How to Remove Ceramic Flooring

Standard installation of ceramic flooring involves gluing the tiles to plywood or cement board. Ceramic tiles installed using this method are easy to remove. However, if the ceramic tiles were set directly into a mortar bed, then removal will be more difficult and should be done by a professional. Keep in mind that removing ceramic flooring is not always necessary as many types of flooring can be installed right on top of existing ceramic tile.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves Safety glasses Chisel Hammer

1. Use gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of broken tile. Wear safety glasses to help you prevent an eye injury while breaking apart the ceramic tile.

2. Use a chisel and a hammer to break apart one ceramic tile. Carefully remove the broken pieces of tile from the floor.

3. Set the chisel against the exposed edge of one of the ceramic tiles next to the tile you have removed. Use the hammer to tap the chisel so that it slides under the tile. The ceramic tile should pop off as you slide the chisel beneath it.

4. Continue to remove tiles by prying them from the floor with the chisel and hammer until all of the ceramic tile has been removed.

References

• Installing & Finishing Flooring; William P. Spence; 2003