How to Pull Up Ceramic Floor Tiles

If you've decided to remove a ceramic tile floor, consider that it's set in mortar over cement board or other solid base, with grout between the tiles. Before embarking on the difficult task of breaking all those bonds, exhaust all other options---regrouting, painting the tile or covering it in a "floating'' laminate floor (about the only kind of flooring that wouldn't require you to remove the tile). Otherwise, rent a power floor scraper and prepare for some work.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Prybar
• Heavy chisel
• Power floor scraper with extra blades
• Large shovel
• Garbage can
• Broom

Instructions

1. Remove the floor trim with a hammer and prybar. Also remove any other obstructions from the floor, including door thresholds.

2. Starting in the middle of the floor, break up the grout between several of the tiles with your hammer and chisel. Don't chisel at the tiles themselves, but only at the grout lines between them. Chisel out the lines between two or three pairs of tiles.

3. Once you have removed the grout from several of the tiles, bring in your power floor scraper. Set the flat tip of the blade into the open grout line, and press it against the base of the tile. Hold the scraper in place while squeezing the trigger. Let the blade do the work, vibrating the tile until it breaks loose from its mortar bed.

4. Continue using the power scraper under the tiles, going in rows, until you've removed them all. Shovel them into a trash container.

5. Once you've picked up the removed tile, change the blade on your scraper to a new, sharp one. Go over the underlay starting from one side of the room and working your way across, taking up any remaining mortar and grout. Sweep the floor thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye goggles throughout the floor removal.

References

• FamilyFirst.com: How to Remove a Tile Floor.