I'm in the process of removing tile in a bath and have found that not only do the tiles crack easily but if they were put on well(correctly) they sometimes take the sheet rock (green board) with them.
It's better to plan on the worst and maybe you'll get lucky.

 

16511peace,

Unless you have lots of time, removal and replacement of all the tile is time consuming.

Removal and replacement of the tub will create some wall damage. What you are suggesting you will have to slide the tub out during the removal to avoid unnecesary damage to the tiles above. You will have to remove the nails or screws that were used to anchor the tub flanges to the wall studs.

Replacement of greenboard (not suggested for replacement) It should be done with cement baord. So cutting the substrate will be necessary as well. I would suggest going about 1 foot above the new tub height. This will be also the area of tiles that would have to be removed.

If you are really good, start removal of the tiles at the top of the tub lip. You may end up breaking a couple but using a rigid putty knife or 5 in 1 tool, try to get behind the tiles and pry. Based upon the new height of the tub you are installing, remove the tiles within 2 - 4 rows above what you cut out to replace and skimcoat. When replacing the tiles, you'll have to cut new bottom row to meet height of tub.

Word of caution: Don't forget about your tub spout height (distance from top of new tub to existing spout location) and that excessive banging on the walls may create some loose tiles if it is old.

Hope this helps!

 

My best advise would be to not try to use the old tiles. Don't do what I did in the past and try to re-do something on the cheap--it just is not worth it in the end.

I would opt for new tub and new tile surround, and if I could not afford it, then I would make do until I had the budget to do it all at once. You would be surprised how bad the tiles will probably look with put up against a brand new tub.