How to Efficiently Remove Old Tile and Backerboard

The first part of the demolition effort involved removing the old tile. I googled several ways to do this. Some methods suggested chipping away at the tile; others, removing the backerboard as well. Regardless this tasks was going to wear out your shoulders. Some of the methods described would take several days to complete. However, after some tedious efforts and trial and error, we discovered the quickest, safest way to do the job thoroughly without needing physical therapy afterward. Use the tools and follow the steps listed below:

Studfinder
2.5" Mason's Chisel
4 lb. Engineer's Hammer
3 lb. Dead Blow Hammer
(They only sell this size and quality at Sear's and yes, they are expensive. Clare gave me an earful for buying it, but it saved a lot of wear and tear on my joints)
2' Fat Max Pry Bar

Me with my new expensive hammer, gloating as Clare takes a picture.

1. Cover all areas of the bath and floor that need to be protected from falling tile shrapnel.

2. I started by tapping the chisel around the upper edge of the tile to separate it from the wall. This step should minimize damage to the drywall if the tiled area extends beyond the backerboard.

3. Using the studfinder, mark the locations of all the studs behind the tile-covered wall that you are going to remove.

4. Starting near one of the corners or edges of the wall, strike the tile halfway between the studs with the engineer's hammer with about as much juice as you can give it. I used both hands for effective demolition and adrenaline release. Use caution not to damage any drywall that may be located closely behind the tile wall. Hit and break several points up and down the wall

Our friend Jonathan joined in on the fun.
He said it was the best entertainment he had
experienced in south Georgia.

5. Once you have broken through a section of the wall, insert the Fat Max and work it towards one of the studs. It may still be difficult to work the pry bar between the incredibly rigid combination of backerboard mortared with tile. This is where the dead blow hammer comes in. The no bounce back makes this MUCH easier than with a traditional hammer.

6. Pry the section of wall off. Work the pry bar up and down the stud until all of the area has been removed.

7. Repeat on the section of wall between the next two studs. Work across the length of the wall sections.

8. Once all tile sections have been removed, it may be necessary to chisel away any patches of tile remaining on the edge.

9. The hardest part that remains is hauling off all the heavy, cumbersome tile that you just removed!