How to Remove Porcelain Tile From the Floor

Porcelain tile is a special type of ceramic tile that is made with denser clays and minerals than standard ceramic tiles. These tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, up to 2400 degrees F. This produces a tile that is harder, denser, more stain and scratch resistant, and aesthetically more pleasing than standard ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is a popular decorating option and can be installed and removed in the same manner as ceramic tile.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy duty work gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Chisel
• Small sledge hammer
• Flatbar demolition tool
• Reciprocating saw
• 12-inch wood cutting blade
• Carbide masonry cutting blade

1. Determine what type of flooring the porcelain tile is attached to. Put on heavy duty work gloves and safety goggles. Place a chisel in a seam between tiles in the middle of the floor. Strike the chisel with the hammer until it penetrates through to the bottom of the tile. Angle the chisel and continue to hammer until the tile can be removed. If the tile is attached to tar paper by a mortar bed, proceed to Step 2. If the tile is attached directly to plywood, proceed to Step 3. If the tile is attached directly to a cement backerboard, proceed to Step 4.

2. Strike the chisel with the hammer through the mortar bed to the tar paper until you have an opening wide enough to accommodate the blade of a flatbar demolition tool. Insert the flatbar into the opening and force it forward. Use the flatbar to pry up both the tile and mortar.

3. Chip a row of porcelain tiles all the way across the floor. Chip out another row of tiles lengthwise to intersect the first row in the middle of the floor area to expose the plywood. Use the reciprocating saw with a 12-inch wood cutting blade to make a plunge cut into the plywood, being careful not to cut down into the subfloor. Once the blade has penetrated the plywood, draw it toward you to make a single, continuous cut the length of the floor. Repeat the process on the second, perpendicular row. Insert the flatbar under the underlayment of the plywood and pry it up with the tile attached.

4. Chip a row of porcelain tiles all the way across the floor. Chip out another row of tiles lengthwise to intersect the first row in the middle of the floor area to expose the plywood. Use the reciprocating saw with a carbide masonry cutting blade to cut through to the subfloor. Insert the flatbar under the underlayment of the plywood and pry it up with the tile attached.

Tips & Warnings

• Porcelain tile that is fixed directly to concrete foundation is extremely difficult to remove and should be left to professionals. Replace any subfloor panels that were damaged in the tile removal process prior to beginning any remodeling. Dispose of all debris according to local building codes.
• Chipped shards of porcelain tile can be razor sharp. Always wear heavy duty work gloves and use extreme caution to prevent painful cuts.

Resources

• This Old House advice