I want to retile my bathroom. Can I reuse the backer board after removing the tiles or should I replace it? thanks!

Depends on the condition of the backer board once the tiles are removed.

I have done removal jobs where the tile was just 'barely' attached, the backer board cleaned up rather nicely and smoothly and was (for that time only) reusable. Of course that usually means that the tiles were installed improperly. I assure you that the next retiling will result in the removal of the backer board since I installed the new tiles 'tight'.

Another issue is that water gets behind the tiles and backer board, granted not a flood, but enough to keep things moist enough to promote some mold. ideally one should strive to remove as much mold sources as possible, thus even a smooth backer board may be hiding mold issues.

More often than not I have stripped the wall down to the studs, hung new backer board and tiled on a 'fresh' surface.

Personally I prefer to remove both old tile and backer board, check the soundness of the framework and the condition of the wall space, then using all new product do the job right. However I have come up against many clients who want to 'save money' by cutting corners.

Ultimately it is up to you if potential problems in future is a risk worth the small amount of money to do the job right.

Thank you.

It should be in pretty good condition. The house is relatively new and the tile is fine. My wife just hates the way it looks and I think it would be a fun project. I guess I'll see what the board looks like and then make a decision...

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Edited with Glee

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