Are you remodeling your bathroom, want to refresh your kitchen, or simply looking for a way to remove those old wall tiles without damaging the surface underneath? Removing wall tiles can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools and some patience, you can give your space a fresh new look. Follow these 11 steps to safely and effectively remove wall tiles.

1. Gather all necessary tools and materials: safety goggles, gloves, chisel, hammer, putty knife, and a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.

2. Turn off any power sources in the area where you’ll be working. This is especially important if there are electrical outlets or switches near the tiles you’ll be removing.

3. Removal of any obstacles in the working area will make the process easier. These may include cabinets, shelves and any decorative accessories.

4. Lay down drop cloth or plastic sheeting on your work area floor. This will help protect your floors from falling debris and make cleaning up easier.

5. Start at an edge or corner of the tiled area. This will provide an easier point to pry out the first tile from its position.

6. Hold your chisel at a 45-degree angle to the grout surrounding one of the edge or corner tiles. Gently tap the chisel with a hammer until you’ve broken through the grout joint.

7. Once there’s enough space between tiles after removing grout, wedge the chisel behind one of them and gently tap it with a hammer until it gets underneath. Carefully apply pressure to pry it loose taking care not to damage the wall underneath.

8. Remove adjacent tiles carefully by repeating steps 6 and 7 while maintaining your caution not to damage the wall surface underneath.

9. If you accidentally crack or break any tile while attempting to detach it from the surface, use a putty knife to carefully scrape away any remaining pieces stuck to the wall.

10. After removing all tiles, assess the condition of the wall underneath. Scrape away any residual adhesive, tile fragments, and grout with your putty knife or chisel until you achieve a smooth surface.

11. Clean up your work area, disposing of the debris responsibly and recycling where possible. Finally, thoroughly sweep and vacuum any dust left behind.

By following these 11 steps, you’ll be on your way to removing wall tiles safely and efficiently, setting the stage for a beautiful renovation in your home.