How to Remove a Slate Floor

Slate floors can be removed with relative ease.

Slate is a beautiful, natural stone often used for building purposes. Slate floors are the most common use of the stone, but slate is also used a roofing material and occasionally as countertops and tile. While slate floors are prized for their beauty, they can sometimes be cold, especially in winter. Also, slate floors are not a great choice for a kitchen as standing for long periods on slate can be uncomfortable. It's simple to remove the slate from your floor.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Heavy gloves
• Chisel
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Pry up loose pieces of slate wherever you can find them. Check for cracks and loose grout. Slip the pry bar in the crack and lift.

2. Sweep away the slate that was removed with the first pass of the pry bar. Use the hammer to break up the remaining slate and grout.

3. Lift up and remove all remaning pieces of slate and grout, again using the pry bar.

4. Sweep up all the slate and grout that was removed. Use the chisel to scrape off the last stubborn pieces of slate and adhesive. Use the hammer and tap the end of the chisel to provide more power.

5. Remove all remaining pieces of slate, grout and adhesive and dump into a trash receptacle.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider salvaging some of the larger pieces of slate for use as stepping stones in your garden.

• Wear gloves and eye protection and keep the room ventilated if possible to reduce dust.

References

• Slate Tile: Remove a Slate Floor
• This Old House: Removing Ceramic Tiles