How to remove bathroom tiles

Posted: 26th November 2025 | Author: Nationwide Supplies

Removing old bathroom tiles can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never tackled a job like this before. But no matter what the overall job is, tile removal is a simple and manageable project - whether you’re an expert trades professional or a DIY enthusiast looking to trim costs. 

In this blog, we walk you through the tools you’ll need, safety precautions to follow and the best techniques for lifting tiles from walls and floors. Keep reading to learn more.

How to remove tiles in a bathroom

Having the right tools is essential when removing tiles. They help you work safely, avoid damaging walls or floors and speed up the process. From a sturdy chisel to protective gear, proper equipment means cleaner results and fewer headaches - especially if you’re prepping the surface for fresh tiles afterwards.

If you’re a trades professional, you might already have everything you need to remove tiles effectively. This includes:

• Dust sheets or plastic sheeting
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Safety footwear (to protect your feet from falling tiles)
• Hammer
• Cold chisel or bolster chisel
• Utility knife or grout rake
• Pry bar
• Bucket or rubble sacks
• Scraper or putty knife
• SDS drill with chisel bit (optional for pros or tougher jobs). 

Once you’ve got everything you need for the job, it’s time to get started.

Step 1: Prep the Area

Cover the floors, furniture or fittings with dust sheets or plastic sheeting to protect from debris. Turn off the water if you’ll be working near pipework or fixtures, and the electricity if a shaver socket is nearby.

Step 2: Remove Fixtures (if needed)

Take off any fittings that might obstruct your access to the tiles - such as towel rails, shelves or even the toilet or sink if you’re doing a full bathroom strip-out. If in doubt, remove it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you don’t want to damage a perfectly good fitting or item of furniture ahead of the refit. 

Step 3: Score or Remove Grout

Use a grout rake or utility knife to score and remove the grout lines around the tiles. This helps prevent adjacent tiles from cracking and makes removal cleaner - crucial if you’re only replacing one or two damaged tiles. But even if you’re removing the lot, it’ll be easier to loosen them if you break apart the grout first.

Never used a grout rake before? It’s simple. Think of it like a small knife - apply a steady pressure and drag the rake along the grout line to cut through it. Short strokes can be easier to manage, especially if you’re looking to preserve the surrounding tiles. Try not to press too hard, as this could damage the wall underneath.

Step 4: Loosen the First Tile

Pick a tile at the edge or in a damaged section to start. Position your chisel under the tile at an angle and gently tap with the hammer to loosen the adhesive. Once you get under the tile, increase force as needed until it pops off. A pry bar can help for particularly stubborn tiles. 

Be careful, as falling tiles can break on impact and may cause injury. And if you’re working on a plasterboard wall, be aware that pushing against the plasterboard instead of a stud could lead to a hole in the wall that needs repairing.

Step 5: Repeat for the rest of the tiles

Work methodically across the wall or floor, using the chisel and hammer to lift each tile. Keep your angle low to avoid damaging the wall surface. If you’re only removing a few tiles due to damage, it’s best to work slowly and carefully to avoid compromising more of the existing tiles.

Step 6: Clean Up Adhesive

Use a scraper or putty knife to remove leftover adhesive on the wall. If it's really stubborn, a heat gun or SDS drill with a chisel attachment can speed up the process.

Step 7: Tidy Up

Collect debris in rubble sacks or a bucket. Sweep and vacuum the area to remove dust. Check walls or floors for damage or repairs needed - after which, you can prep the surface for new tiles, paint or wallpaper as required.

Can I remove bathroom tiles myself?

Imagine you’re planning a bathroom renovation on a tight budget. Labour costs are adding up fast, so you start looking for ways to save. One option? Removing the old tiles yourself. With a few basic tools and a little know-how on the best methods, it’s a job many DIYers can tackle confidently.

The key is to go in prepared. Removing bathroom tiles isn’t particularly complex, but it does take time, patience and the right approach. You’ll need to take safety seriously - goggles, gloves and a dust mask are essential - and work carefully to avoid damaging walls, floors or any plumbing behind the tiles. 

It’s a physical job, especially if you’re removing floor tiles or dealing with tough adhesives, but if you pace yourself and stay organised, it’s absolutely doable for the average DIYer. Just remember: the more care you take now, the easier and less costly it’ll be later on to re-decorate, whether you’re wallpapering, painting or retiling with new designs from brands such as Capietra or Splendour Tiles.

Whether you're a DIYer looking to cut renovation costs or a trade professional aiming for a clean start on a new install, removing bathroom tiles properly makes all the difference. With the right tools, safety steps and methodical work, you’ll be ready to prep the space for a high-quality finish.