salvaging 18" ceramic tile for a "patch" job

We're doing some kitchen remodeling, but the plan does not include re-doing the tile. We're removing an existing closet/pantry and we will need to remove and replace 2-3 18" tiles to fill in the gaps where the closet wall used to be. Problem is, the house only came with 1 extra tile and we can't find a match at any tile store in town.

Is it possible to salvage a ceramic tile from another part of the house? We were thinking to sacrifice the bathroom tiles in an effort to salvage 1 or 2 full size tiles intact. Loads cheaper to retile a bathroom than the entire kitchen.

Are we crazy to even contemplate this, or could this actually work? Thanks in advance!

-Rich

[stullis]

Well if you are lucky the installer did a poor job and they will come up easily.

With the right tools you might also be able to get a couple of them up without damaging them.

How about some nice feature strips/tiles added?

[pblnslee]

You could try to get one from under the fridge or stove. then you wouldnt have to replace the bathroom.

[Nick Arrera]

Are they on a wet bed , or plywood ?

Nick Arrera said Are they on a wet bed , or plywood ?

Oh yes, I forgot: tiles are on a concrete slab. I'm in Arizona.

[Country Flooring Direct]

I have had sucess taking up smaller 6 by 6 tiles with a flat head screw driver with the right leverage at the correct angle. However the tile was much smaller than the tile you are asking about and not grouted. The likelyhood of sucess is slim and nill I hope for slim. Is there any way you can find similar tile? Is the replacement tile somewhere that isnt exteremely noticeable? Maybe you can take a simliar tile and put it there?

[stullis]

Rumor has those installers down in AZ aren't very good.

Well at least the majority of them.

Get a long sawzall blade and cut the theinset loose from under the tile.