It's your typical 4th of July story... have a bbq with some friends, one has a little too much to drink, he falls into the tub and not only knocks off some tiles but also the wall behind them, not exactly how I thought the day would go...

I was wondering if it was possible to repair only part of the wall without replacing the whole thing? The hole isn't really too big, 3 tiles long by 3 tiles high. They are 4x4 inch tiles. I cut away the remaining wall and noticed that the hole borders a stud on one side. If I am able to replace only a section, could anyone give me some pointers? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Remove enough tiles around hole to get to solid drywall. Square up hole in drywall. Cut two strips of 1/2 plywood about 1 1/2" wide and 4 inches longer than hole. Place plywood strips inside hole. Run screw thru drywall into each end of plywood strips. Cut drywall (green board) patch to fit in hole. Screw to plywood strips. Tape and finish with drywall mud. Let dry at lease 24 hrs. Set tile with tile adhesive. Be sure you get right size tile, there is 4" and 4 1/4 tile. Let dry 24 hrs. Grout.

If u can't get same color tile, make a design with another color that will work with your bathroom décor.

Try to use tile from same manufacturer. Tile sizes vary from company to company.

An easy design that I have used is from top to bottom 1 3 5 3 1


Good luck

Chuck

Thanks for your answers, they are very helpful, especially the diagrams. I was wondering though, would it work the same if I placed the plywood horizontally instead of vertically? One of the rows of tiles that was knocked out was the bottom row before the tub, so if I placed the ply wood vertically I would only be able to screw in the top to the existing drywall.

Also, I know I am supposed to use a type of moisture resistant drywall, anyone have any suggestions as to which type? Thanks again.

The direction of the plywood does not matter. The purpose of plywood is to support the patch u put in.

Green board will work.

Chuck

Thanks for your help everyone, I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bet you your next pay check that your real problem is water damage to the drywall in that area. Probably the entire wall up about 2 foot.

So you think I should remove more tile and replace more of the drywall?

Just another quick question, if I expand the hole to reach both studs, couldn't I just attach the green board patch to each stud and bypass attaching the two pieces of ply wood? Or would that not be enough support?

Expanding the hole to reach the next stud is actually the better way. I'm just saying don't be supprised to find water damage when you begin repairs. Breaking a hole in a tiled wall by falling against it is highly unusual. Just expect to find water damaged drywall. Cement board (Harde backer, Durarock or Wonder board) is a much better product for tiled walls than drywall.

I agree with HK. Cement board should be used in wet areas.

Chuck