How to remove tiles

Firstly instead of removing the tiles, it might be easier to leave the tiles and tile over them or paint over them. It can be difficult to remove tiles but if you want to give it a go to have a flat finish for painting or wallpapering you can remove tiles yourself to call a builder or handyman who can help you out. Find a tradesman at Myproblemfixed.com
Tiles in older homes may be stuck to the wall with cement mortar, very often 15mm thick. If you remove them you’ll probably need to have the wall re-plastered before you can decorate. If tiles are stuck with adhesive it would be easier to remove tiles, but unfortunately they may pull some plaster off with them still. If when you remove tiles this happens the surface will need to be made smooth again.

Tools you will need: Heavy duty gloves, safety goggles, a dust mask, a wide steel masonry chisel (bolster), club hammer, paint scraper and possibly also; power sander.

Before you start: Put on protective clothing – splinters of glass from the glaze will fly in all directions as you chip away tiles. Close doors to prevent dust escaping from the room.

Note: According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) The Home Safety Book Ref: HS 178, Over ambition and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest factors in causing death and injury related DIY accidents.

Ceramic tiles

To remove tiles, wrench the tiles off the wall one at a time with a bolster chisel and a club hammer. Hit the chisel firmly but not too hard. Some will come away in one piece, others may crack and break. There is no easy way, just continue to chisel until you have removed all of the tiles.
2. Use a hot air gun to soften old adhesive left on the wall afterward scrape it off with a paint scraper.

Cork Tiles

1. To remove polyester tiles or Cork tiles, prise tiles away from the surface using a wider stripping knife or bolster chisel. These tiles are more likely to break into pieces than come off the wall whole. Although the tiles will come away easily, adhesive, which is difficult to remove will still remain.
2. With a hot air gun apply heat direct to the residual glue/adhesive and then scrape it of with a stripping knife.