How to Pull Up Tile

Old tile that is not well-adhered should be removed.

Old tile can date a room fast. If the tile is damaged, not well-secured to its substrate, or extremely thick, the best thing to do is to pull it up, rather than tile over it. Pulling up tile may sound like a difficult job, but it is one that any homeowner can tackle. Before you begin, make sure that the tiles you are pulling up do not contain asbestos and that they are safe to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pry bar
• 6-inch razor blade

Instructions

1. Break the first tile free from the substrate by placing a chisel at a 45-degree angle to the tile's grout joint and hitting the top of the chisel with the hammer. Push the chisel away from you and under the tile, breaking the tile free.

2. Chisel up the first tile or tiles and their adhesive, exposing the edges of the surrounding tiles.

3. Place the pry bar beneath the exposed edges surrounding the area you cleared and begin to pull the tiles free from the substrate. When you encounter a stuck tile, break it free with the hammer and chisel.

4. Scrape up any remaining adhesive from the substrate with a 6-inch razor blade to produce a clean, level surface ready to accept new flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• Put on safety protection such as a dust mask and gloves. Removing tile can be dusty, and tile shards can cut hands, so take precautions.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Removal of Existing Surfaces
• This Old House: Removing Ceramic Tiles