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Replacing accent tiles in backsplash

10 years ago

I have a green and white 4x4 ceramic tile backsplash, mostly white with some green accent tiles spaced out. There are 43 green tiles, I actually counted. Would it be possible to pop out the green tiles and replace them? I have a whole box of the white tiles left over from when the backsplash was installed about 10 years ago. Or would that cause a lot of cracked tiles? Just wondering how hard that would be, or if it's even possible.

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Comments (4)

StoneTech
10 years ago
Yes, it's "possible," but probably a lot of work. If installed over drywall, chances are that you;ll damage the drywall though.

You would need to use a utility knife and dig out the grout surrounding the tile to be removed. This will remove some of the lateral forces around it to minimize chipping any adjacent tile...then start tapping with a hammer and use a small chisel, from the center out to remove the broken pieces. Again, likely that the force needed with the hammer will damage the board behind it.

If this starts happening, expect to pull the whole thing down and install new drywall or backerboard and re-tile it all.
Cindy103d
10 years ago
Use a multi-tool with grout blade to remove the grout. Much easier than the utility knife.
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I wouldn't be so much worried about cracking surrounding tiles. That risk can almost be completely eliminated by scoring the grout out around the tiles to be removed. The thing I'd worry about is destroying the wallboard behind the tiles, and for that, there IS no way to really eliminate the risk. The best I could say would be to tap as lightly as you can and still be effective with a hammer to break the tiles out. I think I'd agree with calling a pro for this.
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Vertise
10 years ago
Thing is having the grout match in color when you are done. You might want to test that out first. You can also remove all the grout.
snoonyb
10 years ago
Remove as much of the surrounding grout as you can, then using an awl or center punch break the glaze 1/4" away from all four corners and in a line along two sides. Drill just through the tile where you have broken the glaze with a 1/4" masonry bit and using an old screwdriver began removing the tile.
When all the tiles have been removed, remove the adhesive and any remaining grout, using an old or cheap wood chisel.
Always pre-fit the replacement tile.

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